The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 364 The beginning of the Zhou family’s internal strife
Zhou Tong came to Zhou Ling's mansion in Changsifang in the north of the city. The housekeeper said that Zhou Ling had not returned from the trip and asked him to wait in the side hall.

Although Zhou Tong was from the Grand Tutor's Mansion, in the end he was just a son of a family, so the housekeeper did not report to Zhou Ling's wife, Mrs. Song, and Mrs. Song would not personally come forward to receive a retainer of the Zhou family.

After waiting for nearly an hour, Zhou Ling came back smelling of alcohol.

"Haha~ It's a sin to keep Brother Zhou waiting for a long time!"

With a burst of hearty laughter, Zhou Ling strode into the side hall.

Zhou Tong hurriedly stood up to greet him. A trace of doubt flashed in his heart. Why was Zhou Ling so polite to him today?

In the past, Zhou Ling would call him brother, but Zhou Tong knew that it was for the sake of the old master.

Zhou Tong's father was the old servant who led the horse and fell off the bench next to the old master. After the old servant died, the old master took Zhou Tong into his care and had great trust in him.

In Taifu's Mansion, although Zhou Tong was a son of the same family, his status was not low. Even Zhou Zong's three sons were polite to him.

Zhou Ling has a domineering temperament. If it weren't for the sake of the old master, he would never look down on a child from a mere family.

But today, Zhou Ling's attitude seemed to have changed dramatically.

Zhou Tong clasped his fists and said in a deep voice: "The old lady Fu ordered someone to come and invite the general army to the house to discuss how to deal with the bandits."

The host and guest sat down, Zhou Ling took the hot tea offered by Qi Si, took a sip and said with a smile, "Why, that group of gangsters finally took the initiative to contact the Taifu Mansion?"

Zhou Tongdao: "Two hours ago, the bandits assigned a young beggar to hand over a note, inviting them to exchange hostages at Puji Temple in two days."

"Oh?" A glint flashed in Zhou Ling's eyes, and she put down the tea cup. Her face was red with wine, but her eyes were very sober.

He quickly mentally estimated the distance from Ganquanfang to Puji Temple.

"The bandits are cunning. They chose to exchange hostages at Puji Temple." Zhou Ling sneered, "Puji Temple has many pilgrims, and it is also a place where the king of Chu, Li Jingqian, is enshrined. If there is a riot, the scene will be mixed, and the gangsters will fish in troubled waters, and the scene will be difficult to control."

Zhou Tongdao: "The old master also thinks about it in the same way, so he invites the army to meet at his house to discuss specific countermeasures."

Zhou Ling nodded and said with a smile: "No rush, no hurry, I just came back from the residence of the guard Sidu Yuhou Zhang Congqian, smelling of alcohol, and it won't be too late to visit my uncle after I hangover, take a shower and change clothes."

Zhou Tong stood up and said: "In that case, I will retire first and return to the Taifu."

Zhou Tong cupped his fists and was about to say goodbye and leave.

"Hey, brother, why don't you sit down for a while!" Zhou Ling suddenly called out.

Qi Si also stopped him and said with a smile: "It's still early, Brother Zhou, please don't leave in a hurry. Please stay for a while. My commander-in-chief has something to say to Brother Zhou."

Zhou Tong hesitated for a moment, then returned to the chair and sat down: "I wonder if the commander-in-chief has any orders?"

Zhou Ling said slowly and authentically: "Brother Tong has served the Zhou family for more than twenty years. I wonder if my uncle has found an official position for my brother?"

Zhou Tong frowned, not knowing what Zhou Ling meant by saying this, and said in a deep voice: "I am a retainer of the Zhou family, and I should only obey the orders of the head of the family! When the old master allows me to serve in the house, I should do my best. , if the old lady Fu Enlen allows me to be an official, I will put the interests of the Zhou family first in everything!"

Zhou Ling clapped her hands appreciatively and laughed: "Brother Tong is indeed loyal to the Zhou family. No wonder my uncle trusts you so much and treats you like half a nephew."

Zhou Tong cupped his fists and said, "The master of the family has a deep kindness that I will never be able to repay in my lifetime!"

Zhou Ling said calmly: "Brother Tong is sincere to the Zhou family, but it's a pity that my uncle is old and has no sense of people. He is also implicated by the false reputation of those Qingliu who flatter him. He is unwilling to use power for personal gain and seek an upright family background for Brother Tong.

From my point of view, if my brother stays in the Zhou family, he is really overqualified. "

Zhou Tong's brows deepened, wondering why Zhou Ling suddenly told him this.

Zhou Tong thought for a while and said: "The head of the family is highly respected and respected by both the government and the public. He is the founding father of the country. Being able to serve beside the head of the family is already a blessing. How dare you covet anything else?"

"Haha, my brother is really willing to stay in the Zhou family for the rest of his life, be the head of the nursing home, and have children and grandchildren for the family forever?
Don’t my brothers want to find a decent background for themselves and their children and grandchildren? "Zhou Ling's smile was meaningful.

Zhou Tong hesitated and said: "The head of the family once promised that when my son reaches adulthood and takes part in the imperial examination, as long as he can pass the provincial examination, he will find a person with the same background as a Jinshi for my son, so that my son can participate in the election of officials."

Zhou Ling laughed and said disdainfully: "If I remember correctly, my brother's son is only four or five years old this year, and it will take at least ten years before he reaches adulthood.

My uncle is already over seventy years old. Even though his body has always been strong, who can guarantee that he can survive ten years safely?
When my uncle drove west, there was no one to support the big Zhou family, and even Zhou Duan, Zhou Min, and Zhou Yan couldn't protect themselves. Who would have the ability to seek a parentage for their brother's son? "

Zhou Tong's expression changed, as if he heard some other meanings from Zhou Ling's words. He forced out a flattering smile and said: "Zhou Tongjun has just passed his thirtieth year and is already a general of the Forbidden Army. In the future, the Zhou family will definitely return to the throne." We must rely more on the commanding army!”

"Haha, I want to help the Zhou family, but my uncle hates me for marrying Xianggong Song's clan sister. He still ignores me and even scolds me in private, saying that I am not worthy of being a son of the Zhou family. Regarding the Zhou family, this general It's because you are helpless!" Zhou Ling sighed pretending to be helpless.

"The head of the family is just talking out of anger and cannot be taken seriously. When Miss Zhou was kidnapped this time, it was not because of the help of the unified army." Zhou Tong's tone was full of humility.

Zhou Ling put down the tea cup and said seriously: "Brother Tong has outstanding martial arts skills and is meticulous and alert in his work. I am lacking talents like Brother Tong around me.

If my brother is willing, how about he come to work for me from now on? "

Zhou Tong was startled and said in surprise: "What Zhou Tongjun means?"

Zhou Ling winked at Qi Si. Qi Si understood and took out an official letter covered in brocade silk from his arms and unfolded it for Zhou Tong to read.

"This is a confession document issued by the Department of Guards. The position is the capital of the Gongsheng Army. It is stamped with the seal of the official. As long as you fill in your name and report to the Department of Guards for the record, you will be a serious official of the Imperial Guard!" Zhou Ling smiled. Pointing to the official letter.

Zhou Tong's heart beat violently, his breathing became heavy, and he stared at the official letter.

"As long as Brother Tong nods his head, I will immediately sign Brother Tong's name on this confession document. After reporting to the Si Ya for the record, I will be able to issue the order talisman badge tomorrow. From now on, Brother Tong will be my bodyguard department." The military attaché has finally gained an upright status!"

Zhou Ling's words seemed to have supreme magic power, lingering in Zhou Tong's ears.

Zhou Tong took the official letter with slightly trembling hands, held it in his palm and read it again and again.

Qi Si chuckled and said, "Brother Zhou, why do you have any hesitation? As long as you nod, you will immediately become a military attache of the Forbidden Army. In the future, you will be promoted with meritorious services and have a bright future. It is better than being a slave in the Taifu Mansion for the rest of your life!"

Zhou Ling said calmly: "My brother stayed with my uncle. How long will it take before I can get this piece of paper to surrender? My uncle is old and has long lost his enterprising spirit. What's more, he befriends the King of Jin and is always against the prince. When the prince ascends the throne, will my uncle end up well? If you continue to stay in the Taifu Mansion, it is tantamount to seeking death. It is better to find another way out as soon as possible. "

Zhou Tong's eyes changed, and complex emotions such as struggle, greed, and confusion flashed through. He gritted his teeth and knelt down on the ground: "Zhou Tong is willing to follow the commanding army! Swear to serve the commanding army to the death!"

"Haha~ OK!" Zhou Ling was overjoyed and leaned over to help him up.

"It's just that the name of the villain is still in the Taifu's mansion. With the power of the old man, as long as he utters a word, the villain will be thrown into prison by the Jiangning mansion as a fugitive private slave." Zhou Tong hesitated and said distressedly .

Zhou Ling waved his hand and said proudly: "I will handle the matter of deportation for you, so there is no need to worry. Wei Cen, Yin of Jiangning Prefecture, I had wine with him at Ziyun Tower two days ago, and we had a very pleasant conversation. Just let him know about the little things."

Qi Si flattered and said with a smile: "Zhou Yamen doesn't know yet, but Song Xianggong has recommended my family's commander-in-chief to the prince. The prince attaches great importance to my family's commander-in-chief and held a banquet in the royal garden of Jujingyuan to entertain the commander-in-chief!"
If Zhou Yaya joins the army from now on, he will be waiting for promotion and fortune! "

Zhou Ling couldn't help but be arrogant, but Zhou Tong was overjoyed. He didn't expect that Zhou Ling had already become close to the prince after not seeing each other for a few days.

Zhou Ling was the brother-in-law of Prime Minister Song Qiqiu, and he was a disciple of the prince. Following him was better than following the old master Zhou Zong.

Zhou Tong clasped his fists and said respectfully: "General, as long as you have orders, I will not give up even if I die!"

Zhou Lingsen smiled coldly: "Our wealth will still fall on Zhou Xian. In two days, at Puji Temple, you are going to tell the old man this way."

Zhou Tong listened to his plan, his eyes welled up with shock, and cold sweat dripped down unconsciously.
~~~
In Hongfu Building, the east room on the third floor, Zhu Xiu faced Zhou Xian with a pretty face and a sullen face, spread his hands and said helplessly: "Okay, I admit that the pill is not a one-day pill, but a nourishing and healthy pill that can remove dampness and strengthen the body." Great tonic.”

As he spoke, Zhu Xiu poured a black pill from the celadon bottle, threw it into his mouth, chewed it and swallowed it.

Zhou Xian was so angry that her whole body was shaking, and her almond-shaped eyes were red. Thanks to the pills she had taken for so long, she was shaking every day. She was often awakened by nightmares at night, dreaming that the poison she had taken was toxic, and her whole body was ulcerated, causing her death.
It turned out that everything was a scam!

It was a lie made up by the villain in order to scare her and control her!
Zhu Xiu smiled slightly awkwardly, blaming herself for being careless. Just when she was taking the pills, this girl peeked through the crack in the door. She was shocked and broke into the house to question him.

Lies cannot be rounded off, they can only be admitted openly.

Zhu Xiu smiled and said: "I have seen that Emperor E's cheeks are plump and his complexion is rosy these days. It seems that this tonic is indeed effective. Let me tell you, this pill was made by the imperial doctor of the Zhou Dynasty. It is hard to buy for a lot of money. You can take it continuously." After a few days, it has been considered a great blessing."

Zhou Xian clenched his fists and was so angry that he wanted to rush forward and beat this evil man hard.

All kinds of anger welled up in my heart, but it could only be turned into a sorrowful, feeble rage: "You, you really are the most shameless and treacherous person in the world!"

Zhu Xiu stuffed the celadon bottle into his arms and said with a smile: "If it can relieve Emperor E's anger, you might as well scold me a few more times. I don't know how many people have said such compliments as shameless, treacherous, and slippery before. However, now that it comes from Ehuang’s mouth, it doesn’t feel quite right!”

Zhou Xian's cheeks were red, his eyes were filled with tears, and he was so angry that he couldn't speak. How could there be such a shameless and hateful person in the world?
Crystal tears fell down, Zhou Xian glared at him bitterly, and slammed the door.

Zhu Xiu shouted threateningly from behind: "Don't think that you can escape from my master without being poisoned! I warn you to be honest. If you dare to disobey, you will stay as my maid forever!"

Pan Mei stepped into the room, glanced at him with disdain, and muttered: "Okay, stop putting on airs, even a blind person can see that you are not willing to bully that little beauty at all! Old Master Kong will never deceive me!"

Pan Mei raised her head 45 degrees, pretending to be emotional.

Zhu Xiu said angrily: "Confucius never said such things. Don't be so careless. If word spreads, you will laugh out loud!"

Pan Mei yelled: "Anyway, I finally understand. Why did I capture Madam Zhou and take her with me as a hostage? Intimidate Zhou Zong not to act rashly and ensure that we leave Jiangning smoothly. It's all fucking lies! You're bluffing!"
You kid is just greedy for other people's bodies, you're so lustful! "

Zhu Xiu became angry and jumped in anger: "Fart! If I were lustful, how could I let such a delicate beauty stay by my side for so many days without even touching her with my fingers?"

Pan Mei hugged her with both hands and said emphatically: "This is what makes you smarter than ordinary lechers. You don't bother to use force because you want the little beauty to throw herself into your arms willingly.

The so-called romantic but not obscene refers to people like you! "

Zhu Xiu's eyes widened in anger, but he was rarely able to argue.

Pan Mei clapped her hands and said with a big laugh: "Did you, our old Pan, get it right? Are you speechless?"

Zhu Xiu pursed her lips, sat down lightly in her robes, shook her folding fan and said calmly, "Just wait until we leave Jiangning, separated by a big river, and we will see each other for a long time. Since there is no destiny, why bother to think about other things."

Pan Mei came forward curiously and smiled obscenely: "Why, are you really willing to leave this little beauty behind?"

Zhu Xiu lowered her eyelids and said calmly: "Because of emotions and reasons, Madam Zhou is innocent in this matter and should not be implicated."

Pan Mei shrugged: "Okay, I understand."

"I'll arrange for the personnel from the Fifth Capital to take over." Pan Mei muttered, then bowed her hands and exited the room.

Zhu Xiu sat quietly for a while, then stood up and walked to the window sill, looking down. There was an endless stream of pedestrians and cars on the street, and Jiangning City was still bustling and lively.
If everything goes well, they will leave in two days.

What is left behind may be a beautiful woman whom we will never see again.
~~~
Two days later, in the backyard of Hongfu Building, Zhu Xiu put on a straight jacket to facilitate movement, a hand knife on her waist, leather boots on her feet, and a handkerchief wrapped around her, dressing up like a walker with good features.

Zhou Xian and Dongmei went downstairs to the backyard and were stunned when they saw Zhu Xiu's new appearance. They had seen him dress up like a wealthy young man in a robe and crotch, and their eyes lit up with the warrior's attire that had a bit more fierceness like this. , even Zhou Xian couldn't help but look at it a few more times.

But when Zhu Xiu looked at her, the young lady quickly looked away, not forgetting to snort angrily.

Zhu Xiu's face was serious, and he said in a deep voice: "Ms. Zhou and Dongmei are going to Zha Hui's carriage. Hu Guangyue is responsible for protecting Zhu Liang and Zhu Fang. Each will follow the plan and make no mistakes!"

Everyone clasped their fists and accepted the order.

Zhu Xiu said coldly to Zhou Xian again: "You two are not allowed to get out of the car or walk around freely. When we leave Jiangning City, we will let you go.

But if you don’t obey~”

Zhu Xiu snorted heavily, threateningly.

Zhou Xian rolled his eyes at him disdainfully, then climbed onto the carriage and got into the carriage.

Dongmei quickly saluted and followed Zhou Xian into the carriage.

Zhu Xiu was silent for a moment, then got on the horse and waved his hands and shouted: "Let's go!"

(End of this chapter)