The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 469 The fourth sister raised her hand

Zhu Xiu has been very busy recently and has been away from home for several days.

It's not that I'm completely busy with the Firearms Supervision and the Information Office, but there have been too many posthumous gifts and ceremonies from the court recently.

Some of these sacrificial activities can find excuses to escape, while others cannot avoid them.

For example, Guo Wei decreed that his aunt should be named the Lady of Chu, Li Chongjin's mother should be named, and the late fourth sister of the emperor should be named Princess Fuqing.

Originally, this matter had nothing to do with Zhu Xiu, but Guo Weishun organized a series of grand memorial activities, including sacrifices for all the ancestors of the Guo family, the Xian Kao concubine, and the royal relatives such as the fourth sister and aunt.

The most outrageous thing is that Uncle Guo didn't know where he was in the wrong place. He named Zhu Xiu and asked him to accompany the festival from beginning to end.
So Zhu Xiu, a man with a foreign surname, followed Chai Rong, Li Chongjin, Zhang Yongde, Guo Qing and other relatives of the emperor to offer incense and kowtow to the ancestors of the old Guo family one by one.
Accompanying the royal family in sacrifices is not an ordinary honor. As soon as the news came out, the whole court was in an uproar, and everyone was envious of Zhu Xiu's royal family member Youlong.

Poor Zhu Xiu ignored a lot of matters of the Firearms Supervision and Information Bureau, and went to the Huangling Ancestral Temple in Xinzheng County to accompany Guo Wei for five days.

The most exasperating time was when Guo Wei summoned him when he returned to Kaifeng. Zhu Xiu originally thought that he would try his best to say "Thank you for your hard work" and then give yourself two days off to give yourself a chance to have a good rest.

Unexpectedly, Guo Wei told him very seriously that he had wasted a lot of time in the past few days when he came to the imperial mausoleum to offer sacrifices. He must not let go of the affairs of the Information Agency and the Firearms Supervision Bureau. He asked him to step up and write a summary of each and submit it within three days. , summarize the gains and losses of the two newly established yamen during this period.

Zhu Xiu almost vomited blood on the spot.

It was you who had to drag me to the Xinzheng Imperial Mausoleum to kowtow for five days!

Why do you still use a blaming tone to supervise the work?Do you dislike the slow progress of the work of the two yamen?
Zhu Xiu wanted to cry but had no tears.

Uncle Guo is becoming more and more unreasonable.

After returning to Kaifeng, Zhu Xiu didn't even bother to return home. He went to the Firearms Supervision Bureau and went back and forth between the Firearms Supervision Bureau and the Information Office all day long. He worked until mid-September before he finally straightened out the affairs of the two yamen.

I returned home after nearly a month, and it was already September [-]th.

His mother, Wu Youdi, went to the Taiping Palace to chat with Empress Dowager Li. His eldest brother, Zhu Wu, followed Li Zhong into the Yongfeng Warehouse in Luocheng to check and reserve military rations. Zhu Liang and Zhu Fang went to a high-end private school on Beijitang Street to take enlightenment classes. Even Yang Qiaolian also I got to know a few official women who lived nearby and invited them to go shopping and listen to music.

For a while, the house was quiet and quiet, and Zhu Xiu was not used to it.

Meimei took a bath to wash away her tiredness. Zhu Xiu lay comfortably in the courtyard of the back house, enjoying this rare peace.

Ma Qing brought a plate of washed grapes, and Zhu Xiu stuffed them into her mouth.

"Is there anything special happening at home recently?" Zhu Xiu asked lazily.

Ma Qing hesitated for a moment, "Mrs. Zhou recently moved to Guanyin Yuan and only comes back when the old lady returns home, but she stays less than two hours at a time. I wonder if this is something special?"

Zhu Xiu opened her eyelids: "Why would she think of moving to Guanyin Yuan?"

Ma Qing hurriedly said: "I don't know, but I always see Mrs. Zhou wearing a gray monk's robe, with her hair tied up and a monk's hat. The Marquis previously told her to let her go as long as her life is not in danger, and don't disturb her, so I People didn’t pay much attention.”

Zhu Xiu's eyes widened, and she had a bad feeling. Could it be that this girl couldn't bear to think about cutting off her hair and becoming a nun?
"But the Guanyin Yuan on the edge of the Bian River, close to the Lushi Lane?"

"Exactly!"

"Quickly, let me go!"

Bringing a team of people with him, Zhu Xiu rushed to Guanyinyuan in a hurry.

Two soldiers in bright armor were guarding the entrance of the temple. They stopped Zhu Xiu as soon as he saw him.

"Which army are you from? Whose orders are you taking to guard the temple?" Zhu Xiuhe asked.

"Returning to Lord Zhu, we are from Princess Shouan's Mansion, and we are here to guard Guanyin Yuan under the orders of the princess!
The princess ordered that if Mr. Zhu comes to see you, he will be turned away. If Mr. Zhu has something to do, go to the princess's house. Her Royal Highness will give you an explanation! "

Zhu Xiu's face was full of astonishment. When did Guo Qing get involved?

Ma Qing whispered in his ear: "Princess Shou'an often came to Guanyin Yuan half a month ago. At that time, I thought that the princess and Madam Zhou just happened to meet each other. Now it seems that the two have clearly made an appointment to get together at Guanyin Yuan."

Zhu Xiu gritted her teeth and was annoyed. Could it be that Guo Qing instigated Zhou Xian to come to Guanyin Temple to become a nun?

"Let's go to the princess mansion!"

When we arrived at the Princess Mansion, Zhang Yongde happened to be at home today, and the couple were sitting in the garden pavilion playing chess, looking like they were peaceful and comfortable as time passed.

"Brother Zhang! Brother Zhang! Your wife instigates the female family members in my house to become nuns, do you care about this?"

Before anyone arrived, Zhu Xiu's shouts could be heard far across the garden.

Guo Qing caressed his belly with both hands and glanced out of the pavilion in annoyance.

With a smile on his face, Zhang Yongde continued to advance his knights and troops, concentrating entirely on the chessboard.

When Zhu Xiu saw that the couple was deliberately leaving him aside, he said angrily: "You two are bullying me! I'm going to the palace to complain!"

Zhang Yongde ended the game with a neat afterthought, clasping his fists and smiling: "Princess, I accept the concession!"

Guo Qing returned the look with affection: "My prince-in-law's chess skills have improved again. You can go to the palace to report to your father the pain of the last rook!"

Zhang Yongde said modestly: "The official family is a master of chess, and I am still far behind."

The couple looked at each other and smiled, completely ignoring Zhu Xiu outside the pavilion.

Zhu Xiu was not polite and rushed directly into the pavilion, messed up the chessboard and sat down angrily.

Zhang Yongde picked up the teacup and shook his head: "You have no shame to come to collect the bill, it seems that you can't have fun with the princess today."

Guo Qing glanced sideways, suppressed a smile and scolded: "Did you hear that? What about you! If you don't serve the government well, why did you come to my house?"

Zhu Xiu knew that she knew what she was asking, so he was very angry: "Fourth sister has made my house uneasy, so of course my little brother will come to ask for answers!"

Guo Qing laughed and said, "Tell me, where do you start with this?"

Zhu Xiu said angrily: "You instigated my wife Zhou to move to Guanyin Yuan and become a nun!"

Guo Qingdao: "Sister Ehuang moved into Guanyin Yuan of her own free will. How can you say it was me who instigated it? Moreover, the master of the courtyard only accepted her as a nominal disciple, and officially ordained her as a monk. You came here and made a fuss without knowing it. This princess hasn’t settled the score with you yet!”

Zhu Xiu said loudly: "I don't care! Anyway, Mrs. Zhou doesn't want to go back to the Hou Mansion now. She must have been instigated by the fourth sister! You help me persuade her to go back, otherwise I will stay at your house and not leave!"

Zhang Yongde glanced at him sideways and said disdainfully: "What, you want to be a rogue? If you don't return to the Firearms Prison for one day, let's see how the officials deal with you!"
The Firearms Supervisor has just received the mission of five hundred thunderbolts. If you can't get them all before next spring, prepare to go boating and fishing on Dengzhou Temple Island! "

Zhu Xiu glared with anger and said aggrievedly: "But your wife interfered in my family affairs, which made my house uneasy and made me unintentional to work. It also disturbed the morale of the army!"

"Yo yo yo~ What a big hat, I don't dare to wear it!" Guo Qing said with sarcasm on his face.

Zhang Yongde put down the tea cup and sneered: "What a rogue, he really knows how to shirk responsibility!"

After saying that, the couple looked at each other and couldn't help laughing.

"You, you~" Zhu Xiu was angry and anxious. The two of them were clearly teasing him.

"Look at this boy's face turned crooked with anger. Princess, it's better to talk to him carefully, lest this boy lose his mind and delay the court's business!" Zhang Yongde glanced at him with disdain.

Guo Qing said with a smile: "Zhu Xiu, it seems that you really like Mrs. Zhou?"

Zhu Xiu said angrily: "If you don't like her, why should I bother to take her to Kaifeng?"

Zhang Yongde curled his lips and said: "Flattery, deceit and deceit, any other woman would never pay attention to you, a heartless person like you!"

Zhu Xiu was a little ashamed and angry, but also knew that it was difficult to defend his fault.

This was one of the few things he couldn't defend.

Guo Qing snorted coldly: "It's precisely because Mrs. Zhou can't let go of her affection for you that she gets stuck in it and feels even more painful.

If this continues, she will drive herself crazy!

I let her live in Guanyin Yuan just to let her think clearly in a different environment and calm down, and to give you and her a chance to choose. "

Zhu Xiu said suspiciously: "Seriously? Didn't Fourth Sister want to break us up?"

Guo Qing rolled his eyes: "If we really tear you apart, why don't you kid tear down my princess mansion?"

Zhu Xiu said worriedly: "But I'm worried. What if she can't think about it and wants to enter Buddhism?"

Guo Qing covered his mouth and yawned: "Don't worry, I have already said hello to the master of the hospital, Mrs. Zhou, and asked her to enlighten Mrs. Zhou more, to persuade her to look away, put down her stubbornness, and reconcile with you as soon as possible.

If Mrs. Zhou insists on cutting off her hair, the master of the courtyard will inform me in advance and will not make the decision without permission. "

Zhu Xiu was overjoyed: "It turns out that the fourth sister always thinks about her little brother and has already arranged everything secretly!"

"Hmph~ Now you know how to miss me?"

Guo Qing scoffed and couldn't help but poked Zhu Xiu on the forehead, "If it were anyone else, I would have advised Madam Zhou to sever the relationship with him! That's you, Zhu Xiu, asking me to lay down my skin and help you coax women. !"

"Hehe~ The fourth sister is really my younger brother's sister!" Zhu Xiu quickly bowed and thanked her.

Then he pointed at Zhang Yongde and said with a strange smile: "If one day the fourth sister doesn't want this guy, just say something and I will help you find a beautiful husband with both talent and appearance!"

Guo Qing was startled and laughed so hard that his branches trembled.

Zhang Yongde's old-fashioned face showed a rare expression of shame and anger, and he glared at him with murderous eyes.

Zhu Xiu curled her lips and snorted, "Who told you to make fun of me with your sarcasm just now?"
Zhu Xiu glanced at Guo Qing's belly and said with regret: "It's a pity that the fourth sister is pregnant. I'm afraid I won't be able to get rid of someone~"

Guo Qing's cheeks were slightly red, and he hit him angrily: "Shut up! You are the only one who is smart!"

Zhu Xiu took the opportunity to cup his hands and said: "Congratulations to the princess and the consort on their son!"

Guo Qing caressed his belly gently, his face full of motherly glory: "I don't know if I'm a girl or a boy yet."

Zhang Yongde said softly: "As long as the princess and the child are safe, I like them regardless of gender."

The couple held each other's hands, not caring that there was an extra person beside them.

"The fourth sister and Brother Zhang are so loving as a married couple, they are the envy of others!" Zhu Xiu expressed her heartfelt blessing and emotion.

Guo Qing joked: "When you get married, there will be many women in your family. It depends on whether you can handle them."

Zhang Yongde said calmly: "Don't let your family be turned upside down and come to us crying again."

Zhu Xiu could only smile and couldn't say anything to refute.

Guo Qing thought of something and said sternly: "In my opinion, Mrs. Zhou has a deep affection for you. You must not let her down. After some time, she has figured it out. I will arrange for you to meet and you can admit your mistake." , it would be nice if you say something considerate and considerate, and you can coax her more."

Zhu Xiu said gratefully: "Fourth sister's teaching, younger brother will always remember it in my heart!"

After dinner at the Princess Mansion, Zhu Xiucai said goodbye and left.

Wu Youdi came back from the Taiping Palace the next day. Zhu Xiu originally wanted to wait until noon to see Zhou Xian when he came back, but the Information Office was pressing for manuscripts, so he had no choice but to take the first step.

This trip was another busy few days in a row.
~~~
On this day, Wang Jun was in the front hall of the Founding Palace of Anyang County to receive the newly promoted Weiwei generals Chen Sirang and Kang Yanzhao.

These two men had previously served in the army in Jinzhou. When Wang Jun led his army to Jinyang, they served as formation commanders under Wang Jun. Because of their meritorious service and Wang Jun's strong recommendation, they returned to the court and were granted the title of General Weiwei of the fourth rank. .

The two of them were very grateful to Wang Jun. Without his support, they would not have been able to rise from unknown officers in the feudal town to generals of the Twelve Guards.

Wang Jun also naturally regarded the two as disciples.

Since he was promoted to prime minister, Wang Jun has become more arrogant and arrogant, and he has never forgotten to intervene in government affairs and personnel changes.

Not long ago, Wang Jun found an excuse to demand the dismissal of Fan Zhi, who was also the prime minister, but Guo Wei opposed it. The monarch and his ministers had a quarrel and broke up unhappy.

A few days later, Wang Jun submitted his resignation and submitted three memorials, all of which were rejected by Guo Wei.

Wang Jun asked for leave for a few days due to illness, and Guo Wei also issued an order to comfort him and sent an imperial physician to his residence for diagnosis and treatment.

As a result, Wang Jun believed that the emperor could not live without him, so he pretended to accuse him. The emperor and his ministers took advantage of the situation to make peace, and Wang Jun returned to the court and continued to govern.

Wang Jun has seniority and has the ability to follow the dragon. Through the battle of Jinzhou, he also expanded his sphere of influence into the army.

Nowadays, there are quite a number of officials and generals in the court, imperial army, and vassal towns in various places who have been promoted by Wang Jun.

This feeling of full-fledged wings often gave Wang Jun the illusion that he had all the power in the world, and even the emperor had to rely on him.

But whenever he wanted to control the government according to his own wishes, he could still feel an invisible constraining force.

He knew that it was the restriction imposed on him by Emperor Guo Wei.

Sometimes Wang Jun secretly fantasizes, if he can get rid of this constraint, can he take another step forward?
The position of supreme being in the world seems not far away for him.

Wang Jun knew that his weak point was the army, and he still did not have enough control over the imperial army and the vassal towns all over the world.

Except for leading troops to lift the siege of Jinzhou last year, his military exploits are actually not too rich.

This resulted in his limited influence in the military.

Even as a privy envoy, he could not command the troops as a prime minister and combine military and political power like Guo Wei in the past.

If your prestige and military achievements are not enough, you can only make up for it by promoting your confidants.

Kang Yanzhao and Chen Sirang were his biggest gains from the Jinzhou War.

(End of this chapter)