The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 407 Ghostwriting for Wang Lingwen
After having dinner at the Taifu Mansion, it was already dark when we returned to Honglu Temple.

After greeting her mother, brother and sister-in-law, Zhu Xiu planned to go back to her room to take a hot bath and then rest early.

The hangover's sequelae began to show. Zhu Xiu felt tired while still in Taifu's mansion, and almost fell asleep while listening to Zhou Xian playing the pipa in the bamboo forest.

Back in the bedroom, Zhu Xiu yawned and took off her clothes. Hu Guangyue was about to order his servants to serve Tang Mu.

A black shadow suddenly jumped down from the beam and rushed towards Zhu Xiu. Hu Guangyue drew his sword and screamed "There is an assassin", and at the same time he rushed forward, preparing to protect Zhu Xiu with his own flesh and blood.

"Don't be surprised, Mr. Zhu, it's me!" A low and hoarse voice rang in Zhu Xiu's ears. She hurriedly turned around and saw a withered face that would not be found in a crowd of people. It was Wang Lingwen!
"Bang bang" the door opened twice, and Pan Mei and several Fifth Capital sergeants rushed into the room anxiously, pointing several gleaming sharp knives at Wang Lingwen.

"stop!"

Zhu Xiu quickly raised his hands and shouted, with a slight cold sweat on his temples.

He swallowed his saliva and glanced sideways. Wang Lingwen was standing diagonally behind him, no more than a foot away.

If he was really an assassin, he would be a dead man by now.

Pan Mei and Hu Guangyue led their men to surround Wang Lingwen, forming a circle based on the spacious bedroom and sealing the door and window exits to ensure that he would not be able to escape easily at the moment of action.

Wang Ling's gentle face seemed to be smiling but not smiling, and he became more and more interested in the well-trained warriors beside Zhu Xiu.

Without a long period of rigorous training, it would be impossible to have such a tacit reaction to the enemy.

Zhu Xiu slowly turned around with a stiff smile: "The Wang Envoy is here again. What's the point of your visit?"

Wang Lingwen said calmly: "I suddenly remembered that I still need to ask Mr. Zhu Hou about something."

Zhu Xiu couldn't laugh or cry: "If Wang Shisi wants to see me, there is no need to sneak into the bedroom and squat on the beam, which is easy to misunderstand. I understand that Wang Shisi wants to hide his whereabouts and conceal his identity. I also ask Wang Shimo to be like a ghost. I'm cowardly to show up suddenly without saying hello, and I won't be frightened. Afterwards, the king's envoy will send someone to announce an appointment at the place, and I will go there to meet you."

"Haha, I'm used to coming and going freely. I didn't expect to scare Mr. Zhu." Wang Lingwen chuckled twice, without sounding apologetic at all.

Zhu Xiu cursed secretly in her heart, smiled dryly, and waved her hand to signal Pan Mei and Hu Guangyue to leave.

After everyone else had retreated and the bedroom door was closed, Zhu Xiu and Wang Lingwen were sitting on either side of the table. Zhu Xiu poured tea and said, "I wonder what Wang Lingwen wants to see me for?"

Wang Lingwen said: "It's like this. When I left Beijing, the officials ordered me to collect a lot of information in the south of the Yangtze River and write a detailed report on the current situation of the court and the people in the south of the Yangtze River. I have heard that Lord Zhu Hou is very talented and has a clear understanding of the situation in the world. , I’m here to ask for advice, where should I start with this report?”

Wang Lingwen served as the military envoy and was really good at handling intelligence work, but it was difficult for him to write down the intelligence into statements and then write it into an article.

Zhu Xiu smiled secretly, thought for a moment and asked, "Has the official said that they want to know more about the situation in Jiangnan?"

Wang Lingwen stroked his beard and said: "Recently, the imperial court has issued a land reclamation order to encourage people to open up wasteland and cultivate land, and to encourage children to have children. All refugees and migrant households will be settled nearby, the good will be released and slaves will be eliminated, and the number of registered households and principal households will be greatly increased. Once the benevolent government is implemented, only Kaifeng Prefecture has added more than [-] households in two months.

The prefectures and counties in Huaibei reported that the people in Huainan knew about the benevolent government of the Great Zhou Dynasty, and many people brought their families with them, and even gave up their farmland and moved across the river to settle down in the territory of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

When the officials found out, they were overjoyed and ordered Huaibei Prefecture County to appease the people who moved north and give them preferential treatment in accordance with the land reclamation and settlement order.

Officials said that the people in Huainan must have been squeezed by the puppet imperial court and could not survive, so they took the risk and moved to Hebei.

Therefore, the officials wanted to further understand the people's livelihood conditions in various places in the south of the Yangtze River, observe the gains and losses of the Puppet Tang Dynasty's governance, sum up experiences and lessons, and provide reference for us in the governance of civil affairs in the Great Zhou Dynasty. "

Zhu Xiu expressed admiration: "The official is really a benevolent king! I also heard about this in Jiangning. A large number of Huainan people were attracted by our benevolent government and moved their families across the river to the north. For this reason, the emperor of the Tang Dynasty also ordered to block the passes and conduct strict investigations. Those who run away from home will be severely punished once investigated.”

Wang Lingwen laughed and said: "It can be seen from this that the Tang Dynasty has lost people's hearts, and I, the Great Zhou Dynasty, are the first to succeed in China!"

Zhu Xiugong cupped his hands and echoed: "With the Holy Emperor in the court, our great Zhou Dynasty will naturally prosper."

After a pause, Zhu Xiu continued: "But the Lord of the Tang Dynasty is not confused and will not let the resentment among the people deepen, let alone allow the people south of the Yangtze River to flee to the north of the Yangtze River.

The Tang Dynasty court has begun to appease the people, and also pardoned a group of families of prisoners of war who were reduced to slavery. They also used the strategy of reclaiming land and settling down in the land of Jingxiang to appease the refugees, reduce and exempt the taxes of the year, and stabilize food prices.
Therefore, it is necessary for officials and sages to have a detailed understanding of the officialdom and the people of Jiangnan. Only by knowing yourself and the enemy can you be victorious in a hundred battles! "

Wang Lingwen narrowed his eyes slightly: "Listening to Mr. Zhu Hou's tone, do you think you have already done some research on this?"

Zhu Xiu smiled and said, "Have you heard a song called 'All Living Beings' that is sung in all the big houses in Jiangning City for a few days?"

Wang Lingwen said: "I've heard it before. This song is sad and touches people's hearts. It is very popular."

"Hehe, this piece of music was written by me.

Of course, there is another person who composed the music, and the lyrics are just a few short sentences written by me. "

Zhu Xiu smiled, modestly but with a little pride.

Wang Lingwen was slightly surprised, his eyes glaring: "Master Zhu Hou composed the song of all living beings, could it be intentional?"

Zhu Xiu did not answer directly and said with a smile: "I believe that controlling public opinion is the top priority of intelligence work.

The reason why the song "Zhongsheng" has won the hearts of the people in Jiangning is because the lyrics of the song sing about the difficulty and hardship of ordinary people's lives and reflect the real situation of the people in Jiangnan.

The south of the Yangtze River has rich water systems and numerous rice fields, but most of them are controlled by aristocratic families. Most of the people have lost their fields and become tenant farmers. They work hard to cultivate, but most of them enrich the main households. Few of them actually enter the national granary or their own rice vats. And little.

Landlords and wealthy families annexed land, and the court was unable to restrain it. As things continued, the rich had their farms spread out, and their families had a fortune of tens of millions, which their descendants could enjoy endlessly. The poor became even poorer, with no place to stand under their feet, no roof over their heads, and their descendants had to work as farmers for generations. It's hard to get ahead.

If this situation is not cured, the world will be in chaos.

Therefore, I suggest that Wang Shi pay more attention to the people's livelihood in the south of the Yangtze River, starting from several aspects such as the land system, the annexation of land by the powerful and noble families, the acquisition of tenants, and the living conditions of the rich and the poor. The common people were dissatisfied with the Tang state, and they bought the state and county officials at the right time to use them. When the border war between the two countries resumes in the future, they can use them to achieve the effect of defeating others without fighting! "

Zhu Xiu talked at length about the intelligence work in Jiangnan, and Wang Lingwen listened with squinted eyes without any interruption.

Zhu Xiu's mouth felt dry as she spoke. She took a sip from the tea cup and cleared her throat: "What do you think of your proposal?"

Wang Lingwen looked at him thoughtfully: "It turns out that Lord Zhu has already thought about how to lay out his plans in the south of the Yangtze River."

Zhu Xiu smiled and said: "To be honest with Wang, these are what I have been thinking since I came to Jiangning for two months. As long as we cooperate in manipulating public opinion, the relationship between the Jiangnan officials and the people will surely be further torn apart.

In the future, when I send my army southward, I will encounter much less resistance from the people.

I originally wanted to wait until I returned to Kaifeng to report this to the officials in detail.

Since the Wang Envoy came to Jiangning according to the order to collect information from Jiangnan, he might as well write a memorial based on this idea and send it to the Chengguan family. "

Wang Lingwen laughed a few times and said, "Then Wang is suspected of stealing credit?" Zhu Xiu patted his chest and said, "How could that be? Wang Shisi came all the way to save me from trouble, how can I not express my gratitude?"

Wang Lingwen thought for a while and said: "Master Zhu is a well-learned man, a hermit and a high apprentice. Who in the court does not know that Lord Zhu has strategic strategies in his chest and has the talent to plan for the world. Why don't you ask Lord Zhu to write the memorandum on behalf of the old man? To the official family?"

Zhu Xiu froze for a moment, Wang Lingwen smiled.

His mother fucked her. It turned out that this old guy had this idea from the beginning and wanted him to help him write the Jiangnan intelligence report to be submitted to Uncle Guo.

"Why, Mr. Zhu Hou doesn't want to help?" Wang Ling smiled coldly with his warm skin.

"Haha~ How could it be?" Zhu Xiu laughed dryly, "The Wang Envoy has important responsibilities and is busy with affairs, so he should feel free to come down and serve. What's more, they are all working for the officials and for me, Dazhou, so there is no need to distinguish between them!"

"Then I would like to thank Mr. Zhu Hou." Wang Lingwen said his thanks with a rather insincere fist.

Zhu Xiu smiled and said a few polite words, but she cursed in her heart.

This Jiangnan intelligence summary was not easy to write. It was at least several thousand words long and could not be completed in less than half a month.

If you take this job, you won't have time to listen to music and go shopping in the future.

Zhu Xiu secretly complained, thought for a while, and said: "I will write a list of information that needs to be understood. I would like to ask the Wang Envoy to arrange for the brothers of the Wude Department to inquire carefully. Then I can summarize the situation of all parties in detail and try to get this information." This Jiangnan intelligence report should be written more perfectly."

Hum ~ Damn old man, you are taking advantage of the opportunity to rob and capture the young man, don't even think about being lazy and slippery.

If you want me to ghostwrite, you have to get all the information I need.

Wang Lingwen squinted his eyes and smiled playfully: "Okay."

Zhu Xiu said unceremoniously: "As for the progress of the Tang army's war in Hunan, please also ask the king's envoy Si Duoduo to send someone to inquire about it.

The more detailed the better, it’s best if even Tang Army coach Bian Hao can find out how many meals he eats and how many times he pays homage every day.”

Wang Lingwen said calmly: "What does the Tang army's attack on Nanchu have to do with the public opinion in Jiangnan?"

Zhu Xiu said solemnly: "Of course it does matter! The Tang Dynasty devoted all its efforts to destroy Chu. From the progress of the Tang army's war, we can infer key information such as its combat strength, armament, general quality, logistics supplies, civilian recruitment, military food preparation, etc., which can deepen our understanding of the situation." North Korea's understanding of the Tang Dynasty and preparations for possible war between the two countries in the future!

In addition, I heard that Bian Hao led his army to capture Changsha, marched into Liling, and was about to encircle Hengzhou. I asked brothers from Wude Si to help find out what the Tang army's next move will be.

I have a preliminary idea that we may be able to use this war to get out of trouble, and may even have a chance to sink the Tang Army into Hunan, making it impossible to escape easily and consuming the Tang Army's strength to the maximum extent. "

Wang Lingwen frowned: "Do you want to take advantage of the Tang army's troubles in the war to leave Jiangning City?"

Zhu Xiu smiled and said: "King Envoy Si Gaoming! I have reached an agreement with Zhou Zong. He will fully assist me in leaving Jiangning and returning to Kaifeng. In a few days, I will express my intention to surrender to the Lord of the Tang Dynasty. As long as the Lord of the Tang Dynasty believes in me If you are willing to stay, I will have the opportunity to leave Jiangning."

Wang Lingwen's eyes flashed with strange light, he stared at Zhu Xiu for a while, and nodded slowly: "Wude Division will fully cooperate with You's actions!"

"Thank you!" Zhu Xiugong handed over his hand.

Wang Lingwen took out a half-palm-sized gold medal from his arms and handed it to Zhu Xiu: "This is the golden order given to the military envoy by the emperor. Seeing the order is like seeing an old man. If something happens, take this gold order to Guangyun Ship, and there will be someone there." Report to me.

In the event of an emergency, you can use this golden order to mobilize all the power Wudesi has hidden in Jiangning City! "

Zhu Xiu was surprised. He never expected that Wang Lingwen would hand over such a heavy piece of gold to him.

This gold medal with exquisite workmanship and complicated patterns represents the extra-judicial privilege granted to Wude by the imperial power.

Seeing the hesitation on Zhu Xiu's face, Wang Lingwen said in a deep voice: "When you came, the officials told me that you must be sent back to Kaifeng safely at any cost!
In other words, in this Jiangning city, Wu Desi can do without half a year's operating income, nearly a hundred inspectors can do without, and even I can be buried here, but nothing will happen to you! "

Wang Lingwen looked deeply at Zhu Xiu: "The officials treat you with great kindness, so please do it yourself!"

Zhu Xiu was silent for a moment, held the golden order in both hands, and knelt down facing the direction of Kaifeng: "I thank the officials for their kindness!"

"Farewell! I'm going to go!"

Wang Lingwen jumped out of the half-open window, climbed up and down the wall, stepped on the roof tiles and ran towards the courtyard wall, disappearing into the night.

There were commotions outside the partition wall, torches were lit, and a secret sentry from the fifth capital noticed the trace, and issued an emergency warning without knowing what was going on.

Zhu Xiu could only ask Hu Guangyue to quickly comfort everyone and lift the alarm.

This Mr. Wang is always coming and going. He won't leave until there is a door. He has to climb over walls and doors, climb up beams and jump out of windows. It would be a pity not to become a master thief.

Holding the golden ling in her hand, Zhu Xiu felt a lot.

Without Uncle Guo's words, Wang Lingwen would not have handed over such an important token to him.

Wu Desi has been operating in Jiangning for half a year, and has laid many hidden traps.

But in order to save him, Uncle Guo was even willing to give up this power.

A warm current flowed through Zhu Xiu's heart, and she felt an excitement and impulse that the king's kindness was so profound that he would die in return.

No wonder Wang Lingwen was slightly hostile when he first met him.

No one wants to see the foundation they have worked so hard to build destroyed in one day just to save one person.

If the situation is critical, what Wude Si has to do is to use all his power and means to exchange for Zhu Xiu's life.

It also included Wang Lingwen's order.

Zhu Xiu would never be happy to trade his own life for the lives of others, and he would definitely not do it.

But the Wude Division is an organization that unconditionally implements the emperor's will. As the Wude Envoy, Wang Lingwen had no choice.

Zhu Xiu sighed and carefully took the Jin Ling into his arms.

Of course he didn't want to destroy Wu Desi's foundation in Jiangning, and hoped that there would be no chance of using this golden token.

(End of this chapter)