The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 455: Different encounters in life

While talking, everyone walked to Daqing Gate.

Zhao Kuangyin, who was wearing armor, led a team of inner palace guards to stand by the road and salute.

Li Chongjin stopped, walked forward with his hands behind his hands, coughed dryly and said: "Zhao Yuhou is on duty today, is there anything unusual discovered?"

Zhao Kuangyin glanced at him, then lowered his head and said solemnly: "I have checked all the reports. Everything inside and outside Daqing Gate is fine today."

"Well~" Li Chongjin nodded, and changed the topic: "Daqing Gate is the front gate, and every day the court inspects hundreds of officials, and the affairs are complicated and hard. How about it, Zhao Yuhou will be transferred to Zuoyintai Gate in the future, here at Daqing Gate Just arrange for someone else.”

Zhao Kuangyin frowned slightly, and stood up straight: "If you dare to ask, you will be inspected. What mistakes did you make?"

Li Chongjin pretended to be surprised and said: "Why did Marquis Zhao Yu say this? Marquis Zhao Yu has done his duty well and has a well-known reputation for guarding the army in front of the palace. How can he make a mistake?"

Zhao Kuangyin said: "Since there is nothing wrong, why did you demote the humble position to Zuoyintai Gate?"

Li Chongjin said sternly: "It's not because of the heavy guarding tasks at Daqing Gate that I'm worried that Zhao Yuhou will not be able to bear it. And I heard that there was a funeral in Zhao Yuhou's family recently."

"In this humble position, I have to take care of everything at home, no matter how hard I work!" Zhao Kuangyin interrupted rudely, with a slightly colder tone, "As a humble position, I am on duty at Daqing Gate. If there is anything wrong, please check and deal with it in accordance with military regulations!"

Li Chongjin looked at him sideways, half-smiling but not smiling: "So, Zhao Yuhou doesn't appreciate it?"

Seeing that the two people were getting angry while talking, Zhu Xiu and Chai Rong quickly stepped forward to dissuade them.

Chai Rong pulled Li Chongjin for a moment and smoothed things over: "You have just taken office and are not very familiar with the arrangements of the various squads of forbidden troops in front of the palace. It is better to wait for a while before making adjustments."

Zhu Xiu also said with a smile: "We, Li Du, inspect the new officials and anxiously share the concerns of the officials after taking office. He is really a role model for me. It's just that the transfer of the palace gate guards is by no means a trivial matter. Let's wait for a while to get familiar with the situation."

Li Chongjin was obviously looking for trouble with Zhao Kuangyin. Zuoyintai Gate was the dividing line between the front and back dynasties in the palace, located inside Donghua Gate and close to Qingning Palace.

This gate is located in a remote location. On weekdays, only some palace residents come in and out. It is in a lower status in the palace's garrison system. Only some unpopular generals, or the Imperial Army generals who are temporarily arranged to make up the number, will be assigned. Go to the left silver platform gate to be on duty.

If Zhao Kuangyin was transferred from Daqing Gate, the former main gate, to Zuoyintai Gate, it would be tantamount to being demoted. It is no wonder that he would ignore Li Zhongjin's status as the new imperial capital and directly responded to Li Chong's face.

Anyone else would probably not be able to stand such a face-to-face provocation.

Li Chongjin still wanted to shout, but Zhang Yongde grabbed his arm and said calmly: "You are the only one who talks too much. Let's go and go to your house. We will burn white knives in one pot for each person tonight. You are not allowed to sleep until you finish drinking!"

Li Chongjin laughed loudly: "It's rare to have a hug with Zhang Zhang! Okay! I will drink with my brothers tonight!"

When walking past Zhao Kuangyin, Zhang Yongde did not forget to cast an apologetic look at him.

Zhang Yongde had no prejudice against Zhao Kuangyin, on the contrary, he admired him very much.

Back then in the Tianxiong Army, the two of them served together under Chai Rong and had already formed a friendship.

"Yuen Long, Zhongjin is a bastard. You don't want to be like him." Chai Rong said helplessly.

Zhao Kuangyin forced a smile, clasped his fists and said: "Jun Hou is serious, Du Dian Check is a sweet-tempered person, he has always been outspoken, and Bei Zhi will not take it to heart. It's just that Bei Zhi's past and Du Dian Check are a little unhappy, please Jun Hou help Bei Zhi Please intercede, please check and don’t cause trouble for me again.”

Chai Rong said hurriedly: "Don't worry, although Chongjin is a fool, he also knows the importance of the situation. He will never seek revenge for personal gain or make fun of the safety of the imperial army and the palace. If he causes trouble again for no reason, you can report it to me and let me know." "

"Thank you, Lord!" Zhao Kuangyin clasped his fists gratefully.

Zhu Xiu saluted and said, "We are already aware of Brother Zhao's family affairs, so please express our condolences."

Zhao Kuangyin's complexion was gloomy, and he sighed, "Perhaps it's because my son was not blessed enough to stay in this world for a long time."

Zhu Xiu consoled him: "Brother Zhao is a blessed man. He will definitely have descendants in the future. There is no need to rush."

Zhao Kuangyin said softly: "Thank you very much, dear brother."

Just as he was talking, a red-clothed eunuch ran up the palace corridor, waving and shouting: "Lord Zhu Hou, stay!"

Zhu Xiu looked back and felt that this person looked familiar. After thinking about it, he remembered that this was Zhang Gui, the eunuch who was close to Queen Mother Li.
"It turns out to be eunuch Zhang. I haven't seen him before. Are you okay?" Zhu Xiu hurriedly stepped forward to greet him.

Zhang Gui was panting, caressing his chest, bowed to Chai Rong and others, and then took Zhu Xiu and said: "I'm fine, my old servant! The Queen Mother has summoned me, Lord Zhu Hou, please come to the palace with me quickly!"

Zhu Xiu asked strangely: "How come the Queen Mother suddenly wants to see me?"

Zhang Gui snickered: "Have you heard about the recent joke about three families fighting for a son-in-law in Kaifeng City? I wanted to meet you specially to see how you, Lord Zhu, came back from Jiangning and gave birth to three heads and six arms. How could you attract the Fu family?" Mr. Feng will fight for your head!"

"Uh~" Zhu Xiu was speechless and muttered: "The Queen Mother also likes to chew her tongue~"

Zhang Gui gave him a serious slap, and said with a smile, "I dare not criticize the Queen Mother!"

Chai Rong said with a smile: "Since the Queen Mother has summoned him, Zhu Xiu should hurry up and follow Eunuch Zhang. Don't keep the Queen Mother waiting."

Unable to find a solution, Zhu Xiu could only apologize to everyone and follow Zhang Gui to the harem.

Chai Rong said to Zhao Kuangyin again: "In two days I will organize all the brothers to go hunting in the fall at the Yellow River ferry near Chenqiaoyi. You will come too then."

Zhao Kuangyin hesitated for a moment: "If you go to do all the inspections, it will still be a humble job."

Chai Rong waved his hand: "It doesn't matter, they are all our generals in the Great Zhou Dynasty, how can we hold on to some old grudges? Besides, you and Chongjin have no grudges that they can't let go of. When the time comes, Zhu Xiu and I will help you, so you guys can do your best After two drinks, no one is allowed to mention the past."

Zhao Kuangyin smiled bitterly and said: "Everything will be subject to the arrangements of the Lord."

Chai Rong encouraged him a few more words and walked out of Daqing Gate surrounded by civil and military officials.

Behind Zhao Kuangyin, a young principal with piercing eyes stepped forward and said angrily: "That Li Chongjin just now was really hateful, he was teasing his brother with his words!"

Zhao Kuangyin watched Chai Rong and his entourage go away and shouted: "Don't talk nonsense! Your temperament has always been like this, don't take it to heart."

The young principal muttered: "Everyone says that Li Chongjin is excellent in martial arts, but I, Shi Shouxin, refuse to accept it. If I have the chance, I should teach that guy a lesson!"

Zhao Kuangyin narrowed his eyes slightly and said in a low voice: "Don't say this kind of thing again in the future! Li Chongjin is now in charge of the inspection of the imperial capital, in charge of the imperial army in front of the palace, and he is also the nephew of an official. He has great military exploits. There are even rumors in the public that the official has Maybe make him your heir"

Shi Shouxin was taken aback: "Really? So, that Hei Si may become my successor?"

Zhao Kuangyin's expression was calm, showing no emotion or anger: "Who can predict what will happen in the future~"

Shi Shouxin opened his eyes wide and took a deep breath: "If the throne of Zhou Dynasty were passed to such a vulgar person, I don't know what kind of chaos the world would be like."

Zhao Kuangyin turned his head and looked towards the palace corridor, squinting slightly and saying nothing.

Shi Shouxin said with envy again: "That Lord Zhu is really amazing. He is younger than me, but he wears a red robe and steps into the ranks of high-ranking officials. He is brother to such prominent figures as Taiyuan County Duke, Li Du Checking, and Zhang Huima. , even the current prime minister was very polite to him."

Zhao Kuangyin chuckled and said: "Zhu Xiu is very comparable to others. His experience and abilities are legendary. If you compare with him, everyone in the world will be mediocre!"

Shi Shouxin said with longing eyes: "When will I be able to be so beautiful?"

Zhao Kuangyin's eyes were determined and he said in a low voice: "One day, our brothers will also be able to shine!"

Shi Shouxin nodded vigorously, he believed what Big Brother Zhao said unconditionally!
Zhao Kuangyin looked into the distance at the depths of the palace gate where Zhu Xiu and Zhang Gui disappeared, and tightened his grip on the handle of the knife at his waist.

I think of him, Zhao Yuanlang, who came from a family of generals and officials for generations. He had no worries about food and clothing since he was a child, and lived a comfortable life.He admitted that he had practiced martial arts since he was a child and studied the scriptures. Although he was born in a government office, he had never been contaminated by the bad habits of a child of an official.

Since he made up his mind to join the army and create his own world in these troubled times, Zhao Kuangyin never dared to slack off.

But now, Zhu Xiu, who is younger than him and whose family background is far inferior to his, has already been ranked among the fourth-grade high-ranking officials. His reputation is world-famous and highly valued by officials. Things can cause a stir in Kaifeng.

Zhao Kuangyin once thought that he was the best among the younger generation, and he was the top handful in both civil and military affairs.

But since he met Zhu Xiu and joined the Tianxiong Army, Zhao Kuangyin realized how shallow he was.

In terms of intelligence and talent, he is not as good as Zhu Xiu and Chai Rong.

In terms of martial arts, he can be compared with Zhang Yongde and Li Chongjin, but far from the top martial artists in the world such as Shi Yanchao and Shi Xiangwen.

Seeing Zhu Xiu's rise through the ranks, Zhao Kuangyin felt deeply frustrated.

Zhao Kuangyin had always been deeply grateful to Zhu Xiu for recommending him to defect to Chai Rong, and he also knew that a strange person like Zhu Xiu could not be compared with him.

But he was still a little unconvinced and unwilling to see that the little brother who used to be called a brother had already shown his prominence in the Great Zhou Dynasty Hall.

Today at the Daqing meeting, Zhu Xiu was chatting and laughing with all the distinguished ministers. In the Daqing Hall, he received the Jinkou Award from the official and was promoted to a high position.

But he could only stand at Daqing Gate to guard the palace gate, and was not even qualified to go to the palace.

When he thought of this, Zhao Kuangyin felt heavy pressure and a strong sense of urgency.

Zhao Kuangyin's deep eyes flashed with a bit of anxiety, but it was quickly replaced by determination.

He silently encouraged himself in his heart that one day, Zhao Kuangyin's time would finally come, and by then, he would shine brilliantly and shine in Jiuzhou!

~~~
A secluded and deserted palace in the northeast corner of the palace city is the Taiping Palace where Queen Mother Zhaosheng Li Sanniang lived.

It used to be a Taoist temple and temple. When Guo Wei founded the Zhou Dynasty on behalf of the Han Dynasty, Empress Dowager Li voluntarily moved here and stayed with the green lanterns and yellow scrolls all day long.

Guo Wei ordered that the palace be renamed the Taiping Palace, and several surrounding side palaces were merged into it to form a relatively independent and closed palace garden to prevent outside affairs from disturbing Empress Dowager Li.

In the past two years, Empress Dowager Li had not taken a step outside the palace. The last time Zhu Xiu saw her was more than two years ago, when Guo Wei first took charge of the palace.

Beside the palace gate, a young eunuch of fourteen or fifteen years old with a delicate appearance had been waiting for a long time. When he saw Zhu Xiu and Zhang Gui approaching from a distance, he quickly trotted forward to greet them.

"My child pays homage to his adoptive father, and pays homage to Mr. Zhu!" The little eunuch kneeled down and saluted tactfully.

Zhang Gui signaled him to stand up and said with a smile: "This is the new adopted son of the Za family. His real surname is Wang. Now he has adopted the Za family's surname of Zhang and is named Dejun."

The little eunuch Zhang Dejun obediently stood beside Zhang Gui, secretly looking at Zhu Xiu.

It was normal for a palace eunuch to accept an adopted son. Zhu Xiu didn't think much about it. He took out two silver beans from his purse and stuffed them into Zhang Dejun's hand.

Zhang Dejun was overjoyed. He held the silver beans and knelt down and kowtowed: "I thank Lord Zhu for the reward!"

Zhang Gui smiled and said: "Master Zhu Hou is really particular about people. Silver beans like this are rare in Kaifeng."

Zhu Xiu said with a smile: "Of course, the lower official must take special care of eunuch Zhang's adopted son."

"Haha~" Zhang Gui pointed at him and laughed happily.

Zhu Xiu felt that the name Zhang Dejun sounded familiar, so he looked him up and down and said, "Looking at the accent, are you from Guanzhong?"

Zhang Dejun hurriedly bowed and said: "Returning to Mr. Zhu Hou, the villain is from Shaanzhou. When he was seven years old, he lived in Kaifeng and went to the palace."

Zhang Gui sighed softly: "This boy is also a pitiful man. He entered the palace and was assigned to work as a miscellaneous person in the palace bureau. He was young, had no one to rely on, and was often bullied.

You see he looks fair and clean, but a bunch of pickled beasts in Yeting try their best to torture him.

The Za family accidentally went to Yeting last year and couldn't stand it, so they asked someone to bring him to the Taiping Palace. "

Zhang Dejun lowered his head, his fair face showing a bit of feminine delicacy, but Zhu Xiu saw deep hatred in his fleeting eyes.

In a daze, Zhu Xiu remembered something.

Historically, during the Later Zhou Dynasty, there was indeed an eunuch named Zhang Dejun in the court.

By the time of the founding of Zhao and Song Dynasties, this person had a more famous name - Wang Jien.

Could it be that the great eunuch in the early days of the Northern Song Dynasty was the delicate and delicate young eunuch in front of him?
Zhu Xiu burst out laughing, what a coincidence!

If that were the case, things would be interesting.

Wang Jien in history was not a simple figure.

Suddenly, Zhu Xiu became very interested in the handsome little eunuch in front of her and stared at him.

Zhang Dejun's face turned red at the sight. He had only seen this kind of look from the old men in Yetingli.

Could it be that this Lord Zhu is also
Zhang Gui was also startled and pulled Zhang Dejun behind him vigilantly.

Zhu Xiu rolled his eyes, knowing that the two of them misunderstood him, so he didn't explain, and smiled: "Concubine De is seriously ill, and there is no one in the harem to take care of her, and even the ghosts and snakes in the palace are not restrained, making the big harem smoky and smoky. I will definitely report the matter to the officials and ask them to issue an order to investigate the harem and suppress these unhealthy tendencies."

Zhang Gui was a little suspicious: "What does Mr. Zhu Hou mean?"

Zhu Xiu pointed at Zhang Dejun: "You have lived in the palace bureau for many years and are most familiar with the situation there. I will trouble you to point out the situation and assist Princess Shou'an in reorganizing the harem."

"Princess Shou'an?" Zhang Gui and his son looked at each other.

"Princess Shou'an is currently taking care of Concubine De in the harem, so it would be most appropriate for her to step in and handle this matter." Zhu Xiu said with a smile.

Zhang Dejun immediately understood that Zhu Xiu was giving him a chance for revenge!

Ask him to assist Princess Shou'an in reorganizing the harem. Those old scoundrels who have bullied him in the palace can still do whatever they want to do!

Zhang Dejun's eyes were red with excitement, and his tears could not stop flowing. He knelt down heavily on the ground and choked with sobs: "Master Zhu Hou has been so kind, and I can't repay this slave by dying!"

Zhang Gui also sighed and said, "I didn't want to trouble Master Zhu Hou, but some beasts in the harem are so abominable that they have to be punished.

The old slave spoke softly. After leaving the Taiping Palace, no one would take a high look, so he could only ask Lord Zhu to take action. "

Zhang Gui touched Zhang Dejun's head and said softly: "You are lucky. If you meet Mr. Zhu, your adoptive father will not be able to help you avenge him. Mr. Zhu has great hands and eyes, and he will definitely help you teach those beasts a lesson."

Zhang Dejun nodded vigorously, wiped his tears, and said in a hoarse voice: "I will definitely repay Lord Zhu with my life in the future!"

Zhu Xiu patted him on the shoulder and said with a smile: "You only have one life, keep it well. If you have the opportunity in the future, you might as well come to my mansion more often."

(End of this chapter)