The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 420 Suspicious
It was already noon after leaving the palace, and Zhu Xiu and Zhou Zong hurried back to Taifu's Mansion.

Li Jing gave an order, and the military and political system of the Tang Dynasty was in full operation. Each of the six Forbidden Army Corps deployed troops and horses. The Ministry of War issued a transfer order and sent it to several major military offices stationed in Jiangning Mansion to mobilize soldiers and horses to form a large army, or to supplement the six major Forbidden Army Corps. , to enrich Jiangning’s defense.

The Ministry of Revenue and Sinong Temple urgently allocated grain reserves from the treasury, issued military rations, recruited civilians, and transported supplies.

Li Jing strictly ordered all government offices not to leak news about Changsha, but for some unknown reason, by noon, the news that Changsha was defeated and Bian Hao's army was in danger had spread throughout the city.

In addition, the six major imperial armies were mobilized frequently, and the civilian conscription order had been issued to the prefecture and county yamen. Troops and horses could be seen passing through the city in groups everywhere in Jiangning City, which made the people in the city panic and the atmosphere suddenly tense.

Li Jing ordered Zha Wenhui to lead the [-] vanguard army to set off in two days. Jin King Li Jingsui commanded the remaining army and must set off within half a month.

If the time is too hasty and the transfer of food, grass and supplies is not timely, we can only order a part of the supply from the states and counties along the way.

As a senior military advisor, Zhu Xiu was supposed to stay with the commander in the Chinese army, but Li Jing sent a message to him, ordering him to follow Cha Wenhui in two days.

"His Majesty asked you to follow Cha Wenhui first. It is obvious that he does not trust you and is on guard. You can only be careful yourself. I'm afraid Prince Jin won't be able to help you much."

Stepping into the gate of the mansion, Zhou Zong walked hurriedly and looked gloomy.

Zhu Xiu followed quickly, his face gloomy and ugly.

Li Jing was more cautious and suspicious than he expected.

Originally, according to his idea, Jin King Li Jingsui took command of the expedition. He followed him with a military rank and looked for opportunities to escape as soon as he left Jiangning.

Li Jingsui was a loyal man and had a deep friendship with Zhou Zong and Xu Xuan. Even if the matter was exposed, Li Jingsui would not do anything to him.

Zhu Xiuxiao used emotion and reason, and maybe he could persuade him to let him return to the north.

But now, Li Jing agreed to let King Jin take command, but appointed Zha Wenhui as deputy commander and vanguard, which made Zhu Xiu feel uncomfortable.

What was even more annoying was that Li Jing ordered him to follow Zha Wenhui and set off first, without giving him a chance to stay in the Chinese army.

As a result, King Jin has no hope at all.

"Let's take it one step at a time and escape from Jiangning City first.

"I'd like to trouble my uncle to find some way to get some sets of soldiers' uniforms. I'll ask my mother, brother and sister-in-law to pretend to be soldiers and follow me into the camp, as well as Emperor E," Zhu Xiudao said.

Zhou Zong nodded and was about to say something when the steward shouted from behind: "Master! Master! General Liu Yanzhen, the commander of the Shenwu Army, is here! He also brings many sergeants~~"

Zhou Zong was startled, stopped and turned around: "What's going on?"

The steward trotted after him, panting: "You don't know, I don't know. General Liu has sent troops to guard the gate of the mansion and has already brought people into the mansion."

As he spoke, there was a sound of armor shining, and Liu Yanzhen, fully armored, led a group of forbidden soldiers to walk along the corridor.

Zhou Zong and Zhu Xiu looked at each other and hurriedly stepped forward to greet him.

"General Liu, what do you mean?" Zhou Zong glanced at the armored and saber-clad soldiers behind him with a worried look on his face.

Liu Yanzhen clasped her fists and said apologetically: "Forgive me, old master, I am also acting under the emperor's order. Your Majesty said that Jiangning City has been mobilizing troops frequently recently. He was worried that some young men would take the opportunity to harm the Taifu Mansion, so he specially ordered the general to lead his troops to the station. Ensure peace in the mansion."

Liu Yanzhen glanced at Zhu Xiu, then smiled and said: "I heard that Dr. Zhu's family members are also in the mansion? Haha, His Majesty also said that Dr. Zhu went to Hunan with the army, and his family members stayed in the city. They must ensure their safety. They will all be taken care of."

Zhu Xiu's eyes flashed with shock and anger, she clenched her fists suddenly and then quickly released them.

Liu Yanzhen smiled and said: "Doctor Zhu Xiao, please introduce me. I have met Ling Tang, so I should get to know him first, so as not to misunderstand the wrong person in the future."

Zhu Xiu cupped his hands and forced out a smile: "His Majesty the Emperor has thought carefully, I am very grateful. I will trouble General Liu for a while."

"Haha, it's nice to talk about it."

Liu Yanzhen laughed heartily, "In the future, when I serve as an official in the same dynasty, I may have to count on Dr. Zhu's help. Who doesn't know now that Dr. Zhu is valued by His Majesty. When he comes back to pacify Hunan, he will be granted a title and an official title. !”

"I hope to lend you General Liu's good words." Zhu Xiu laughed, his face full of joy.

Immediately, Zhu Xiu led Liu Yanzhen to the back house and across the courtyard.

Zhu Wu, his wife and Wu Youdi were really frightened when they saw a large group of unfamiliar officers and soldiers. Zhu Xiu quickly explained in a low voice and then managed to comfort them.

Liu Yanzhen was not unusual at all. She called her madam politely, and took the initiative to introduce herself and explain the purpose of her visit.

Wu Youdi was uneasy and couldn't help but listen.

Zhu Xiu noticed that Liu Yanzhen's seemingly gentle eyes were hidden with sharpness. He swept across Zhu Wu, his wife and Wu Youdi one by one, keeping their appearance in mind.

The same was true for the sergeants behind Liu Yanzhen. Their eyes were bright, as if they wanted to imprint all the faces of their family in their minds.

"The old lady has been busy these days. Don't be offended. The general is also acting according to his orders." Liu Yanzhen said with a smile.

"How are you, General Liu? You are so polite. I will order someone to arrange a private courtyard for General Liu to rest in peacetime." Zhou Zongdao.

Liu Yanzhen said: "No need to bother, just free up a few rooms near the gatehouse patio."

Before Zhou Zong could say anything, Liu Yanzhen clasped her fists and resigned.

Wu Youdi pulled Zhu Xiu worriedly: "Brother Xiu, isn't this General Liu who saved us that day? How did he come?"

Zhu Wu said solemnly: "Look at General Liu's posture, he seems to be here to monitor us."

Zhu Xiu forced a smile and said: "Mom, brother, don't panic, let me discuss it with the old lady."

Zhou Zong pulled Zhu Xiu aside and said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty ordered Liu Yanzhen to stay at the Taifu Mansion because he was afraid that you and your family would take the opportunity to flee north.

It seems that the previous plan is useless, and we need to find another way. "

Zhu Xiu resentfully beat a light blue bellflower growing from the grass beside the road, and the petals fell to the ground.

Li Jing, Li Jing, was really suspicious. He took Zhu Wu's family and held Jiang Ning hostage, so he wasn't afraid that he would never come back.

The original plan was for them to disguise themselves as soldiers and sneak into the army, and then they could find opportunities to escape after leaving Jiangning City.

Now Liu Yanzhen is right under his nose, and it is impossible for him to step out of the Tutor's house.

"For now, we can only let them stay temporarily. You take Pan Mei on the road first, and I will find an opportunity to help them escape Jiangning." Zhou Zongbai frowned.

Zhu Xiu sighed and said with a wry smile: "If my family escapes from Jiangning, my uncle will inevitably be implicated. The Lord of Tang is deeply suspicious and is only afraid of offending my uncle."

Zhou Zong waved his hand: "I have my own way to avoid suspicion, so you don't need to worry. The Zhou family has been operating in Jiangnan for decades, and they still have some popularity. Without real evidence, Your Majesty will not do anything to the Zhou family."

Zhu Xiu said nothing more, just bowed deeply.

"You have arranged your manpower over there. If you leave the city, I can't help you much.

There is no need to worry in the city, I will make arrangements for you. "Zhou Zong's tone was deep, he paused, and then said: "Ehuang entrusted it to you. It is not appropriate for her to stay in Jiangning after all. The prince and Song Qiqiu are pressing harder and harder. I can't protect her all the time.
I will do my best to help you. I just hope that you will treat Ehuang well and not let her down.If the situation in the world is really as you expected, with the south returning to the north, in the future, I hope you will take action to protect the Zhou family in times of crisis."

Zhu Xiu nodded heavily: "Uncle, don't worry, as long as Zhu Xiu is alive, he will treat the Zhou family as my own family and treat them kindly. I swear!"

Zhou Zong took a deep breath, and there was a hint of relief in his smile: "With your words, this old man has no worries."

Zhou Zongzi went to mobilize people to make arrangements, but Zhu Xiu stayed behind and told Zhu Wu and Wu Youdi to cooperate with Zhou Zong after he left.

Hu Guangyue came to report that Xu Xuan and Li Congjia were visiting, but Liu Yanzhen blocked him from the house and asked him to meet at the concierge.

Zhu Xiu had to run all the way.

On the way, I met Zhou Xian who came after hearing the news.

The young lady looked a little haggard. She had been worried a lot these past two days and had not had a good rest.

When Zhou Xian saw him, he bit his lip and lowered his head, trying to walk past him quickly, as if he didn't want to talk to him.

Zhu Xiu suddenly stopped and whispered: "The plan has changed. I will take the first step. You will stay for now and wait for follow-up arrangements. Remember, at all times, the priority is to save your life. Even if you are in a desperate situation, don't lose the courage to survive. and determination.”

After speaking, Zhu Xiu glanced at her, nodded slightly, and left in a hurry with Hu Guangyue.

Zhou Xian looked back at him, his slightly red eyes full of worry.
The main gate of Taifu's Mansion has been taken over by the Shenwu Army soldiers brought by Liu Yanzhen. A team of sergeants are stationed on both sides of the gate tower. Several hunky soldiers at the gate of the mansion are looking at each other intently, making people entering and exiting the mansion trembling with fear.

Liu Yanzhen was standing at the door of the mansion with his hands behind his hands, negotiating something with Xu Xuan and Li Congjia.

"General Liu."

When Zhu Xiu arrived, Liu Yanzhen glanced at him and said with a smile: "Doctor Zhu is here just in time. Prince Anding and Xu Shangshu are here to visit. You can talk here."

After Liu Yanzhen finished speaking, he was about to leave. Zhu Xiu took a step forward to stop him: "General Liu, the young prince and Xu Shangshu have high status, and they are the guests of the old master and his subordinates. Why are they not even allowed to enter the house?"

Li Congjia's fat face was not angry, and he muttered: "It's too rude to stand at the gate to welcome guests."

Xu Xuan looked coldly, twirling his beard and staring closely at Liu Yanzhen, wanting to hear his explanation.

Liu Yanzhen smiled calmly and said: "Don't be surprised, I am also acting according to His Majesty's orders and handling official business. Before the army leaves the city, no outsider is allowed to step into the Taifu's mansion, and all guests coming and going will be kept out of the mansion.

If the young prince and Dr. Zhu have any objections, they can go to the palace to discuss with his majesty.Until there is no new decree from His Majesty, I can only act according to the rules. "

Liu Yanzhen clasped her fists, turned around and walked into the house.

He didn't put on an arrogant attitude with his nostrils turned upward, he just explained the truth as it was.

Zhu Xiu was secretly annoyed, but she also knew that Liu Yanzhen was not to blame.

He did have a close personal relationship with Zhou Zong and was considered a member of the Jin royal party, but his loyalty to Li Jing was not fake.

If he doesn't follow the instructions, he won't be able to take responsibility if an accident occurs.

Zhu Xiu invited the two of them into the house and stood on the side of the patio.

Liu Yanzhen did not stop them, but his sergeants stared at the three of them without blinking.

"Brother Zhu, what's going on?" Li Congjia asked in a low voice, his fat face tensed.

Xu Xuan smiled bitterly and said: "Your Majesty is suspicious, so I still don't trust you~"

Zhu Xiu smiled bitterly and said: "The Emperor of the Tang Dynasty sent Liu Yanzhen to take charge of the Taifu Mansion and strictly prohibited my family from entering and exiting. This is because he wants to treat my family as hostages! The original plan cannot be used and we must find another way."

Li Congjia scratched his head and said apologetically: "I'm sorry, I didn't expect my father to be so suspicious."

Zhu Xiu smiled bitterly and waved his hand. He was not to blame for this matter.

Xu Xuan frowned and said: "You will set off with Zha Wenhui in two days. When you arrive in the army, Zha Wenhui will definitely send someone to closely monitor you. You have to think about how to deal with yourself."

"My lord has sent people to help. As long as we leave Jiangning City, we will have a chance to escape. But here in Jiangning, we also ask Mr. Xu and the little prince to help." Zhu Xiu said sincerely.

Li Congjia hurriedly patted his chest and said, "Brother Zhu, don't worry, I will definitely handle the matter I promised you no matter what!"

Xu Xuan said: "Just go with peace of mind, we will take care of you in the city. After two days, I will find a chance to talk to the old lady in detail."

"Thank you!~" Zhu Xiu sighed, he left Jiangning, and the family of his brother, sister-in-law and mother could only be entrusted to others.

Now it is difficult to get off the tiger. If he regrets his words and refuses to leave, Li Jing will definitely be suspicious and can only act according to the opportunity.

"By the way, did you notice the look on King Qi's face during today's court meeting?" Zhu Xiu remembered something and asked hurriedly.

Li Congjia said calmly: "Uncle King Qi's face is dull and he has a severe cough. I don't know what serious illness he has contracted."

Xu Xuan also said: "The King of Qi has been ill for half a year. The palace doctors and private doctors have looked at him countless times and used many prescriptions, but there is no improvement."

"Is King Qi's body like this before?" Zhu Xiu asked.

Li Congjia shook his head and said: "Uncle King Qi has been practicing martial arts since he was a child. He is brave and brave. He can throw a spear ten feet away, pull a two-stone bow, and can play in the Wangfu Lake even in the cold winter weather. How can he be like the sick and consumptive ghost today?" look like."

"Yes, King Qi is 28 years old and in his prime. In the past six months, he suddenly became ill and lost weight. It is really puzzling." Xu Xuan also said with regret.

Zhu Xiu nodded and suddenly said: "There may be something fishy about this matter. It may not be an illness, but it may also be poisoning! And it is a long-term, hidden, and chronic trace poison!"

"How is that possible!?" Li Congjia was shocked.

Xu Xuan frowned deeply and remained silent.

Zhu Xiudao: "It is necessary to be on guard against others. It is better to remind King Qi to check the internal personnel of the palace, especially the people around him who serve in daily life. If there is anything suspicious, it must be eradicated as soon as possible to avoid trouble."

Xu Xuan understood what he meant and looked at Li Congjia thoughtfully: "What the scholar said is reasonable. It's hard for others to talk about this matter. The only way is for the young prince to find an opportunity to remind him."

"Me?!" Li Congjia pointed at himself, his fat face confused.

Zhu Xiu smiled and said: "You are the nephew of King Qi. If you say it casually during the visit, King Qi will understand. It would be best if nothing happens in the palace. Once the truth is found out and King Qi can save his life, he will also be grateful to you." ."

Li Congjia seemed to understand, scratching his head: "In that case, I will go to Prince Qi's Mansion later."

Zhu Xiu and Xu Xuan looked at each other and smiled.

If someone really secretly poisoned King Qi, the mastermind behind it would be able to guess who it was without having to check.

King Qi will definitely be grateful for Li Congjia's guidance.

If there is a chance in the future, Li Congjia may get unexpected surprises from this gratitude.
(End of this chapter)