The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 515 History comes as promised
"Last General Zhou Guangxun pays homage to the Marquis!"

In a guesthouse in Puzhou City, Zhu Xiu met Zhou Guangxun, who had come all the way from Luzhou.

Hu Guangyue reminded with a smile: "General Zhou doesn't know something, Lord Hou has already been promoted to Duke of the County, so it would be inappropriate to call him Lord Hou again!"

Zhou Guangxun said hurriedly: "General, congratulations to the Lord! The general is far away in Luzhou and is ignorant. Please forgive me!"

Zhu Xiu waved his hand and said with a smile: "I'm just a county official. I can't be called a master. You don't need to care."

Zhou Guangxun smiled and said: "With the new monarch's appreciation for the Duke, he will be granted the title of Duke sooner or later. When the time comes, it will be justifiable to call him the Duke!"

Zhu Xiu smiled and asked him to sit down and talk.

Zhou Guangxun has long passed his thirties. He has become much stronger and has begun to grow a beard. He has lived in the military camp all year round. His complexion is dark and he has the aura of a fierce general.

"How is your mother lately?" Zhu Xiu asked with concern.

Zhou Guangxun sighed: "My mother passed away in October last year."

Zhu Xiu sighed: "Calculating her age, your mother is already old, so she has no regrets."

Zhou Guangxun said: "My mother helped me take care of my child for more than a year. When I left, her face was peaceful and she didn't suffer."

Zhu Xiu smiled and said, "When did you get married? You even have a baby?"

Zhou Guangxun said in surprise: "More than three years ago, my wife's family was a local noble family in Luzhou. They were not very wealthy, but they were somewhat famous in the state and county."

Hu Guangyue said: "You guy, you didn't even say hello when you got married, and you didn't take care of old friends like us! It's fine if others don't tell, so why are you hiding it from me?"

Zhu Xiu smiled and said nothing, waiting to see how he would explain.

Zhou Guangxun hurriedly said: "It's not that the general wanted to hide it, it's just that the father-in-law is of high status, and Luzhou is far away from Kaifeng. Moreover, the father-in-law had just returned to Beijing from Suzhou at that time, and the affairs of the court were heavy. The general wanted to do something as trivial as getting married, so it was unnecessary. Let the father-in-law know."

Zhu Xiu said with a smile: "Getting married is a major event in life, so you should always let me know. Even if I can't be there to congratulate you, I will send someone to send you the congratulations."

Zhou Guangxun was ashamed, clasped his fists and said, "It's the last general who did something wrong, please punish me!"

Zhu Xiu smiled and helped him up: "Getting married and having children is a happy event, so why should I punish you? I will make up for your congratulations later, and your child's first birthday gift, too!"

Zhou Guangxun said sincerely: "Thank you for the gift, sir! It's just that I have been taking care of you for many years, and my mother is old and sick. Thanks to the marquis, I arranged for a doctor to come from Luoyang for consultation. Before my mother died, I often talked about it and couldn't see her." It is the biggest regret in this life to kowtow to express gratitude in front of a benefactor!

The father-in-law is at the end of his mind, and he really dare not ask for the reward! "

Zhu Xiu waved her hand: "The congratulatory gift is not for you, but for your wife and children. It also lets your parents-in-law know that you, Zhou Guangxun, have connections in the court."

Zhou Guangxun was moved in his heart, and he knelt down and bowed his head: "I will thank you for your great kindness!"

Zhou Guangxun has been working hard in the army for many years, and is no longer the young and impulsive young man he once was.

He understood that this was Zhu Xiu trying to save his face and let him stand tall in front of his wife and family.

"But don't say who sent it, lest anyone notice our relationship, just say you are a friend from Kaifeng. The more mysterious you are, the more your parents-in-law will think you are not simple." Zhu Xiu warned with a smile.

"Thank you, Lord, for your guidance." Zhou Guangxun also smiled.

"By the way, you came from Luzhou this time, is Li Jun not suspicious?" Zhu Xiu asked.

Zhou Guangxun smiled and said: "Li Envoy still trusts me. He cooperates with local merchants in Luzhou to mine coal and transport it to Puzhou for sale every once in a while. He leaves this job to me.

This time I also took advantage of the opportunity to transport coal and came to see the father-in-law. "

Zhu Xiu was surprised and laughed. Li Jun didn't defend the city well, and even started a business of reselling coal.

After pondering for a moment, Zhu Xiu said: "Recently, has anyone in the imperial court sent someone to pass down the decree?"

Zhou Guangxun said: "As far as I know, there is no such thing."

Zhu Xiu smiled bitterly. It seemed that Chai Rong didn't take his words at all. He promised to pass the order to Li Jun and Fu Yanqing and asked them to strengthen the town's defense. In fact, he didn't take it seriously at all and was just perfunctory with him.

"I dare to ask you, sir, but what happened?" Zhou Guangxun asked.

Zhu Xiu said in a deep voice: "Since the end of last year, the Northern Han Dynasty and the Khitan have frequently invaded the country. I am worried that Liu Chong will collude with the Khitan people and take advantage of the national mourning period to send troops in large numbers!

If unfortunately my words are true, then Luzhou and Zhaozhou are the two major breakthroughs, and the enemy will definitely concentrate their forces to attack one of them!
Luzhou Li Jun neglects defense and may be taken advantage of by enemy invaders! "

Zhou Guangxun was shocked: "My lord, why don't you go to the government to make a decision?"

Zhu Xiu smiled wryly and said, "Before I came to Puzhou to preside over the memorial ceremony, I had already reported it face to face, but unfortunately, His Majesty didn't seem to take it seriously."

Zhou Guangxun said: "At the end of my return to Luzhou, please ask Ambassador Li to send out detective horses to closely monitor the movements of the Northern Han Dynasty!"

Zhu Xiu shook his head and said: "That's not right. Li Jun is a very conceited person with a narrow mind. He is still busy with private business, which shows that he does not believe that the Northern Han soldiers will go south.

If you try to show your advantage to him now, he will only think that you are talking nonsense.

On the other hand, if a war breaks out, not only will he not be grateful to you, he will even hate you!Because he didn't listen to your warning before, and now he will feel ashamed when he sees you! "

Zhou Guangxun was stunned and said with a wry smile: "Please give me some advice on what the general should do!"

Zhu Xiu sighed: "We all know that you are just an infantryman and what you can do is quite limited. Don't mention this to anyone after you go back. Say hello secretly to the generals you have a good relationship with and find an excuse to send your wife, children, father-in-law and mother-in-law away." Live temporarily in Luoyang.

Then, wait for the situation to change.

If Liu Chong really goes south, his momentum will definitely not be small. There are tens of thousands of soldiers and horses, and with the help of the Khitans, Luzhou alone will never be able to resist it.

If Li Jun was smart enough, he would lead his army to retreat southward and not hold on stubbornly.

Liu Chong's banner was to help the Han Dynasty and wipe out the rebels. In order to win the hearts and minds of the people, he would not embarrass the people. It was definitely a wise move to abandon the city and evacuate!

If Li Jun commits a crime, you must find an opportunity to remonstrate."

Zhou Guangxun kept it firmly in mind, clasped his fists tightly and said, "I will never forget my father's teachings!"

The next day, Zhou Guangxun led the officers and soldiers of Luzhou back home. Three days later, Zhu Xiu hosted the memorial ceremony, declined the kind offer of Puzhou officials to stay, and left overnight to return to Kaifeng.

When they arrived in Luoyang, the Luzhou emergency military report and the information from Wude Division and Zangfeng Battalion were sent to Zhu Xiu almost at the same time.

Luzhou urgent!Liu Chong of the Northern Han Dynasty and Yang Gun, the Khitan general, led their troops southward, aiming directly at Luzhou!

Zhaoyi Jiedu envoy Li Jun hurriedly led his troops out of Angcheguan to meet the enemy. He was defeated by the enemy's vanguard general Zhang Yuanhui and retreated to guard Guancheng!
Li Jun asked the court to send troops to rescue immediately!
Zhu Xiu held up several pieces of information and smiled bitterly. What should come will always come.Immediately, Zhu Xiu passed through the city from Luoyang without stopping, and rushed back to Kaifeng at starry night.

~~~
In the Zichen Hall, all the officials of the fifth rank and above in Beijing were present. Chai Rong ascended the throne. The emperor and his ministers were all still in mourning clothes. The hall was also decorated with plain materials, making the atmosphere extremely heavy.

Chai Rong looked very ugly. He had just received an urgent report that Northern Han soldiers and Khitan soldiers invaded Luzhou. Li Jun led his troops to attack, but was defeated by the enemy's vanguard general.

Now the Angche Pass is in jeopardy. Once the defense of the pass is breached, there is no danger to defend the north of Luzhou, and they can only let the enemy troops drive straight in.

Chai Rong tried his best to suppress his anger, looked around the palace and said solemnly: "My lords, if you have any good strategies for the bandits entering the country, just tell me!"

All the ministers looked at each other in silence. Liu Chong's attack was too fast and he did not give him any time to react. Li Jun of Luzhou had previously stated that the Hedong border was stable and no abnormal movement of the Northern Han soldiers was found.

It's only been a few days, why are you being beaten to the door of your house?
The emergency report for reinforcements stated that Liu Chong personally led the troops south. The exact number of troops was unknown. It was only said that there were probably [-] troops. It was unknown how many Khitan troops and horses there were. It was also unknown who the Khitan general Yang Gun was.

The military situation was unclear, but he only knew that Luzhou was in danger, so Li Jun anxiously sent several groups of horses to ask for help.

If you don’t know anything, how can you come up with a solution?
When Chai Rong saw that all the officials were silent, he couldn't bear his anger and said sternly: "It was during the national mourning period. Emperor Daxing's Zi Palace had just been transported to Songling. Before he could be buried, I and you were still in mourning clothes. Liu Chong colluded with the Khitans to go south. Breaking the rules!
The army and people of Luzhou are in danger, but all the ministers and ministers stand in this hall without saying a word. What is the reason?
Could it be that he was waiting for Liu Chong to send his troops to attack Kaifeng, destroy our great Zhou Dynasty, and avenge Liu Chengyou and Liu Yun? "

The emperor's words were so heart-breaking that all the officials fell down in fear: "Your Majesty, calm down!"

Chai Rong regretted what he said. Not long after he took the throne, he summoned courtiers for the first time to discuss such a major military and state matter. He really shouldn't have been impulsive and angry and said such demoralizing words.

But it was hard to take back the words once they were spoken. Chai Rong's face was as white as iron and his eyes were shining brightly.

Li Chongjin and Zhang Yongde were in Daming Mansion and the other in Chanzhou. They had not rushed back yet. Naturally, the court was led by the old prime minister Feng Dao.

Feng Dao had no choice but to salute and said: "Your Majesty, for the current plan, we should send troops to rescue Luzhou as soon as possible. In addition, we should send additional scouting horses to find out the situation on the front line. If the enemy's force is unstoppable, we can order Li Jun to lead his troops to withdraw to Zezhou, avoid its edge.

Luzhou City and Li Yun's Zhaoyi Army, the second guarantees the first, and must not lose ground or lose troops. "

Chai Rong's anger calmed down and he said in a low voice: "Liu Chong deceived me when he first ascended the throne, and it coincided with the national mourning. He tried to collude with the Khitan people to destroy our great Zhou Dynasty and annex the world. I believe that Liu Chong will never give up in this battle and will definitely fight for it." First take Luzhou, then go down to Zezhou, and then cross the river to attack Kaifeng!
Therefore, I am determined to personally conquer Hedong and fight to the death with the Liu Chong bandits!

This is a national war, I must go! "

As soon as these words came out, all the officials were shocked.

Liu Chong wants to decide the world in one battle?Attack Kaifeng and destroy the Zhou Dynasty?
Your Majesty still wants to go to war in person?Are you going to confront Liu Chong in front of the battle?

Isn't this new emperor making too much fuss?

When the Northern Han soldiers invaded, they didn't attack the autumn wind, looted and then withdrew. How could they dare to actually march into Kaifeng?
Even if the Khitans help this time, they will at most burn, kill, and loot Luzhou and Zezhou. Just because the land is small and the people are poor in Hedong, Liu Chong wants to march into Kaifeng and destroy the Great Zhou Dynasty. Is it possible?

Besides, the new emperor has not been in the throne for less than a month, and the emperor's mausoleum has not yet been completed. This kind of decision is too hasty and reckless.

Many court officials secretly looked at the steps above. The new emperor of Zhou Dynasty was indeed very heroic, but after all, he was still young and could not calm down.

Among the officials, there were also knowledgeable people, such as Feng Dao, Fan Zhi, Wang Pu, Zheng Renjie, Wei Renpu, etc. They looked solemn and did not reject Chai Rong's words easily, but considered it carefully in their hearts.

Feng Dao frowned and said, "Your Majesty is worried that if Liu Chong's advance goes too smoothly, it will boost the Khitan people's arrogance and make them mistakenly believe that I am unable to resist during the great Zhou Dynasty mourning period, and take the opportunity to start a larger southern invasion war?"

Chai Rong said: "Yes, that's what I mean! The one I'm worried about is not Liu Chong, but the Khitan!"

At this time, many courtiers showed expressions of sudden realization.

From this point of view, it makes sense that His Majesty would go on a personal expedition in order to deal with the Northern Han soldiers as quickly as possible.

Zheng Renjie hesitated and said, "Isn't it inappropriate for Your Majesty to go to the battlefield in person for the first time in Dabao?"

Feng Dao also shook his head and said: "The veteran does not agree with His Majesty's personal conquest!"

Chai Rong was eager to convince the officials and said hurriedly: "In the past, when Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty started his business, he did not go on conquests everywhere. I want to imitate him! Besides, I have led troops for many years, and I have nothing to fear in fighting on the battlefield!"

Zheng Renjie was speechless and could only look at Feng Dao as if asking for help.

Feng Dao bluntly said: "Whether your Majesty can compare with Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty is still to be seen."

Chai Rong was choked to the point of speechlessness, secretly annoyed.

Zheng Renjie, Fan Zhi, and Wang Pu smiled bitterly and kept winking at Feng Daoti, asking him to save some face for the new emperor and not to offend him by speaking out.

Chai Rong argued: "The soldiers of the Northern Han Dynasty are just a mob. I will lead the army of the King of Zhou to wipe them out like Mount Tai."

Feng Dao twirled his white beard and snorted coldly, implying a bit of sarcasm: "But I don't know if your majesty can be like Mount Tai?"

"You!~" Chai Rong was so angry that he almost couldn't help but scold him for being so arrogant.

The three prime ministers, Zheng Renhui, Fan Zhi, and Wang Pu smiled wryly at each other, and moved back a few steps in unison.

Could it be that Old Xianggong Feng was so brave today that he dared to contradict the emperor face to face one after another?
This is completely different from his usual self-protective style!

Chai Rong's face turned green and red, and he stared at Feng Dao angrily, wishing he could rush down to the hall and pluck out his white beard.

The ministers also looked at Feng Dao with the look of looking at a madman. Today is probably the toughest time that Mr. Feng has been an official for more than fifty years.

Wang Pu suddenly took a step forward, saluted and said: "I believe that your Majesty's inference is completely consistent with Liu Chong's intention of marching this time! In this way, only Your Majesty's personal expedition and defeating the enemy's spirit can deter the Northern Han and Khitan!
Therefore, I agree with your Majesty’s personal expedition! "

As soon as these words came out, there was another uproar.

All the officials are trying to persuade the emperor to give up the idea of ​​​​conquest personally. It would be better for you, Wang Pu, to stir up trouble and go against the will of everyone!
Feng Dao was so angry that he blew his beard and stared at Wang Pu fiercely.

Wang Pu looked calm and smiled back.

Chai Rong was very excited. Finally, an important minister came forward to support him.

Soon, the quarrels in the palace became chaotic, with Wang Pu taking the lead, and there were also a few more people who supported the personal expedition.

Chai Rong put his hand on his forehead and smiled bitterly. He did not expect that the issue of personal recruitment would arouse so much opposition.

Suddenly, he thought of Zhu Xiu and hurriedly glanced around, but could not find Zhu Xiu. Then he remembered that Zhu Xiu was still in Puzhou and had not come back.
If Zhu Xiu were here, with his sharp tongue, he might be able to convince Feng Dao and other strong opponents.
Chai Rong sighed secretly and regretted not listening to Zhu Xiu's warning and making defensive preparations earlier.
"Your Majesty, Zhu Xiu, the Duke of Founding County, is asking for an audience outside the palace!"

At the entrance of the palace, a eunuch reported loudly, interrupting the quarrel in the palace.

Chai Rong was overjoyed and said eagerly: "Hurry up and announce Zhu Xiu's audience!"

(End of this chapter)