The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 433 Chai Rong’s spring is here

In early September, Zhu Xiu and Chai Rong returned to Chanzhou.

As winter approaches, the temperature in the north drops off a cliff, and light outerwear can no longer withstand the coolness of late autumn. Zhu Xiu changes into a satin round-neck robe, and also adds a robe when going out.

It's a pity that his magic weapon to keep out the cold, a set of cotton coats and trousers made of cotton, was left in Kaifeng. In the cold winter when heavy snow falls, these clothes alone still can't survive the winter, and he must wear a sheepskin jacket.

Nowadays, cotton cultivation is only promoted on a small scale in Wuyue, Panyu, Yongzhou and Yazhou in the Southern Han Dynasty. In Jingzhou and other places, Zhu Xiu vigorously supported cotton farmers more than two years ago. Unfortunately, the efforts were limited and the effect was Not good all the time.

That set of cotton-padded clothes and trousers was woven from the cotton produced in the first cotton field in Jingzhou.

Those mulberry and hemp farmers who switched to cotton saw this suit of clothing and touched it with their own hands before they believed that Bai Diazi could really be used to make clothes.

In the first two days after arriving in Chanzhou City, Zhu Xiu pretended to meet with local officials at all levels and convey the thoughts and concerns of His Majesty the Emperor, who was far away in Kaifeng, to the soldiers and civilians of Chanzhou.

He also assumed the identity of censor, and under the respectful leadership of judicial and financial officials such as Jiedu Judge and Tuiguan, he inspected the judicial trials, financial expenditures and other work in the area under the jurisdiction of the Zhenning Army.

As for the other county government offices outside Chanzhou City, Zhu Xiu was too lazy to go there himself, so he asked Chai Rong to second some civil servants from Jiedu Prefecture and ordered them to go to each county to inspect the work on his behalf.

Within two days, all the errands of Zhu Xiu, the inspection envoy and censor, were successfully completed.

I took another half day to write a eloquent report, stamped it, and sent it to Kaifeng by Mingguanyi.

In the report, Zhu Xiu praised Chanzhou's civil, political, and military work, presented facts and reason, and used key data such as population growth, tax revenue, and field output over the years to speak to His Majesty the Emperor. Under the governance of Taiyuan County, how the state is thriving and prosperous.

The report did not mention Chai Rong's personal achievements, but it told Uncle Guo one fact: in Chanzhou, Chai Rong was conscientious and managed well.

For the rest of the days, Zhu Xiu lived in the Jiedu government office and pestered Wang Pu to play chess, drink tea, and chat all day long. Sometimes when Chai Rong was free, he would sit down and play chess with Zhu Xiu all day long.

Since arriving in Jiangning, Zhu Xiu has never been as relaxed and comfortable as she is now for more than half a year. She is worried about Wu Youdi's condition and often wakes up at night, tossing and turning, and is lost in thought.

In the warm study room, Zhu Xiu and Chai Rong sat across from each other, with a chessboard in the middle and hot fragrant tea beside them.

"Haha, the mountain-climbing cannon hit a hippopotamus, Chenghui, I accepted it with a smile!"

Chai Rong smiled and picked up a black horse crossing the river on his own chessboard and put down his red square cannon.

Zhu Xiu held his forehead in annoyance. Chai Rong's progress in chess far exceeded his expectation, and he could learn many tricks and routines without any teacher.

This may be the basic quality of a great military strategist.

Seeing that there were not many pawns, guns, horses and chariots left on his side across the river, Zhu Xiu was secretly anxious, rolled his eyes, coughed and said: "Brother, do you know why I suggested that you don't write a confession to apologize, but use a letter from home?" In this form, you don’t write anything else, just express the longing of a son who is far away in a foreign land for his father?”

Chai Rong's attention was indeed attracted, and he hurriedly asked: "I vaguely understand it, but I can't explain it clearly."

Zhu Xiu successfully used the cross-river pawn to eat the red pawn and said with a smile: "The deeper meaning is actually not difficult to guess. Brother, you just need to understand that the official is the emperor, the emperor of Zhou Dynasty, and he is an old father who is nearly fifty years old." .”

After a pause, Zhu Xiu said softly: "Now, my brother is the only living son of the official family."

Chai Rong's chess-playing hand paused, his brows furrowed, and he didn't even notice that the chess pieces were in the wrong position.

Zhu Xiu was secretly delighted, and he drove straight in with a chariot commander and killed a red square cannon.

Chai Rong suddenly didn't realize it and murmured: "What do you mean, in my father's heart, he actually wants me to be a son rather than a minister?"

Chai Rong was stunned that he had made the wrong move again, and Zhu Xiu used a bad horse to block the red coach.

"Brother, remember, you are the son of an official family first, and then you are the Duke of Taiyuan and the Jiedu Envoy of the Zhenning Army in the Great Zhou Dynasty.

Being a good son and doing your duty as a son of man is more important than any military achievements! "

Zhu Xiu's heavy artillery was in position, and he cooperated with the lame horse, completely trapping the red coach.

Chai Rong took a deep breath, cupped his fists and said, "Thank you Wencai for your advice. I know what to do."

Chai Rong gathered his mind and returned his attention to the chessboard, only to realize that the situation was over. His own camp had been unknowingly killed by Zhu Xiu's sneak attack, and his commander was trapped in the camp.

"Uh" Chai Rong had no choice but to shake his head.

"Hehe~ I accept it!" Zhu Xiu humbly bowed his hand.

"Dong dong dong~" The study door knocked, and He Hui's voice came from outside:
"For your information, Your Majesty, the Fu family's wife has entered the city and is currently resting in the Fu family's residence."

"I know, prepare your carriage and horses, and then go with me to visit Mrs. Fu." Chai Rong ordered.

He Hui was ordered to resign.

Zhu Xiu was surprised and full of suspicion: "But Mrs. Fu? How could she come to Chanzhou?"

Chai Rong's eyes were slightly evasive, he coughed unnaturally, and said vaguely: "The Fu family has some properties in Chanzhou. Madam Fu will often stop by to take a look when she travels between Yunzhou and Kaifeng."

"By the way? From Kaifeng to Yunzhou?" Zhu Xiu's tone was weird, and his eyes were full of teasing and ambiguous.

From Yunzhou to Kaifeng, whether by land or water, Chanzhou is not a transit point.

Mrs. Fu's so-called "sooner" is really a long way to go.

Chai Rong looked stunned and glared at him angrily: "Ms. Fu and I are old acquaintances. What's so strange about meeting friends?"

"Hehe~ Yes~" Zhu Xiu joked with a smile, "I'm afraid Madam Fu will have to meet with her brother several times in a month. Instead of traveling back and forth, it's better to stay in Chanzhou so that she can have a long talk with her brother. I'll meet Madam Fu later. That’s what my little brother suggested.”

Chai Rong blushed and said hurriedly: "You must not!"

Zhu Xiu laughed: "Why not! My brother and Madam Fu are both single, have similar family backgrounds, and match their looks. They are a match made in heaven!"

Chai Rong rubbed his palms vigorously and said hesitantly: "Not yet. I still don't know Madam Fu's intentions."

Zhu Xiu shook her head in disgust. Mrs. Fu is willing to come to Chanzhou to visit you, so what else can she not understand?

Is it necessary for a woman to take the initiative to say that she will not marry unless she is married?

"Brother, you must listen to me on this matter."

Zhu Xiu dragged Chai Rong out of the study and used his two lifetimes of experience in dealing with women to teach Chai Rong through words and deeds.
Outside the official office, two tall horses were ready. Chai Rong went to change his clothes and tie his hair again at Zhu Xiu's suggestion. Zhu Xiu put on a thick cloak and stood at the foot of the steps waiting.

He Hui came forward, clasped his fists and whispered: "Master Zhu Hou, if I have offended you in the past, please forgive me! From now on, I will serve under the Lord Zhu together with you. I hope you will forgive me regardless of the past grievances." Take care of me."

Zhu Xiu glanced at him sideways, cupped her hands and said with a smile: "General He, you are so polite. I have long forgotten those things in the past. From now on, you and I should live in harmony."

"Haha~ Master Zhu Hou is so refreshing!" He Hui was overjoyed. He took out two heavy little goldfish from his arms like a magic trick and stuffed them into Zhu Xiu's hands.

It was gold that was literally cast into the shape of a carp.

"A small gift is not a sign of respect!" He Hui's posture was extremely low.

Zhu Xiu weighed it and said with a smile: "General He is so polite!"

Seeing Zhu Xiu put away the little goldfish casually, He Hui secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He was really afraid that Zhu Xiu would hold on to the past grudges and refuse to make peace with him.

He Hui finally understood that Zhu Xiu's status in Chai Rong's mind was unique, and even Wang Pu, who was deeply admired and trusted by Chai Rong, could not compare with him.

He wanted to serve under Chai Rong safely, and he could not offend Zhu Xiu if he offended anyone.

Chai Rong went out freshly dressed, with a purple robe and jade crown. He was handsome, high-spirited and upright. He was really a great husband. "If I were a woman and saw my brother's appearance today, I'm afraid I would immediately bow down to his extraordinary magnanimity!" Zhu Xiu sighed exaggeratedly.

"Haha, let's go!" Chai Rong got on the horse.

Zhu Xiu also quickly got on his horse and followed, and the group headed towards Fu's mansion.

He Hui watched them go away, feeling sorry for the two little goldfish and spitting hard on the ground.

Chanzhou City is about a quarter of the size of Kaifeng City. The Fu Family Pavilion is located in the east of the city, near the city gate and far away from the military camp in the north of the city. The environment is relatively quiet on weekdays.

Zhu Xiu didn't know whether the Fu family had any business or property in Chanzhou, but with Fu's financial resources, he could buy anything without any pressure in any prefecture or county across the country.

So when Chai Rong took Zhu Xiu to a large house called Donghu Guanshe in the east of the city, Zhu Xiu was not surprised at all.

East Lake is a scenic spot in Chenzhou. It is said that the Fu family's ancestors once made their fortune here. Therefore, most of the Fu family's villas outside the main family home are named Donghu Guanshe.

"The Duke is here, please come quickly!" When the servants saw Chai Rong, they hurriedly opened the middle door with a smile and respectfully invited him in.

Chai Rong nodded to the old servant and said "Thank you".

He looked familiar, obviously he visited frequently.

Zhu Xiu winked and smiled meaningfully.

Chai Rong pretended to be calm and followed the old servant through the courtyard to the living room of the central house.

Two women wearing fine velvet cloaks walked quickly to greet them. After a closer look, they saw that it was Fu Jinzhan and Fu Jinhuan.

Zhu Xiu's heart skipped a beat, why is Mrs. Fu Er here?

"Haha, look, madam, who I brought here." Chai Rong cupped his hands and smiled.

Fu Jinzhan saw Zhu Xiu who was following Chai Rong from a distance, poking his head, and said with a joyful smile, "So it's Master Zhu, a rare guest!"

Fu Jinhuan followed his sister and saw Zhu Xiu sneaking around. Qiong's nose wrinkled and she snorted.

Zhu Xiu could only bite the bullet and step forward to greet her: "Zhu Xiu has seen Mrs. Fu! I haven't seen her before, but Mrs. Fu is still radiant and eye-catching like a pearl wherever she goes!"

Fu Jinzhan rolled his eyes at him, pursed his lips and said with a smile: "You are already the founding prince of the country, but your words are still so informal."

"No way!" Zhu Xiu pretended to be serious, "Everything I say comes from my sincerity. If you don't believe it, you can ask my prince."

Fu Jinzhan's beautiful eyes moved with expectation as he looked towards Chai Rong.

In front of everyone, Chai Rong was embarrassed to meet Fu Jinzhan's eyes, his eyes dodged and he said vaguely: ".Um.Indeed.Indeed."

With Chai Rong's upright character, it was really difficult for him to praise a woman's appearance in public. It was already quite difficult for him to agree with Zhu Xiu for a word or two.

Fu Jinzhan seemed to be smiling but not smiling, and his beautiful eyes were pressed tightly: "Oh? What the Lord said is true? Why have you never heard the Lord reveal it in the past few times? I thought that my appearance as a willow tree would be difficult for the Lord to distinguish me. "

"Ahem~" Chai Rong was speechless. Two clusters of blush slowly appeared on his bronze cheeks that were slightly rough due to the weather and the sun, and he cast a look at Zhu Xiu as if asking for help.

Zhu Xiu suppressed her laughter and said seriously: "Look at what the eldest lady said, if the eldest lady's appearance can only be regarded as the beauty of a willow, wouldn't the other women in the world have no face at all?"

Fu Jinzhanmei stared at him, put her arm around Fu Jinhuan's shoulders and said with a smirk, "What do you mean, my second sister is too ugly to be seen?"

Fu Jinhuan's small mouth was slightly bulging, and he stared angrily with a pair of black pearl-like eyes, as if if Zhu Xiu said a wrong word, he would pounce forward and bite him hard.

Zhu Xiu glanced at her, without any panic at all, and said emphatically: "The second lady and the eldest lady are both born from the same mother. They are connected by blood and have a deep sisterly love. It is not an exaggeration to say that you two are the same person.

Therefore, the 'other women' referred to in the following words naturally do not include the second lady.

You sisters are a pair of pearls. Only each other can reflect and complement each other, and together you can add brilliance to this world. "

The two women looked at each other. Fu Jinhuan pursed his lips slightly and hummed softly. Fu Jinzhan chuckled and said, "Master Zhu is still good at talking."

Zhu Xiu smiled slightly and felt relieved, having passed another level.

Chai Rong gave him a thumbs up while no one was paying attention.

"Please, both of you, this concubine brought some Yuezhou Duanlong tea, which are all new teas of this year. You are lucky."

Fu Jinzhansu invited her with her hands, and she and her sister Jin Huan stepped aside to give way.

"Thank you for your efforts." Chai Ronggong held his hands and went forward with Zhu Xiu.

Fu Jinhuan dragged his sister behind and muttered hesitantly: "Sister, I want to go back to Yunzhou"

"Why?" Fu Jinzhan asked in surprise. He looked at his sister and suddenly smiled: "Why, because of Zhu Xiu?"

Fu Jinhuan nodded, pouted and said, "I'm here to match you up with Duke Taiyuan. I never thought that Zhu Xiu would be with me. I don't want to talk to him."

Fu Jinzhan's face turned rosy and he spat: "Don't talk nonsense about matching or not! We haven't reached that stage yet."

Fu Jinhuan smiled and said: "Sister, you have to hold on tight. Now the Duke of Taiyuan has an unusual status, and there are a lot of people staring at him."

Fu Jinzhan nodded his sister's nose: "Eldest sister has her own concerns, so there's no need for you, a little girl, to worry about it. Speaking of you, why don't you want to talk to Zhu Xiu? At home, didn't you still talk about others and ask for help? I asked when he would come back from Jiangning? Why does he look so bad when he meets him now? "

Fu Jinhuan held his sister's arm, frowned, and said softly: "I could see it when we were in Jingzhou. He prefers Madam Lingyan. He met her earlier than me and has a closer relationship than me, so why should I get involved? ."

Fu Jinzhan patted his younger sister's hand: "Stupid girl, even if he likes Shi Lingyan more, it doesn't stop him from liking you. As long as he likes you, you can be successful. Men, hehe, it's all the same.
What matters is whether you like him or not. "

Fu Jinhuan hesitated, lowered his head shyly, and grabbed his sister's arm tightly.

"Be gentle, your new clothes are almost torn by you." Fu Jinzhan teased.

"Sister~" Fu Jinhuan's face turned red, and his nasal voice sounded like a petulant voice.

Fu Jinzhan said sternly: "Compared with Shi Lingyan, you have too many advantages. Zhu Xiu is a smart man and it is impossible not to know.

As long as you are brave and take that step, there is [-]% hope in this matter! "

Fu Jinhuan nodded thoughtfully, and suddenly said with a sweet smile: "If the eldest sister is braver and takes the initiative to find the Duke of Taiyuan to clarify the relationship, it won't be long before she becomes the Duke's wife!"

"Damn you, you dare to make fun of me?" Fu Jinzhan gently pinched the soft flesh of his sister's waist, and the two women were playing and laughing.

"Oh~ I'm different."

Suddenly, Fu Jinzhan sighed softly, "I have always married someone once. If he is really serious about it, there are some things that I can only let him say in person, so that he will not regret it in the future."

Fu Jinhuan looked at her distressedly, held her hand, and whispered: "Sister and Li Chongxun are not married, so there is no need to underestimate yourself."

Fu Jinzhan smiled bitterly and said, "No one would believe this kind of thing."

Fu Jinhuan knew that the eldest sister had a strong temper and no one could change her decision. If Taiyuan County Duke did not take the initiative to reveal his feelings, she would not take that step.

However, Taiyuan County Duke seems to be dull and passive when it comes to matters between men and women, so he can only hope that someone can give him guidance.

Fu Jinhuan's gaze fell on Zhu Xiu's back not far away, his beautiful eyes full of expectation and worry. He hoped that Zhu Xiu could guess the eldest sister's thoughts and give Taiyuan County Duke some good advice.
(End of this chapter)