The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 333
"Who is Fan Zhi?"

"never heard of that!"

"Hey~ Fan Zhi, someone knows! This person is a well-written man, a famous Zongcheng native, good at reading poetry and books, and knowledgeable. In the fourth year of Changxing in the later Tang Dynasty, he became a high school scholar at the age of 22. During the reign of Emperor Gaozu of the Jin Dynasty, he was promoted to a household official. The minister of ministry can be said to be a young man who has achieved great success.

It's just that this man was a man of character. In the past few years, he refused to rely on Li Ye, Nie Wenjin and others, so he was suppressed. He had the false title of Zhongshusheren and was sent to the Hanlin Academy to write articles. It is said that he lived an extremely miserable life. "

"Oh~ So it's this person, I've heard about it too!"

Some court officials who had heard about Fan Zhi's reputation whispered.

Zhu Xiu also smiled and briefly told Guo Wei about Fan Zhi's life.

Guo Wei looked suspicious and said in a low voice: "Is it because you don't dare to take on this important responsibility, so you are talking nonsense here?"

Zhu Xiu smiled bitterly, cupped his hands and whispered: "I have misunderstood the commander-in-chief. This Fan Zhi is indeed better at writing imperial edicts than me. If the commander-in-chief insists that I write it, I will just accept the order!"

Guo Wei glared and whispered: "This matter is important, don't just ignore it!"

Zhu Xiuqiang resisted the urge to roll his eyes and said helplessly: "I recommend Fan Zhi to write this imperial edict, and I am willing to bear the responsibility with him. If the edict written does not satisfy the commander-in-chief, I am willing to accept the punishment."

Guo Wei was silent. After reading several poems copied by Zhu Xiu, he always felt that the most talented person in the world must be Zhu Xiu.

Today is not the prosperous period of the Tang Dynasty, when the literary style was at its peak. It was rare for scholars to be able to devote themselves to writing. Most of them relied on the powerful, learned some strange tactics of war, and made suggestions as advisers.

Even if Wei Renpu, who is well-read in scriptures, is asked to write poems and articles, he may not be able to do much better.

Therefore, the few poems Zhu Xiu copied at random could be regarded as a standard by many dignitaries.

Feng Dao said with a smile: "Don't worry, Mr. Guo. I know that Fan Zhi is indeed a man of great talent and learning. Let him write this imperial edict, and it will be absolutely perfect!"

Guo Wei hesitated for a moment, then cupped his hands towards Empress Dowager Li and said, "In that case, I will order Hanlin scholars Fan Zhi and Zhu Xiu to be responsible for drafting the imperial edict together."

Empress Dowager Li forced a smile and said: "Just follow what Guo Situ played."

Guo Wei glanced at Zhu Xiu and said in a deep voice: "You are responsible for finding Fan Zhi, and we will discuss it together and draft the imperial edict as soon as possible and submit it to the Queen Mother for review."

"I accept my order!" Zhu Xiu bowed deeply.

Feng Dao walked to the Emperor's Majesty on crutches, bowed to the imperial throne and said: "To inform the Queen Mother, while drafting the imperial edict, we must also send people to Xuzhou as soon as possible to receive Liu Yun into the court and prepare for the enthronement ceremony."

Empress Dowager Li hesitated and said: "Old Master, who should be sent to Xuzhou to announce the court's decision?"

Feng Dao said vaguely: "This matter is important. I haven't thought of a candidate yet. You might as well listen to Mr. Guo's suggestion."

Queen Mother Li looked towards Guo Wei, who frowned and remained silent.

Wang Jun, Su Yugui, Dou Zhengu and other courtiers all stepped back in unison, looking up at the caisson of the main hall or looking down at the toes of their shoes, but no one dared to speak.

All fools know that this mission to Xuzhou is a thankless job, and one has to be very careful about it.

Guo Wei proposed asking Liu Yun to succeed him, but no one could guess whether he was sincere or not.

If he really brings Liu Yun over, he might offend Guo Wei.

If you don't accept it, you will violate the Queen Mother's order, be a human being inside and outside, and be accused of disrespecting the heir.

No one is willing to do this hard work if there is no favor to be had from both ends.

Feng Dao walked slowly towards his Xiudun. He was only helping Guo Wei advance the issues of the meeting, but had no intention of volunteering to go to Xuzhou to pick up Liu Yun.

Zhu Xiu was about to resign and return to his seat. Suddenly, he bowed to the Empress Dowager and Guo Wei and said loudly: "My official proposal is to ask Mrs. Feng to serve as the special envoy of the imperial court and go to Xuzhou to welcome His Highness Liu Yun to the imperial court!"

As soon as these words came out, Feng Dao staggered and almost fell to the ground. After he stood firm, he turned around quickly, glared at Zhu Xiu angrily, and hit Zhu Xiu hard with his cane.

Guo Wei was startled, glanced at Zhu Xiu, and nodded slightly as if he was suddenly aware.

Feng Dao is indeed the best candidate.

Zhu Xiu also knew that he meant to offend Feng Dao by saying this, but the matter was urgent and he had to admit that he could only apologize to Feng Dao with a smile.

Wang Jun said anxiously: "I also think it is most appropriate for the old master to be sent as an envoy to Xuzhou!"

Feng Dao was so angry that he blew his beard and stared, wishing he could hit Wang Jun on the head with his cane.

Su Yugui glanced at Feng Dao sympathetically, and then resolutely stood up to express his support for Feng Dao's mission to Xuzhou.

Soon, all the court officials in the hall expressed their approval of this proposal.

Wei Renpu smiled and looked at Zhu Xiu appreciatively.

If Zhu Xiu hadn't said anything, he would have suggested Feng Dao to pick up Liu Yun.

Empress Dowager Li said softly: "All the ministers believe that it is safest for the old master to go to Xuzhou. I wonder what the old master's opinion is?"

Feng Dao's face fell, and he said with a bit of sadness: "To express my gratitude to the Queen Mother, I am very old and aged. The road to Xuzhou is long and bumpy. I am afraid that I will not be able to do the job."

Without waiting for the Queen Mother to speak, Zhu Xiu said with a smile: "Old Master, you are so humble. You must be strong and strong. You can eat three pancakes in one meal, drink a large bowl of goat's milk, and walk for more than ten miles and still feel wind at your feet. How can you be considered to be in your twilight years?" ?”

Feng Dao widened his old, seemingly dim eyes, full of annoyance, and glared at Zhu Xiu fiercely. Unexpectedly, this boy would mercilessly destroy him in front of him.

Guo Wei smiled and said: "Master Lao Tai must not be humble. When the country is in crisis, it is even more necessary for loyal ministers like Master Lao to step forward to help those in need and ensure the smooth transition of the country and the country."

Feng Dao nervously wanted to argue a few words, but Guo Wei waved his hand and said: "According to this decision, the old master will serve as the special envoy of the imperial court, and he will go to Xuzhou to meet the heir according to the order of the queen mother! I will send someone to escort him along the way, please invite the old lady Don’t worry, Master!”

Feng Dao was speechless and could only accept the order with a wry smile: "Old minister, just go."

Zhu Xiu smiled and saluted Feng Dao, and the old man gouged him out angrily.

The morning passed in a blink of an eye, and several major events after Guo Wei entered the court had been discussed.

The imperial court has decided on a new heir, and the funeral of the late emperor Liu Chengyou is also being handled in an orderly manner. The provincial, ministerial, and supervisory offices of the imperial court are still operating as usual, and there are almost no major changes in personnel.

At the request of Guo Wei, Empress Dowager Li agreed to the suggestions of the ministers. During the period when the heir did not succeed to the throne, she would be in charge of the power of the country. All court decisions must be based on the Queen Mother's decree.

As long as the heir Liu Yun succeeds to the throne, the Liu Han Dynasty seems to be able to continue smoothly.

After the court meeting dispersed, Zhu Xiu left the Long Live Hall with all the court officials.

Guo Wei, Chai Rong, Wei Renpu, Wang Jun and others went to the harem to meet the Queen Mother and discuss the details of welcoming Liu Yun.

Many court officials took the initiative to talk to Zhu Xiu, and Zhu Xiu patiently responded one by one. Some of these people might be able to stay in the court in the future, and some might soon be removed and disappear.

No matter who he is, if he is on duty in Kaifeng from now on, he will inevitably have to deal with various government agencies. It would be good to form a good relationship and become familiar with him.

Talking and laughing with several servants from the Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of Households, they walked to Xuandemen, when a carriage suddenly stopped in front of them, blocking their way.

The car window opened, revealing Feng Dao's gloomy face.

Several ministers looked at each other, not daring to stay for a long time, and hurriedly left with their hands folded.

Zhu Xiu said helplessly: "Master, what do you mean by this?" "Huh~ get in the car!" Feng Dao shouted angrily.

Zhu Xiu had no choice but to board the carriage, get into the carriage and sit opposite Feng Dao.

Feng Dao said heartbrokenly: "I have never had any grudge against you, why did you trap me into death?"

Zhu Xiu said with a smile: "Old Master's words are serious, how dare I, this junior!"

Feng Dao quickly poked the tip of Zhu Xiu's nose with his finger, and scolded angrily: "You know that Guo Gong's proposal to welcome Liu Yun's succession to the throne is not as simple as it seems on the surface, why do you let the old man go into this muddy water? I have put myself in danger, and this time because of you, I am afraid that I will never come back and die in Xuzhou!"

"Don't worry, Old Master, Mr. Guo must have made detailed arrangements, and he will never let Old Master be in danger in vain." Zhu Xiu comforted.

"Ah~~"

Feng Dao glared at him angrily, shook his head and sighed, saying quietly: "I'm afraid my lifelong reputation will be destroyed in your hands! When Liu Yun was a child, he almost became my disciple. In private, he respectfully called me " Master, you asked me to kill my students with my own hands, Zhu Xiu, Zhu Xiu, how can you tolerate this?"

Zhu Xiu said with a smile: "No one knows the status of master and apprentice between Liu Yun and the old master. Besides, there are other people traveling with the old master on this trip. Even if something happens to Liu Yun on the way, the fault will not be attributed to the old master." Master."

Feng Dao said angrily: "Given my status, this trip to Xuzhou must be dominated by me. Liu Yun had an accident on the way, and others will definitely think of me first. By then, it will be mud all over me, and it will be shit if it's not shit." !”

"Hehe, the old grand master is a gentleman, so you can't say such vulgar words in the market." Zhu Xiu joked with a smile.

Feng Dao continued to complain, but Zhu Xiu waved his hand to interrupt and said seriously: "Have you ever thought about whether the old master will establish a new dynasty in the future? If the old master has not made any achievements, how can he gain a foothold in the new dynasty?"

Zhu Xiu said with a bit of sarcasm: "Based on the glorious past of the old master who served three dynasties and eight emperors? Or is it based on the old master's 68-year-old age and high moral prestige?
If you want to continue to occupy a high position in the new dynasty and enjoy wealth and honor without any merit, how can you convince the public?

Doesn’t the old master really think that Mr. Guo needs an old man like you to exist so that the new court can continue to operate?

Master, since you want to continue the wealth of the Feng family, you need to show some performance and contribute to Duke Guo's great cause, instead of just relying on your age and talking, you can gain a foothold in the new court! "

Feng Dao's eyes widened and he pointed at Zhu Xiu in disbelief. His skinny hands were trembling: "You, your kid are teaching me a lesson?"

Zhu Xiu shrugged: "I don't dare! I'm just explaining a fact to the old master.

High-ranking officials and generous salaries are not obtained out of thin air, and the old master also needs to exert some residual energy. "

Feng Dao was trembling with anger and took deep breaths. For many years, no one dared to teach him a lesson in person.

What's more, Zhu Xiu is still a young man in his twenties, several generations behind him.

"Loyal words are harsh to the ears, but bitter medicine is good medicine. I don't mean to be disrespectful to the old master, it's just the fact. The old master still needs to see the reality clearly. The atmosphere of the new dynasty will be different in the future, and the old master also needs to change his way of doing things. Just saying If you don’t do it, it will definitely not work.”

Zhu Xiugong held his hand, ignored Feng Dao's obstruction, opened the curtain and jumped out of the carriage, waved and left without looking back.

"What a bastard~" Feng Dao looked through the car window and beat his chest in anger.

When Feng Dao's carriage drove away, Zhu Xiucai took Hong Boy's hand and prepared to get on the horse and return to Shenghe's residence in Laoya Lane.

"Zhu Xiu! The commander-in-chief has ordered you to meet at the Xingguofang camp in Youyemen!"

A fast horse came from Xuandemen and shouted at Zhu Xiu.

The person who sent the order was Shi Yanchao.

Zhu Xiu said hurriedly: "What's the matter with the commander-in-chief?"

"How do I know? You will know it if you go!"

Shi Yanchao shouted angrily, patted his horse and hurried back to Xuandemen, "Let's go!"
Zhu Xiu didn't dare to delay, so he quickly got on his horse and rushed towards Xingguofang.

In the side hall of the Taoist Palace, Zhu Xiu entered the hall to see him. He saw Guo Wei sitting alone behind a few desks, holding a large bowl of white rice and several side dishes in front of him, and was eating with big mouthfuls.

"Greetings, Commander-in-Chief!" Zhu Xiu saluted.

Guo Wei pointed at the futon opposite with his chopsticks finger and motioned for him to sit down.

Zhu Xiu didn't like to sit on his knees, so he sat cross-legged. Guo Wei didn't care about these etiquettes anyway.

Zhu Xiu took a sneak peek at the food on the table. There was also a bowl of white rice. There was a lot of food left, and he even had a pair of chopsticks.

I stood in the Long Live Hall all morning without even drinking water, and my stomach was already growling with hunger.

Although these meals seemed to be of ordinary taste at first glance, Zhu Xiu couldn't bear the hunger in her belly. She swallowed with greed, and her belly made gurgling sounds.

Guo Wei didn't seem to hear, he was just picking up the food and said vaguely: "I heard that Feng Dao blocked you in the middle and cursed you?"

Zhu Xiu said with a smile: "The old master has some resentment and wants to vent it out to his subordinates."

Guo Wei snorted and said, "This old fox won't do anything unless you put a knife on his neck. Fortunately, you reminded him in time, otherwise I would have really forgotten that this old fox is the best person to pick up Liu Yun." The perfect candidate.”

Zhu Xiu smiled and said: "Commander Shengming, looking at all the officials in the court, no one is more suitable than the old master."

Guo Wei glanced at him: "You are not a bad boy. You can see through my thoughts at a glance! I have never revealed the profound meaning of appointing Liu Yun as emperor. Even Dalang and Wei Renpu , Wang Jun and others couldn't figure it out for a while!
What I'm curious about is, how much did you guess?Let’s talk about it! "

Guo Wei stared at him with a half-smile.

Zhu Xiu's heart trembled, some sweat oozed from his forehead, and he bit the bullet and whispered: "Liu Chong and Liu Yun hold the military power in Hedong and Xuzhou. These father and son are the last obstacles to the commander-in-chief Yuji's world!

Welcoming Liu Yun as emperor can stabilize Hedong and Xuzhou at the same time. If Liu Yun enters the court, Liu Chong will definitely join the court!When they arrived in Luoyang, they were just fish on the commander's chopping board, ready to be slaughtered by him! "

Guo Wei's eyes narrowed slightly and he smiled deeply: "Yes, you have guessed eighty-nine percent of my intentions."

"The official is scared!" Zhu Xiu lowered his head and held his hands in his hands.

Guo Wei put down his chopsticks, picked up a towel to wipe the corners of his mouth, and said calmly: "Li Jun from Puzhou reported secretly that Liu Chong was preparing troops and horses in Taiyuan, and it seemed that he was going south to Luzhou to compete with me under the banner of the Han Dynasty. If he knew that the imperial court was going to establish a His son is the emperor, and he will definitely relax his guard when he is happy. As long as he is kept stable for two or three months, in the spring of next year, I will gather the power of the imperial army and order the soldiers and horses of all states, and I will not be afraid to compete with him!"

"The commander-in-chief is strategizing, how can someone like Liu Chong be compared with the commander-in-chief!" Zhu Xiu complimented with a smile.

Guo Wei's face was full of disgust: "In terms of flattery, ten Zhu Xiuban together can't compare to Wang Jun!"

Zhu Xiu smiled bitterly, not knowing whether his words were hurting him or praising him.

Guo Wei said in a deep voice: "During this period, you only need to assist Fan Zhi in drafting the Queen Mother's decree. You don't have to worry about other things, and you are not allowed to discuss with others. There are some things that you just know well and don't reveal anything about it. Do you understand?"

"Your Majesty, please remember the Commander-in-Chief's teachings!" Zhu Xiu broke into a cold sweat on his temples.

"Hmph~ You're too smart, so smart that people can't be reassured. I don't warn you, I'm afraid that you will brag and mess up my plan."

Guo Wei glared at him angrily, stood up and walked out of the side hall.

Zhu Xiu quickly stood up and followed.

"There's no need to follow. The food on the table is reserved for you. You're not allowed to leave until you finish it!"

Guo Wei walked away slowly with his hands behind his back.

Zhu Xiu looked back at the table full of food, and bowed with a mournful face: "Thank you, Commander, for taking care of me!"

(End of this chapter)