The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 336 Making friends depends on character
"Mr. Zhu stays behind!"

Zhu Xiu walked thoughtfully along the gallery towards the palace corridor, and was about to rush to the Privy Council to meet Guo Wei, when suddenly there was a shout from behind.

Looking back, it turned out to be Zhang Gui holding the hem of his robe and chasing after him in a hurry.

"I wonder if Chamberlain Zhang has any other instructions?" Zhu Xiu hurriedly stepped forward to greet him.

Zhang Gui took a breath, cupped his hands and said, "The Za family still has something to ask for."

"Servant Zhang, please speak."

Zhang Gui smiled bitterly and said: "It's like this. Recently, there are not many medicinal materials left in Kunning Palace. The Queen Mother has a very poor appetite and has not been exposed to meat for many years. Only the medicinal food prepared by Zajia's family, which is slowly stewed over low heat every day, can still be used." Let the Queen Mother eat a few more bites.
Since Ye Jun entered Kaifeng, people inside and outside the palace were in turmoil. The medicinal materials in the palace could not be replenished for a long time. The Zajia family went to the Imperial Medical Office several times but could not get accurate information.

Although the Queen Mother's status is revered, the situation today is difficult. You have also seen the scenes at the court meeting a few days ago. The official family collapsed and people's hearts were dispersed. Few of the old ministers in the past would still take the Queen Mother into their hearts.
Envoy Zhu Jun is a popular person around Guo Situ. Please tell Guo Situ and ask him to instruct his subordinates to take care of the food and clothing in the Queen Mother's Palace. He does not ask for fine clothes and food, but only wants a timely supply of rice, flour, tea and salt. , it would be better if there were more various nourishing medicinal materials.”

Zhang Gui's earnest eyes bowed to Zhu Xiu.

Zhu Xiu hurriedly helped him: "There is no need for Chamberlain Zhang to do this. I will remember it. I will go to see Duke Guo in the Privy Council later and I will report the truth truthfully."

Zhang Gui said gratefully: "Thank you so much, Zhu Junshi! The Za family did not ask for the wrong person, Zhu Junshi also has a kind heart!"

Zhu Xiu smiled bitterly. From Cangzhou to Jingzhou and then to Kaifeng, if he was really kind, he might not be alive today.

It's just that the injustice has its owner, the debt has its owner, and innocent people are not implicated. This is the principle and bottom line he has always adhered to.

Zhang Gui looked at him with a smile and said in a soft voice: "The Empress Dowager said that Zhu Jun made the heaven full and the earth pavilion round, which is a sign of blessing. The Za family wishes Zhu Jun will prosper in the future, soar into the sky, and his descendants will soon enjoy wealth and honor forever! "

"Thank you so much, Chamberlain Zhang. Your promotion and fortune in the future will all depend on Chamberlain Zhang's good words today!" Zhu Xiu smiled.

"Haha~ Ambassador Zhu Jun is really a wonderful person!"

Zhang Gui's laughter was hoarse and sharp, repressed. It wasn't particularly pleasant, but you could feel his sincerity.

"Guo Situ has a lot of talents under his command, and there is a young talent like Zhu Jun who is rare in the world. It is no wonder that he can achieve great achievements. However, there are also ambitious people among the Ye army. A few days ago."

Zhang Gui was about to talk about the day of the Great Court Meeting, when a sneaky person approached the Emperor's Mandate Treasure in the Kunning Palace. He immediately remembered that Empress Dowager Li had warned that this matter should not be spread to outsiders, and he hurriedly kept silent.

Zhu Xiu asked curiously: "Where did Chamberlain Zhang's words come from? What happened a few days ago?"

Zhang Gui hesitated for a moment, looked around, pulled Zhu Xiu to the door of a padlocked unused palace room, and whispered: "Originally, the Queen Mother did not allow me to tell anyone about this matter, but now that Zhu Jun has asked about it, the Za family will say more. , someone under Guo Situ’s command may be restless, Zhu Jun will have to find an opportunity to remind Guo Situ and let him be careful."

"Servant Zhang may wish to elaborate."

Zhang Gui said softly: "On that day during the Great Court Meeting, someone was spying on the Emperor's Order Treasure in Kunning Palace. Although he did not catch the current situation, the Miscellaneous Family guessed that it must be the general of the Imperial Army who stayed in the Wei Palace that day. Others had no chance to enter the harem. Get closer to Kunning Hall!"

Zhu Xiu blinked: "Could it be the eunuch and maid in the palace?"

Zhang Gui shook his head: "The rules of the palace are strict. The stick punishments of the Yeting Bureau and the Palace Wei Bureau are not a joke. Dozens of unruly palace servants must not be beaten to death every year! Every time something happens, the palace servants in each palace will be punished." Everyone has to take turns to watch the execution, and the most they can do is hide some needles, threads, and brains to spy on the emperor's mandated treasure. No one dares to commit such a serious crime as losing one's head."

Zhu Xiu nodded, "In this case, I'm afraid it was really the work of the Imperial Army who entered the palace to guard the palace that day."

Zhang Gui said in a soft voice: "The Empress Dowager ordered the Za family not to spread rumors, saying that she was afraid of disturbing the morale of the Ye army and being resented by Guo Situ's subordinates, saying that the Empress Dowager was stirring up dissension."

Zhang Gui paused, laughed at himself, and patted his mouth: "Maybe it's because the Za family hasn't talked to people outside the palace for a long time, or maybe they felt a affinity after meeting Zhu Junshi, so they couldn't help but say so many things. Haha, Zhu Junshi Don’t be surprised!”

Zhu Xiu smiled and said, "I also feel that I have a certain affinity with Chamberlain Zhang. I have a mole on my right ear, and Chamberlain Zhang also has one. The position is almost the same."

Zhu Xiu pointed to her right ear.

Zhang Gui took a closer look, subconsciously touched his right ear, and said in surprise: "They are exactly the same!"

I don't know if it was because Zhang Gui looked at Zhu Xiu favorably, or because both of them had a mole on their right ears near their earlobes, but Zhang Gui looked at Zhu Xiu with a more friendly look.

"The Za family used to have a nephew who was a few years older than you. Unfortunately, he was killed by Li Ye. Now, the Za family has no relatives in the world."

Zhang Gui thought of his unfortunate nephew and felt very sad.

Zhu Xiu smiled and cupped his hands and said, "Servant Zhang is much older than me. If you don't mind, I will respectfully call you Uncle Zhang in private from now on."

"How can this happen!" Zhang Gui's mouth was trembling, "Mr. Zhu is Guo Situ's confidant, and he has a bright future. Miscellaneous families can't afford to be called an uncle by Mr. Zhu."

Zhu Xiu smiled and said: "I heard that Uncle Zhang and Guo Situ were old friends when they were in Taiyuan. You are also an elder and you deserve this honorific title."

Zhang Gui pursed his lips, his eyes were red, and he nodded repeatedly: "Okay! Okay!~"

Zhang Gui was a little excited and choked up and said: "Since the death of Emperor Gaozu and the Queen Mother living in seclusion in the harem, who in this palace will take the Za family seriously? The Za family's nephew was beaten to death by Li Ye's evil slaves. The Za family kept saying I don’t dare to say anything, and I don’t have a place to ask for justice. Today, thanks to Zhu Junshi, I don’t dislike you and am willing to get close to the Za family.”

Zhang Gui took a deep breath and wiped the moisture from the corners of his eyes: "From now on, in private, the Za family will call you Brother Xiu."

"Hey~" Zhu Xiu grinned.

He had heard Zhang Gui's life story, and his life path in the first half of his life was full of adventures. First, he met Liu Zhiyuan and the Empress Dowager Li, and was rescued and taken care of by them.

As Liu Zhiyuan created the foundation of the country and established the world, Zhang Gui also ascended to heaven and became a third-grade young eunuch in the Ministry of Internal Affairs who was favored by the emperor and empress. He was in charge of the palace confinement. His status was respected by everyone, and he was really prosperous for a period of time.

Unfortunately, the good times did not last long. Liu Zhiyuan died of illness, Liu Chengyou succeeded to the throne, Li Ye and others took power one after another, and Zhang Gui became a passing celebrity.

What's rare is that he can never forget the kindness of his old master, and is willing to stay with Queen Mother Li, accompanying her to live a happy life, and never colludes with Li Ye's party.

This kind of character is already better than that of most of the courtiers standing at the great court meeting.

Such a person should not be looked down upon because of his status as a eunuch.

"It's getting late. The Za family has to rush back to serve the Queen Mother with herbal medicines. Brother Xiu, please leave the palace as soon as possible~"

After talking for a while, Zhang Gui reluctantly said.

"Uncle Zhang, stay here, I'm leaving!" Zhu Xiu saluted, turned around and continued walking along the corridor.After walking a while, he looked back and found that Zhang Gui was still standing there, and Zhu Xiuzhao waved goodbye.

It wasn't until Zhu Xiu's figure disappeared between the palace walls and attics that Zhang Guicai sighed softly, turned around and walked towards Kunning Palace. His lonely back looked extremely lonely among the carved beams and painted palace rooms.
~~~
Arriving at the Privy Council Office on the right side of Xuande Gate, Zhu Xiu went straight to the Privy Councilor's Office after checking the order talisman.

The privy envoy's official chamber occupies a large area and is divided into two halls, front and back.

When Zhu Xiu arrived, he saw Wei Renpu sitting alone in the front hall drinking tea.

"Mr. Wei, where is the commander-in-chief?" Zhu Xiu saluted and sat down next to Wei Renpu.

Wei Renpu filled a cup of tea for him and said with a smile, "I have been talking with Fan Zhi in the study for almost an hour."

Zhu Xiu took a sip of tea and said in surprise: "We haven't finished talking for so long?"

Wei Renpu said slowly and authentically: "It seems that the model you recommended is in line with the commander-in-chief's wishes. It is rare that someone can talk to the commander-in-chief alone for so long."

Zhu Xiu teased: "The commander-in-chief and Fan Zhi met so late, Mr. Wei is not afraid of taking away his position in the commander-in-chief's mind?"

Wei Renpu glanced at him sideways and said with a half-smile, "Even so, the person who wants to hold a grudge is you, Zhu Xiu. Who asked you to recommend Fan Zhi, causing Wei to fall out of favor!"

Zhu Xiu curled her lips: "The 72nd concubine of the Three Palaces and Sixth Courtyard of the Marshal, you can't favor Mr. Wei alone! How do you say that the rain and dew are equally distributed, hello to me, hello to everyone!"

"Pfft~" Wei Renpu spurted out a mouthful of fragrant tea, staining his beard and black robe all over his body.

"You kid, a dog can't spit out ivory from its mouth!" Wei Renpu pointed at him and became very angry.

"Hehe~ A dog can't spit out ivory from its mouth. Why don't Mr. Wei spit one out for me to see?" Zhu Xiu said with a smile.

"Haha~ Who's dog can't spit out ivory from its mouth?"

With a heroic laugh, Guo Wei walked out from behind the screen, followed by Fan Zhi, who looked respectful.

"Greetings, Commander-in-Chief!" Zhu Xiu glanced at Wei Renpu and said with a smile, "I was chatting with Mr. Wei about the fact that Han Guangwu Liu Xiu had three thousand beauties in the harem, but he only favored Queen Yin Lihua. Mr. Wei laughed."

"Oh?" Guo Wei sat down with a golden sword, looked at the two of them, shook his head and said: "'Official officials should be treated as Zhijinwu, and wives should be treated as Yinlihua'. Liu Xiu's words have inspired many people with lofty ideals for thousands of years. , but the deeper meaning is not that Yin Lihua is as beautiful as a flower, but that when a man marries a wife, he should marry a virtuous and virtuous wife who has the demeanor of a big wife and manages the household well. Only when the home is peaceful can he have the energy to make contributions and build a career. "

Zhu Xiu quickly interjected as if complaining: "Mr. Wei is jealous of Yin Lihua's monopoly on Liu Xiu's favor, and is aggrieved by the other concubines in the harem!"

Wei Renpu's eyes widened, he glared at Zhu Xiu angrily, and said through gritted teeth, "When did you say that?"

Guo Wei said sternly: "The military advisor is certainly biased. Yin Lihua was able to monopolize the emperor's favor not because of her beauty, but because of her broad and kind temperament and fair dealings. She assisted Liu Xiu in managing the harem, contacted the forces in Hebei, and dealt with the changes in Gengshi. Between the emperor and the princes of the vassal states.

With the help of Yin Lihua, Liu Xiu is as powerful as a tiger. With such a wife, what more can her husband ask for? How can the other concubines be qualified to compare with her. "

Wei Renpu grinned, smiled bitterly and held his hands in his hands: "The commander-in-chief taught you the right lesson. In fact, I deeply admire Yin Lihua."

As he said this, Wei Renpu did not forget to glare at Zhu Xiu angrily, as if he was complaining about this foul-mouthed brat.

Fan Zhi, who was sitting quietly aside, suddenly said softly: "But when Liu Xiu deposed Guo Shengtong and established Yin Lihua as queen, he was inevitably suspected of burning bridges and leaving the world with the impression of being ruthless and unjust.

Without the help of the Guo family in the north, it would have been difficult for Liu Xiu to gain a foothold in Hebei in a short period of time.Guo Shengtong gave birth to his eldest son Liu Jiang, and Liu Xiu deposed the crown prince, which caused turmoil in the country and spread rumors. If Liu Jiang mother and son had not sized up the situation and took the initiative to give in, Liu Xiuguang's great cause of Zhongxing might have changed."

Guo Wei frowned and said in a deep voice: "Guo Sheng has a narrow airflow and is often resentful towards Liu Xiu. How can such a foolish woman deserve to be a mother to the world?"

Fan Zhi retorted in a gentle voice: "When Guo Shengtong and Liu Xiu got married, she was also a virtuous lady who was virtuous and courteous, and took care of her husband and children. Without her as a link between Liu Xiu and the forces in Hebei, how could Liu Xiu have easily Will Zhending send troops to regain the land?

The change in Guo Shengtong's temperament was also after Liu Xiu showed his willingness to abolish the crown prince.Guo Shengtong can allow his husband to dote on Xinhuan, but he does not allow his eldest son to be deposed, which is also human nature.

Abandoning the elders and establishing young ones is the beginning of disasters. Fu Su in Qin Dynasty and Yang Yong in Sui Dynasty are both typical representatives."

Guo Wei's brows deepened, as if he had a disagreement with Fan Zhi on this matter, and he said displeasedly: "So what if Taizong Shimin and Prince Yin were established? Without the change of Taizong Xuanwumen, how could the Tang Dynasty 280 Nine Annual foundation?"

Fan Zhi's tone was still gentle, but his words were quite sharp. He asked unceremoniously: "How did Mr. Guo know that if Jiancheng succeeded to the throne, the situation of the Tang Dynasty would definitely get worse? Maybe if Jiancheng succeeded to the throne, the Tang Dynasty would be able to To avoid chaos in the Wu Zhou Dynasty, the tragedy of the massacre of Li Tang's children may also happen."

Guo Weihu stared at him and said angrily: "The Record of Emperor Gaozu said that Jiancheng was a violent, cruel and perverse person!"

Fan Zhi smiled slightly, with a touch of sarcasm: "The Record of Gaozu is a deleted version of the Notes on Living Life. It was revised by Fang Xuanling and Xu Jingzong under the pressure of Taizong, and the content in it is not trustworthy.

If Mr. Guo wants to know what it is like to be a man, he should also consult Wen Daya's first-hand "Notes on Entrepreneurship in the Tang Dynasty"."

Guo Wei's face trembled and he glared at Fan Zhi angrily.

Wei Renpu had a wry smile on his face. He wanted to persuade but didn't know where to start.

Zhu Xiu looked at Fan Zhi and then at Guo Wei, grinning and not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

I never expected that the two of them would have a dispute over this topic.

Guo Wei must not have read as many history books as Fan Zhi. Maybe Guo Wei has never even heard of "Da Tang Entrepreneurship and Daily Notes" written by Wen Daya.

Zhu Xiu knew that Guo Wei had always admired Li Shimin, and Chai Rong was influenced by him on this point.

Uncle Guo's blind pursuit of stars will definitely conflict with his standard of reading history books and treating historical figures fairly.

Wei Renpu glared at Zhu Xiu, blaming this guy for provoking the topic and causing a conflict between Guo Wei and Fan Zhi.

In terms of hands-on fighting, ten Fan Zhi bundles together are not enough for Uncle Guo to warm up.

But when it comes to debate, even though Uncle Guo has a long mouth, he can't argue with Fan Zhi.

Zhu Xiu looked at them with worry, fearing that Uncle Guo would beat Fan Zhi in anger.

Originally, the two of them had been talking for more than an hour, and they should have enjoyed each other very much. They hit it off immediately, so don't break up because of different political opinions.

(End of this chapter)