The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 516 Imperial Deployment
"Your Majesty, Zhu Xiu, comes to see you!"

"Pingsheng! You rushed back in a hurry. You must have known that war broke out in Luzhou?"

Zhu Xiu's face was calm, and he cupped his hands and said: "I received an urgent report from Luzhou when I was in Luoyang, and the pigeon letter from Wude was also delivered on the same day!"

Chai Rong smiled bitterly and said: "Liu Chong took advantage of the mourning period of our country to raise troops to go south. It was not just to fight against the autumn wind. I guess he wanted to attack Kaifeng in one go and completely disrupt the situation in the Central Plains, so that he could fish in troubled waters.

More importantly, if chaos breaks out in the Central Plains and the Khitans see an opportunity, there is no guarantee that they will not attack with a large number of troops and repeat the disaster of Tianfu in the 12th year of their existence!

Therefore, I want to personally conquer Hedong and quell the war as quickly as possible! "

Chai Rong glanced at Feng Dao and Wang Pu, and said helplessly, "The two ministers hold their own opinions, and there are also many opponents among the officials. Zhu Xiu, tell me your own opinion."

Everyone's eyes were on Zhu Xiu. This young man had an extremely close relationship with the new king and would definitely be one of the most prominent and dazzling figures in the court in the future.

His opinions can even influence the emperor's will.

Feng Dao quickly winked, hinting that Zhu Xiu and he maintained the same position.

Wang Puze smiled unchanged, as if he had already anticipated what Zhu Xiu would say.

Fan Zhi was still thinking about the pros and cons of fighting or not fighting. He considered more in terms of logistics such as money, food, and armaments.

Zheng Renhui looked calmly and said nothing in a low-key manner.

He was previously implicated in Wang Yin's rebellion and was demoted to Chanzhou by the late emperor. Although it was later found out that he had no connection with Wang Yin, he was really frightened and fell seriously ill.

Previously, Zheng Renjie served as the third envoy, known as the Prime Minister, in charge of the world's money, food and taxes, and his status was extremely respected.

Once he was demoted to Chanzhou, the whole family was worried.

Fortunately, the late emperor and the new emperor were aware of the situation and were not trying to burn bridges. They found out that there was no conspiracy between him and Wang Yin, and they pardoned all charges.

When the new king came to the throne, he was called back immediately to serve as a privy envoy, to join the same order, and to join the ranks of prime ministers.

When people are in a high position and things are going smoothly, they often cannot see clearly the dangers they face. When they fall to the bottom and walk through the critical moment of life and death, they can see many things clearly and understand them.

Zheng Renjie knew that he was getting old. The new king came to the throne and was determined to forge ahead and aspire to dominate the world. What he needed was young people with the vigor and vitality to charge forward and overcome obstacles.

The era that belonged to their generation of veterans from the previous dynasty had finally passed.

Therefore, Zheng Renjie was always cautious and cautious. Even if he entered the ranks of prime ministers, he was willing to be ranked below Fan Zhi and Wang Pu.

The new king needed veterans like him to stabilize the government, so he went to great lengths to show his loyalty.

One day the new king will no longer need him, and he will be able to give up his power and position freely and become an official to retire.

After thinking about this, Zheng Renjie was the most relaxed person in the court.

There are many talented people in the court, and the new emperor is heroic. He unswervingly believes that the future of the Great Zhou Dynasty is bright.

Chai Rong looked at Fan Zhi and Zheng Renjie, and then at Wei Renpu. Seeing that they didn't speak, he was a little disappointed. He pointed at Zhu Xiu and said, "Don't pay attention to other people's opinions. Say your own thoughts!"

Zhu Xiu bowed his head and said loudly: "I agree with your Majesty's personal expedition! Moreover, soldiers need to be quick, the faster the better, we must not give Liu Chong time to react!"

Feng Dao opened his eyes wide, with a heartbroken look on his face, feeling that he was betrayed by his grandson-in-law.

Zhu Xiu smiled apologetically at him.

Chai Rong breathed a sigh of relief, and said calmly, "Tell me the reason."

Zhu Xiu smiled and said: "I agree with your Majesty's conclusion that Liu Chong's raid on Luzhou is just the beginning. Once the enemy's advance is too smooth, the Northern Han soldiers may move in full force, and the Khitans who are watching from the other side will not let go of the southward troops." Great opportunity!”

Chai Rong nodded in agreement, finally showing a smile on his face.

Fan Zhi stood up and said: "Let's not talk about how the war will be fought. Judging from the current situation, how many soldiers and horses do the Northern Han and Khitan coalition forces have? Who is the Khitan general Yang Gun? We don't know these key information, and we don't know. You can’t make targeted deployments.”

Zhu Xiu said with a smile: "Fan Xianggong's question can be answered below. The emergency report said that the enemy's coalition forces probably numbered no less than [-]. In fact, there were not that many at all. According to the secret report from the Wude Division, the enemy's troops were not strong enough to fight. It will be more than [-]!

As for the Khitan General Yang Gun, his original name was Yelv Dilu, and he was personally appointed by Liao Emperor Yelujing as a political decree.

This person is about 40 years old, with a calm personality and extraordinary physical strength. He is a brave and resourceful fighter, and he should not be underestimated! "

There was a burst of whispers in the hall. After listening to Zhu Xiu's introduction, the officials had a general understanding of the enemy forces invading Luzhou, and they felt more at ease.

Fifty to sixty thousand soldiers and horses is not a small number, but it is also in the category that can be considered for a quick battle.

As for the Khitan generals, they did not attract the attention of the officials. There were not many generals in the Great Zhou Dynasty, but there were many generals who were able to fight. They were not afraid of him being a Yelu enemy.

Chai Rong was greatly inspired. After hearing what Zhu Xiu said, he felt more and more confident that he could defeat Liu Chong.

Chai Rong looked at Zhu Xiu with eyes full of appreciation and gratitude. It was indeed a good idea to ask Zhu Xiu when he was in doubt.

He didn't ask much about where Zhu Xiu got the information. He just thought it was Wu Desi's intelligence work.

Fan Zhi estimated for a while, then handed over his hand and said: "Your Majesty, if we use the same calculation of sending [-] troops in the Zhou Dynasty, we don't need to recruit too much grain from the Henan treasury. The savings in Kaifeng and the national treasury alone are completely sufficient."

Chai Rong said confidently: "I will bring [-] soldiers and horses to meet Liu Chong!"

Feng Dao stood up again and poured cold water: "Your Majesty, have you ever thought that once the war goes wrong or even defeated, the Northern Han Dynasty and the Khitan invade in large numbers, and the world will fall apart!"

Chai Rong was so angry that he gritted his teeth. This abominable old man Feng kept saying unfavorable words even before he sent troops.

This time Chai Rong was no longer polite to him, and said coldly: "I have made up my mind. Mr. Feng must not say anything more! I have ordered you to be the envoy of the mountain mausoleum, and immediately go to Songling to build a mausoleum for the late emperor and preside over the ceremony!"

Feng Dao was stunned, as if he did not expect that he would be rushed to Songling by the emperor to repair the mausoleum. He said angrily: "I obey the order! I am waiting for your majesty's triumphant return in Songling!"

The monarch and his ministers, one sitting high on the imperial throne and the other standing below the steps, glared at each other from afar.

Chai Rong stood up, looked around at the ministers, and said in a deep voice: "Order Zheng Renjie to stay in Kaifeng and take charge of daily government affairs.

After passing the decree, he ordered Wei Wang Fu Yanqing to lead Tianxiong's army to Cizhou and force the enemy's retreat, with Guo Chong, the governor of the Zhenning Army, as his deputy;
Hezhong Jiedu envoy Wang Yanchao was ordered to lead troops out of Jinzhou, invite the Northern Han soldiers to fight, and contain the enemy forces, with Han Tong, the Jiedushi envoy to protect the rebel army, as his deputy;
He ordered the guards and horsemen commander Fan Aineng, the infantry commander He Hui, the Yicheng Jiedu commander Bai Chongzan, the Zhengzhou defense commander Shi Yanchao, and the former Yaozhou regiment training commander Fu Yanneng to lead the troops to Zezhou quickly. Trained to be a supervisor.

My chariot arrived soon after, and Li Chongjin and Zhang Yongde each led a thousand soldiers and horses to escort them!
The rest of the officials perform their own duties and must not slack off! "

All the officials bowed solemnly: "I will accept the order!"

Zhu Xiu was a little confused, but he didn't expect that he would rush all the way back to Kaifeng, and when it was time to go out for the expedition, he would not be included.

Zhu Xiu was anxious and said hurriedly: "Your Majesty, I am also willing to lead an army to accompany you on the expedition!" Chai Rong saw Zhu Xiu's aggrieved look and said with a smile: "You just came back from Puzhou, so you'd better stay in the capital and rest!" Your mother often complains that I arrange too many errands for you, leaving you with no time to take care of family matters at home."

There was a chuckle in the hall, and all the officials looked at Zhu Xiu with a joking look.

Zhu Xiu's face turned red and he said: "As your Majesty said, this is a national war, and I must follow your Majesty on the expedition no matter what!"

"Do you really want to go?" Chai Rong said with a smile.

Zhu Xiu quickly prostrated himself: "I am willing to follow your majesty to defeat the enemy!"

Chai Rong suppressed his smile, pondered for a moment, and said: "The Tiger Wing Army is an infantry force under the jurisdiction of the Guards Department. This expedition will allocate some troops and horses to Commander He Hui. If you want to go, I will allocate five thousand steps to you. pawn.

I order Liu Ci, the governor of the Anguo Army in Xingzhou, to take grain and grass as the rear army, and you as his deputy, to arrive in Zezhou within ten days after me! "

Zhu Xiu thought for a while, and it was better to have the rear army than to not be able to go to the front line.

"The minister leads the order!"

Chai Rong had a smile on his lips and turned his head slightly to gesture in the direction of the harem. Zhu Xiu smiled knowingly and nodded slightly.

After discussing for a while, the meeting did not break up until noon.

After leaving the palace, Zhu Xiu chatted with Fan Zhi and Wang Pu for a few words, and prepared to go to the harem to meet Chai Rong.

"Boy Zhu, stop for me!"

Feng Dao suddenly appeared from the corner of the palace, grabbing his arm and not letting go.

"What are you doing, old husband?" Zhu Xiu didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

Feng Dao said angrily: "I ask you, why do you want to incite His Majesty to go on a personal expedition? Do you know how dangerous this battle is? Your Majesty has just ascended the throne, and the foundation is unstable. The feudal towns all over the world are still waiting and watching. Once the war goes wrong, there will be internal and external troubles. If it breaks out, the Great Week will be over!"

Zhu Xiudao: "My dear husband, don't be impatient, just listen to what I have to say."

Feng Dao let go of his hand and stared at him angrily.

"As the old husband said, this battle is extremely uncertain, but equally, if we defeat Liu Chong and drive back the enemy, the gains will be considerable!

Firstly, His Majesty can take the opportunity to establish prestige and integrate the imperial army. Secondly, it can scare Xiaoxiao so that he does not dare to despise the new king and spy on Da Zhou! " Zhu Xiudao.

Feng Dao's crutch banged on the ground: "Of course these old men know! But compared to making profits, the first thing to consider is the consequences of defeat!

Once the battle is defeated or even your majesty loses, the world will be in peril! "

Zhu Xiu spread his hands: "That's true! But now we are riding a tiger and it's hard to get off. The best solution is for your Majesty to personally conquer the enemy and retreat in one battle!"

Your Majesty wants to take this opportunity to consolidate military power, but no matter how hard you try, your Majesty won't listen.

So it’s better to think about how to win and expand the results is the right way! "

Feng Dao said angrily: "Do you think Liu Chong is just a piece of paper that can be broken by blowing it? The Zhou army does not have an absolute advantage in terms of military strength. Why do you say that you can definitely defeat the enemy?"

"Well," Zhu Xiu looked up at the sky and said seriously, "God's will! I think God's will will allow Dazhou to win!"

"You!~" Feng Dao was speechless and picked up his crutch to hit him, "You stupid boy! You dare to play tricks on me when you are so desperate?"

Zhu Xiu grabbed the crutch with a smile and said hurriedly: "Old sir, don't be anxious, your majesty is a man who knows the military. The deployment just now can be said to be quite safe, and nothing serious will happen!"
Even if Liu Chong can't be captured, it's easy to defeat the enemy!I can guarantee it! "

Feng Dao grabbed the crutches and scolded: "Fuck you! If you lose the battle, your kid will lose his head and make Chan'er a widow!
That’s all, I don’t care!
You young people can do whatever you like, I can't control it!
Now I will go to Songling to accompany the late emperor. Anyway, my old man doesn’t have many years to live! ~”

Feng Dao cursed and walked away angrily on crutches.

Zhu Xiu said loudly: "Take care of yourself and wait for your grandson next year!"

Feng Dao ignored him. He was leaning on a cane and his waist was stooped. The little old man's legs and feet were very agile when he was angry.

Zhu Xiu sighed softly and bowed towards his back.

Feng Dao's thoughts were indeed mature and prudent, but unfortunately he didn't know that the reason why Chai Rong became Emperor Sejong, who made future generations miserable, was because he possessed a domineering aura that dominated the world and a strong courage to move forward!
In this era, such people are often the most eye-catching, because the people have been in chaos for too long, and there is an urgent need for such a strong and iron-blooded person to stand up and lead the Han army and people to clear up the troubled times and create a prosperous Han and Tang Dynasties!
Historians always say that Feng Dao was just trying to survive without any sense of shame and had no sense of loyalty. He was especially a traitor.

But Zhu Xiu felt that no matter which dynasty Feng Dao was in or which monarch he served, he would do his best to fulfill his duty as a minister.

He has the common people in his heart and has a vision of great unification.

It's a pity that after five generations of troubled times, no emperor or dynasty enjoyed a long-lasting life.

What Feng Dao saw was rise and fall, and he was wandering between hope and disappointment.

It wasn't until the rise of the Great Zhou Dynasty and the emperor of the Guo family showed his hostility that Feng Dao rekindled his hope.

He strongly opposed Chai Rong's personal expedition because he was afraid that the enterprising new emperor would be defeated when he came to the throne and die on Tuesday.

Feng Dao's feelings for Da Zhou are deep and firm.

If he was really a traitor, he could have followed the Khitan back to the north when Yelu Deguang went south.

When Shi Jingtang was in power, Feng Dao was sent to Khitan as an envoy. Yelu Deguang admired him very much. He was highly respected among the Khitan nobles. If he joined the Khitan people, his life would be better than in the Central Plains.

As for the occasional groveling behavior during the change of dynasties in order to survive, Zhu Xiu believed that it was not a stain at all.

If you are not born in troubled times, you will not be able to understand what it is like to be inferior to animals in troubled times. Everything is for survival, and survival is the most primitive desire of human beings.

Throwing Ouyang Xiu and Sima Guang into the fifth generation may not necessarily do better than Feng Dao.

It is nonsense to use the concepts of loyalty, filial piety and justice of the scholar-bureaucrats in the peaceful and prosperous times to require people who are seeking survival in the troubled times. That thing does not exist at all in these days.

People who pay attention to these things would have died eight hundred times ago.

Zhu Xiu spat on the ground and couldn't help but feel aggrieved by Feng Dao's historical evaluation.

But then I thought about it, now that I am Old Man Feng's grandson-in-law, he is considered a family member, so it is inevitable to have some personal emotions, which is unfair.

Zhu Xiu shook his head and laughed to himself, then turned around and rushed to the harem.

History is always written by the winners. Instead of worrying about the evaluation of history books, it is better to think about how to be a winner.

(End of this chapter)