The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 512 The old man teaches you how to be a good person
Three days later, there was a wasteland near the Guan Temple in the northwest of Luocheng, Kaifeng.

Zhu Xiu turned over and dismounted. There was muddy ground under his feet. Within a few steps, his feet were covered with mud.

Luocheng is the outer city of Kaifeng. It was built less than a year ago. Most of the area is still farmland and wasteland with few people.

"Master Hou, please slow down~" Ma Qing led the way, "In Kaifeng City, the activities of the Zangfeng Camp and the Police Department do not dare to be too public. The villain learned the whereabouts of Old Eunuch Li's nephew from the Wude Department. They Relying on the government will make things easier."

Bi Zhenhai and Zhang De, who had been waiting for a long time, stepped forward to salute.

After walking a few more steps, Zhu Xiu suddenly smelled a foul smell and hurriedly covered her mouth and nose.

"Is this Old Eunuch Li's nephew?"

Zhu Xiu looked at a dead body in the pit that was severely deformed and showing signs of decay.

Bi Zhenhai said: "Based on the reports, it shouldn't be wrong! After inspection by my subordinates, this man was killed with one knife and his heart was stabbed all over. It was done by a master!"

Zhu Xiu looked around. It was a large open wasteland with a forest to the north. In the distance, he could vaguely see the newly built rammed earth wall of Luocheng.

Judging from the location, it is a good place to kill people and dump their bodies.

"Did Zhao Kuangyin do it?" Zhu Xiu asked.

Ma Qing hurriedly said: "According to the investigation, the perpetrator was Han Chongyun! A few days before and after the death of old eunuch Li, Han Chongyun often went in and out of Jinming Restaurant and met with the Zhao brothers! The prosecutor of the Police Department deduced the time of death, then Han Chongyun will be active in Luocheng in the next few days!"

Zhang Dejun said: "There seems to be members of the Zhao family in Jinming Restaurant. Zhao Kuangyi often entertains people from the palace there."

Zhu Xiu frowned. Han Chongyun was demoted to a soldier of the Forbidden Army. After that, his relationship with the Zhao brothers became closer and closer.

"Hateful! Once Eunuch Li's nephew dies, there will be no more witnesses in the world who can prove that the Zhao brothers murdered the Queen Mother!"

Zhang Dejun said annoyed.

Zhu Xiu was silent. Zhao Da and Zhao Er's decisive and ruthless methods made him a little frightened.

Old eunuch Li was poisoned to death inexplicably in the palace, and his nephew was killed in the suburbs. So far, it seems that the Zhao brothers did a perfect job. If it were him, the result would not be much better.

This shows that the Zhao family has many minions and intricate connections both inside and outside the palace.

There were some things that Zhu Xiu couldn't say, so as not to hurt Zhang Dejun's heart.

Even if witnesses are found, it will not be possible to prove the Zhao brothers' guilt.

Accusing them of murdering the Queen Mother seems unbelievable, after all, there is no connection between the two on the surface.

Back then Zhao Kuangyin spied on the emperor's talisman, but now no one knows about it, no one can prove it, and no one will believe it.

Unless Empress Dowager Li and Zhang Gui leave evidence before their death, this can only be an unsolved case.

Zhu Xiu patted Zhang Dejun on the shoulder: "Don't be discouraged, whether we can find witnesses or not, it will not prevent us from seeking justice for the Queen Mother and Zhang Neishi!"

Zhang Dejun cheered up and said: "Master Hou, don't worry, this servant will never forget the scene where the queen mother was smothered to death, and the adoptive father was strangled to death! If you don't take revenge, you will never feel at ease in this life!"

Zhu Xiudao: "I don't know how many hidden forces the Zhao family has. It's a surprise. You don't want to come to the Hou's house again in the future. I will ask Ma Qing to teach you a secret method, which will be useful for future contacts."

Zhang Dejun's face was full of curiosity. Ma Qing pulled him aside with a smile and muttered something.

What Ma Qing taught him was the special secret book communication method between Zangfeng Camp and the Department of Justice. Numbers and alphabetical symbols were combined into a specific arrangement, corresponding to different common words. It was changed every quarter. The secret book was only in the hands of a few people. They are all old subordinates who followed Zhu Xiu from Jingzhou.

This method, except for Zhu Xiu's close friends, probably no one can decipher it.

After burying the body, Zhu Xiu led the people back to the mansion. Zhang Dejun had a general understanding of the methods taught by Ma Qing, and he was so impressed that Zhu Xiu taught them by hand.

Zhang Dejun is smart, but it is still difficult to master the secret book in a short time. Zhu Xiu asked him to leave the palace every few days and be trained by Ma Qing himself.

Now that he has made up his mind to compete in the great changes that will happen in a few years, the movements of the Zhao brothers are a top priority for Zhu Xiu.

And Zhang Dejun is the most critical link.

In terms of personal relationships, he was the adopted son of Zhang Gui, and he had met Zhu Xiu early through Zhang Gui's introduction. Zhu Xiu had also been deliberately wooing him. The two were not much different in age, but Zhang Dejun respected Zhu Xiu very much.

The misfortune that befell Empress Dowager Li and Zhang Gui pushed Zhang Dejun completely against the Zhao brothers.

Even without Zhu Xiu's instigation, he would voluntarily lurk around the Zhao family.

Personal relationships aside, Zhang Dejun is a smart man.

He had no one to rely on and could only rely on Zhu Xiu.

He is the adopted son of Zhang Gui. Once the Zhao family discovers his identity in the future, it is impossible to spare him.

Due to emotion and reason, Zhu Xiu believed that she could repay Zhang Dejun with the greatest trust.

Another half month later, since King Chai Rong of Jin came to supervise the affairs of the country, nothing major happened in the court.

Guo Wei has reached the end of his life and relies on the Imperial Medical Office to find ways to stay alive. His mental state is good and bad. When he is good, he can stand up and take two shaky steps, and when he is bad, he is unconscious.

On this day at Feng Dao's house, Zhu Xiu brought a large group of people to deliver gifts with great fanfare. Needless to say, the purpose was.

In the front hall, Zhu Xiu and Feng Dao sat as guests and hosts, while Feng Ping, Feng's eldest son, sat silently beside them.

Feng Dao glanced outside the hall, where the servants were busy counting the gift lists sent by Zhu Xiu, and snorted softly.

Zhu Xiu smiled and said: "Mr. Feng, if you have anything else to ask for, feel free to ask for it! If you can do it, I won't hesitate!"

Feng Dao sneered: "I want you to be a wife, can you do it?"

Zhu Xiudao: "There is only one main wife, so my old husband is a bit pushy."

Feng Dao put down the tea cup and said displeasedly: "You want to take my granddaughter as your concubine. Isn't this something that is difficult for someone to do?"

Zhu Xiu said sarcastically: "To be precise, my identity as a concubine is much more valuable than the concubine I bought."

"You!" Feng Dao was so angry that he blew his beard and stared.

Feng Ping, who was silent, suddenly sighed: "The Feng family can be regarded as officials for generations, and Qingchan is the legitimate daughter. Is it unfair to the Feng family that Lord Zhu accepts her by force?"

Zhu Xiu smiled bitterly, he did not do this properly.

But there was nothing that could be done, Fu Jinhuan came through the door first, and the three aunts and six wives were getting married, and the identity of the main wife was determined.

Feng Qingchan thought about going out, but she could only lower her head.

This is related to the orderliness of the Hou family and the Fu family's face. At the most serious level, it is a matter of national law and public order!

Zhu Xiu got up and bowed, and said sincerely: "Old Master, Uncle, please rest assured, Chan'er and I are in love with each other, even if she passes as a concubine, Zhu Xiu will never treat her harshly! Old Master and I have known each other for many years , and also knows that my character is definitely not a callous person, and I will treat everyone equally when entering my Zhu family!"

Feng Dao said sarcastically: "You are not ruthless, but you are too sentimental and greedy and lustful!"

Zhu Xiu smiled apologetically and did not dare to refute, so she could only bend down further: "I beg my husband and uncle to help me!"

Feng Ping's eyes turned red and he just sighed and said nothing.

Feng Dao stared at Zhu Xiu for a while and said to Feng Ping: "Dalang, you go out first."

Feng Ping responded obediently, bowed respectfully and walked out of the hall.

Feng Dao stroked his beard and said quietly: "You should know what our Feng family needs." Zhu Xiu smiled and said: "I can naturally guess what my old husband is thinking. Don't worry, Chan'er will marry me, Feng Dao said with a smile. Jiazhu’s furniture is one, so if anything happens to the Feng family in the future, I will naturally do my best to take care of it!"

Feng Dao's vicissitudes of life narrowed his eyes: "Seriously?"

Zhu Xiu solemnly said: "This is an oath!"

Feng Dao looked at him deeply, pondered for a moment, and said slowly: "The officialdom is getting closer, the King of Jin will succeed to the throne, and the Great Zhou Dynasty will soon welcome a new king. Naturally, there will be a different scene above the court."

Zhu Xiu nodded and listened respectfully.

"Your current official position is not low, and you are deeply favored by the officials and the King of Jin. You will definitely have unlimited glory in the new dynasty.

You have always shown others your talent in literature and your uncanny skills, but your military exploits are far behind. If you want to gain a foothold in the court, you must have outstanding military exploits!

This is the foundation of the great Zhou Dynasty, and it is also the only way for those who can achieve great things in troubled times!
Whether it is for the emperor, for the Great Zhou Dynasty, or for yourself, military merit and military power are indispensable!

Do you understand what I mean? "

Zhu Xiu bowed solemnly: "Thank you, old husband, for your teachings. I will keep them in my heart!"

Feng Dao looked at him meaningfully: "Your mind is certainly not bad. If you can gain a foothold in the military and seize military power, I am really looking forward to seeing how far you can go!"

Zhu Xiu's heart trembled, she just felt that she was being seen through.

Could this old fox have become a spirit?Even his deepest thoughts were seen?
Suddenly, Feng Dao took a step forward and whispered in his ear: "But you must not think that you are the only smart person in the world! The King of Jin is an immortal hero. If he is in power for a day, you should be careful. Your duty! Otherwise, you will be overthrown!"

Zhu Xiu's eyes suddenly shrank, and cold sweat soaked her whole body!
He looked at Feng Dao's old eyes and felt that they were extremely profound.

The black eyes like ancient wells reflected his shocked face, and his head went blank at that moment.

Feng Ping hurried over and stood outside the hall and said: "Father, King Jin is here!"

Feng Dao twisted his beard and smiled, and walked out of the hall like a normal person: "Hurry, come and greet your father!"

Zhu Xiu swallowed her dry throat, wiped the cold sweat from her forehead, came to her senses, and hurriedly followed.

Chai Rong was dressed in a purple brocade robe with long sleeves, and the skirt was embroidered with golden chi kisses. In addition to his extraordinary bearing, he looked even more noble and majestic.

Everyone bowed, Feng Dao saluted and said, "I wonder why Your Highness has the time to come to my residence?"

Chai Rong pointed at Zhu Xiu and said with a hearty smile: "I'm not here for Lord Zhu Hou's happy event."

Zhu Xiu grinned. It seemed that Chai Rong had not forgotten what he promised him in Suzhou.

Chai Rong took Feng Dao's hand: "Old husband, since the man is in love and the woman is interested, why do you care about those false names? I came here today just to be a matchmaker for Zhu Xiu! Whether you marry or not, you will always watch. manage!"

Feng Dao rolled his eyes in his heart and glared at Zhu Xiu fiercely.

Feng Ping even had a wry smile on his face.

The King of Jin came in person and talked about this. How dare the Feng family refuse?

Zhu Xiu had no choice but to smile and apologize.

Chai Rong did not forget to wink at Zhu Xiu, as if to say, I have done what I promised you, and I will help you to say good things to the princess in the future.

Feng Dao pretended to hesitate, and after a long while he let out a long sigh: "It is our Feng family's honor that the King of Jin personally protects the matchmaker! In this case, I would like to ask the King of Jin to give me a lucky date and let my granddaughter come to visit me."

"Haha! Okay!" Chai Rong was very happy, "Next month the court will hold a memorial ceremony in the southern suburbs. You and Zhu Xiu are too busy, so just leave it in the twelfth lunar month and let Si Tianjian calculate the days and notify you two!"

Everyone bowed in obeisance: "Thank you, Your Highness, for your kindness!"

Zhu Xiu knelt behind and could clearly see the corners of Feng Dao's mouth curved up, smiling proudly.

This old fox had obviously agreed to marry Feng Qingchan to him, but he pretended to take advantage of King Jin and earn a favor in vain.

A favor from the future emperor of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

Compared with this old man, Zhu Xiu suddenly felt that he was too stupid and naive.
After staying at Feng's house for a banquet, Chai Rong returned to the palace to visit Guo Wei, while Zhu Xiu took a car back to his house.

On the way, he kept thinking about what Feng Dao said to him today.

The reputation of a veteran of the Ten Dynasties is well-deserved. This ability to see into people's hearts alone is enough for Zhu Xiu to learn from him for a lifetime.

Fortunately, the person who sensed his thoughts was Feng Dao. Ever since the war broke out in Kaifeng that year, he accidentally rescued Feng Qingchan and brought Feng Dao to see Guo Wei. This old man has always kept close to him no matter in court or in private. consistent relationship.

In the eyes of outsiders, Zhu Xiu is half a student of Feng Dao. The young and old are highly consistent in terms of political opinions, concepts, and interests.

Old man Feng often stood up for him, and relying on Zhu Xiu, the Feng family also benefited a lot, especially in terms of private property, it became a lot richer.

Old man Feng knew very well that he was only in the past, and young talents like Zhu Xiu represented the future.

Now that Zhu and Feng are married, Zhu Xiu is Feng Dao's grandson-in-law. Both families will prosper and suffer.

Unlike the Fu family, the Feng family has fame but no real power. Under Feng Dao, there is no one who takes the lead among the men.

From this aspect, the bond between the Feng family and Zhu Xiu is deeper than that of the Fu family.

Without Zhu Xiu, the Fu family is still the Fu family.

After leaving Zhu Xiu and waiting for Feng Dao to die, it would only be a matter of time before the Feng family declined.

Feng Dao understood these interests more thoroughly than he thought.

Bi Zhenhai's voice sounded outside the car window: "Master Hou."

Zhu Xiu came back to her senses and opened the curtain, only to see Bi Zhenhai following the carriage, rubbing his hands and looking coy and shy.

"Speak directly if you have something to say!" Zhu Xiu smiled and scolded.

Bi Zhenhai looked embarrassed and whispered: "This subordinate wants to ask for a favor from Lord Marquis!"

"What do you mean?" Zhu Xiu asked suspiciously.

Bi Zhenhai clasped his fists, puffed out his chest and said, "I would like to ask the Marquis to marry me!"

Zhu Xiu was stunned and said amusedly: "What, you have a lover in the house?"

Bi Zhenhai nodded vigorously, scratched his head and said: "My subordinate likes her, but I don't know if she likes me."

"You guy!" Zhu Xiu pointed at him and laughed, "Tell me, who is it?"

Bi Zhenhai's crimson face was full of admiration, and he said, "It's the lady Mo Xiang next to the eldest lady!"

"Oh?" Zhu Xiu laughed in surprise, "You have good eyesight. The Fu family has married many maids, and Mo Xiang has the most outstanding figure!"

Bi Zhenhai gritted his teeth and clasped his fists and said, "I beg you, Lord Marquis, to grant your permission!"

Zhu Xiu smiled and said: "I will discuss this matter with my wife first and ask Mo Xiang what he means. If you are willing, I will choose a good and auspicious day for you to marry you!"

Bi Zhenhai was overjoyed and knelt down in the street: "I would like to thank you Lord Marquis for your great kindness!"

(End of this chapter)