The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 525 Stay in Luzhou
Luzhou City was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations to welcome the arrival of the emperor.

Jiedushi Li Jun dressed up and led Luzhou officials to welcome him outside the city.

The imperial imperial army, which came with the power of Gaoping's victory, lined up and entered the city in an orderly manner.

Chai Rong did not ride in a chariot, but wore armor and rode into the city with other generals.

"Chen Li Yun welcomes His Majesty!"

On the roadside, Li Jun kowtowed loudly and led Luzhou officials to kneel down.

Chai Rong reined in his horse and looked up at this ancient city. The blue-brown city wall was riddled with scars, and every trace of it indicated the tragic battle that had taken place here.

Chai Rong remained silent. Li Jun saw that the emperor was silent and lay on the ground without even daring to raise his head. Big beads of sweat oozed from his temples. The Luzhou officials behind him were even shivering, fearing that the emperor would punish him.

Zhu Xiu and other generals followed Chai Rong, glanced around, and saw Zhou Guangxun in the crowd behind Li Jun.

Zhou Guangxun had a tacit understanding, raised his head and glanced quickly, the eyes of the two met, Zhu Xiu winked at the city, Zhou Guangxun nodded slightly.

Li Chongjin glanced at Li Yun and let out a cold snort full of contempt, which was clearly heard by everyone around him.

Li Jun's face turned red to the color of pig liver, and he wanted to open a crack in the ground and get in.

Chai Rong said calmly: "Take down all the lanterns and colorful flags on the city tower, and don't hold any welcoming ceremonies in the city to disturb the people."

Li Yun was even more ashamed, and said: "Your Majesty is here, I am too happy and confused for a while, I hope Your Majesty will forgive me!"

Chai Rong didn't say much, he just said: "Get back on your feet, we'll talk about it after we enter the city."

The army slowly entered the city, with Li Jun leading Luzhou officials following behind.

Jiedu Mansion was temporarily used as a temporary palace, and Zhang Yongde took over the defense. He arranged for Shi Shouxin and Zhao Kuangyin to lead the troops in front of the palace to set up arrangements. Shi Shouxin led the inner palace to guard the palace, and Zhao Kuangyin led the troops in front of the palace to guard all parts of the palace.

Chai Rong only left Zhang Yongde, Li Chongjin, and Zhu Xiugao Huaide to stay in the mansion, and the rest of the generals went back to the barracks. The generals will be called to hold an imperial court meeting tomorrow morning.

Chai Rong asked everyone to go to rest, and only asked Li Yun to enter the middle hall, and ordered Shi Shouxin to lead the guard outside the hall, and no one should come near.

Zhu Xiu and Li Chongjin lived next door. This guy was nowhere to be seen. He must have wandered into the city.

After sitting for a while, Zhu Wu led Zhou Guangxun to arrive.

"There are many people and there are many eyes, please hurry up." Zhu Wu whispered, left the room, closed the door, and patrolled around to prevent being watched.

"I have met you in my humble position!" Zhou Guangxun cupped his fists in greeting.

Zhu Xiu smiled and said, "No need to be polite, please sit down."

Zhou Guangxun said: "Thanks to the uncle's reminder last time, I rushed back to Luzhou and sent my wife, children, father-in-law, mother-in-law, and my family to Luoyang in advance, and I was able to escape the disaster! I saved the lives of my family. It's such a great kindness. I can't help it." Thinking of retribution!”

Zhou Guangxun's voice was choked with sobs, his eyes were red and he knelt down and kowtowed heavily regardless of Zhu Xiu's obstruction.

Zhu Xiu quickly helped him up and comforted him a few words. After Zhou Guangxun calmed down a little, he smiled and said, "If you warn him in advance this time, your parents-in-law will definitely look at you with admiration."

Zhou Guangxun said sheepishly: "It was all as expected by the Lord. Before that, my father-in-law had criticized me as a warrior because of his status as a nobleman. It was only when the war broke out in Luzhou that he suddenly realized that the road was open again a few days ago. He also brought me a letter and expressed his gratitude in a very polite way."

"Haha~ It shows that your father-in-law is quite a sensible person." Zhu Xiu said with a smile.

Zhou Guangxun smiled bitterly and said: "At first, the old man was not willing to listen. He didn't believe that the Northern Han soldiers had the ability to invade Luzhou, let alone that Ambassador Li would be defeated so miserably.

I begged him to go to Luoyang quickly, but he reprimanded me instead.

Fortunately, my wife understood the truth and had no doubts about me. After pleading hard, my parents-in-law agreed to go south to Luoyang together.

As soon as they left, within two days, the Khitan coalition forces of the Northern Han Dynasty broke through Mangche Pass, and Li Shixiang retreated to Luzhou City.
My father-in-law's hometown was in Xiangyuan, and the city of Xiangyuan was destroyed. The soldiers of the Northern Han Dynasty and the Khitans wreaked havoc in the city, and the family of my father-in-law also suffered heavy losses.Prime Minister Li sent troops to rescue him, but Liu Chong ambushed him and suffered another heavy defeat. He returned to Luzhou City and never dared to fight again."

Listening to Zhou Guangxun's account of the war in Luzhou, Zhu Xiu's expression gradually became serious: "So, the situation in Luzhou is more serious than what Li Jun reported to the court?"

Zhou Guangxun sighed bitterly: "The report from Ambassador Li only told about [-]% of the situation in Luzhou. In fact, after this battle, Luzhou suffered heavy losses, with heavy casualties among soldiers and civilians, especially in the townships, counties and Xiangyuan area. Ten rooms and nine empties, within three to five years, it will be difficult for Luzhou to recover."

Zhu Xiu was also surprised. He never expected that the situation in Luzhou was worse than he expected.

Zhou Guangxun said angrily: "Although Liu Chong restrained the Northern Han soldiers from causing rebellion, he could not control the Khitan people. After the Khitan soldiers broke through Mangche Pass, they burned, killed and looted everywhere, and even slaughtered villages and counties. In Xiangyuan, I heard that Liu Chong Try your best to stop them, otherwise I’m afraid not many people will be able to escape the Khitan people’s slaughtering knife.”

Zhu Xiu shook her head: "Li Yun is incompetent, and has caused Luzhou's soldiers and civilians."

Zhou Guangxun only smiled bitterly and did not answer.

Of course he was quite dissatisfied with Li Jun in his heart, but according to his temperament, Li Jun was still his boss after all, and no matter what, he could not openly criticize him.

This is the kindness of Zhou Guangxun.

After hesitating for a while, Zhou Guangxun clasped his fists and said, "Master, I want to transfer you out of Luzhou because of my humble position!"

Zhu Xiu said with a smile: "Why, don't you want to follow Li Yun to suffer from being useless?"

Zhou Guangxun gritted his teeth and said: "Your Majesty personally led the Imperial Army to defeat the Northern Han soldiers in Bagongyuan. When the news reached Luzhou, the army and the people rejoiced. How happy! I am willing to serve as a pawn in the Imperial Army rather than stay in Luzhou and endure the Northern Han soldiers' war. Insult from the Khitans!"

Zhu Xiu smiled and comforted: "Li Jun is not very capable, but he has the biggest advantage, which is loyalty! Li Jun is the late emperor's hero, and has known his Majesty for many years. Luzhou is a strategic location, and it is difficult to resist Only when the front lines of the Northern Han Dynasty are garrisoned by people like Li Jun can His Majesty and the court rest assured.

After a defeat in the war, no matter how angry His Majesty was, he would not dismiss Li Jun from his post. At most, he would give him a severe reprimand and never transfer him out of Luzhou.

Not only that, His Majesty will also send troops from other places to strengthen Luzhou's defense and give Li Yun the greatest support! "

After a pause, Zhu Xiu said: "What's more, no matter how incompetent Li Yun is this time, he finally managed to defend Luzhou City and save the Zhaoyi Army's flesh and blood, which is already a credit.

After all, His Majesty personally experienced the power of the Northern Han and Khitan coalition forces in Gaoping.

It is impossible for Li Jun's army alone to keep the enemy out of Mangche Pass. "

Zhou Guangxun thought for a while and said: "My lord, do you want me to continue to stay in Luzhou and serve Li Jun?"

Zhu Xiudao: "The Zhaoyi Army is facing reconstruction. You are Li Jun's old unit and will definitely be reused. After this lesson, Li Jun should make some progress. If you stay, it may be a good opportunity to show off your talents."

Zhou Guangxun thought about it and felt that what Zhu Xiu said was reasonable. After all, his roots and his wife's family were in Luzhou. If given the opportunity, he would of course prefer to stay and develop.

It's just that this time Li Jun was at a loss when faced with the enemy's strong army's surprise attack, which made him feel disappointed.

"Your Majesty is also His Majesty's confidant. If you take the initiative to invite Ying to come out of Luzhou, Your Majesty will definitely agree!" Zhou Guangxun suddenly suggested excitedly.

Zhu Xiu was stunned for a moment, then smiled and waved his hand.

Zhou Guangxun said hurriedly: "Luzhou is an important defense base against the Northern Han Dynasty, and we need truly capable people like Mr. Gong to take charge!"

Zhu Xiu smiled, "It's not that I don't want to come to Luzhou, it's just that His Majesty will not allow this matter. Just imagine, this time the Northern Han Dynasty was defeated, and His Majesty soon set the throne, and the Northern Han Dynasty and the Khitan were severely defeated. My army and the people of the Great Zhou are united. With the stability of the imperial court, Liu Chong and the Khitan people will no longer have the opportunity to go south in a short time, and Luzhou can also take this opportunity to recuperate.

Li Jun's official career was mostly in the Hezhong and Hedong areas. No one is more familiar with the situation here than Li Jun. Therefore, in the eyes of His Majesty and the court, he is the best person to guard Luzhou.

Unless there is another disastrous defeat in Luzhou, Li Jun's position as Jiedushi will not change. "Zhou Guangxun thought for a while and realized that Zhu Xiu's analysis was reasonable, and sighed with some disappointment.

Zhu Xiu smiled, picked up the tea cup and took a sip.

Zhou Guangxun was in the prime of life and of course wanted to take a further step in his official career.

He is a soldier, so he naturally wants to work hard towards military success.

But following Li Jun's command and going through the Luzhou War, he thought he had no chance of being rewarded for his meritorious service.

It is a good thing to be enterprising, and Zhu Xiu is of course encouraging. However, Li Jun and Luzhou are too important, and there must be trustworthy people staying here. Zhou Guangxun is undoubtedly the best candidate.

In addition, soon, Chai Rong's attention will turn to the south. A new war is about to brew in Huainan and Huaibei. That is a good place to display his fists. Of course, he cannot miss the opportunity.

Naturally, these words could not be told to Zhou Guangxun. Zhu Xiu comforted him: "You can stay in Luzhou with peace of mind. With the help of your parents-in-law, you can make more friends with the local nobles, establish prestige in the army, and practice martial arts calmly. Read more military books and accumulate them for a few years, and you will definitely have the opportunity to display your talents in the future!"

Zhou Guangxun's face turned pale, knowing that Zhu Xiu had seen through his eagerness for quick success, and he clasped his fists in shame and said, "It's because of my humble position that I am impetuous. I will definitely remember my father's teachings in the future!"

After talking for a while, Zhu Xiu got up and escorted Zhou Guangxun out of the courtyard.

Watching Zhu Wu send him out of the mansion, Zhu Xiu walked to the middle hall.

On the way, I ran into Zhao Kuangyin, Han Chongyun, Ma Renyu, Zhang Qiong, and Yang Xin.

"Brother Zhao." Zhu Xiu handed over his hand.

Zhao Kuangyin returned the salute with clasped fists, behind him Ma Renyu, Zhang Qiong, and Yang Xin saluted together, Han Chongyun glanced at him coldly, turned his head away, with hatred hidden in his eyes.

Zhao Kuangyin pulled him aside and said in a low voice, "Is there any news about the two groups you sent to intercept?"

Zhu Xiu shook his head: "No."

Zhao Kuangyin smiled bitterly and said: "How sure are you about this matter? I just learned that Li Yanchong, the governor of Zezhou, has returned with his army."

Zhu Xiu said with a smile: "It's all about human effort, I'm sure I'm sure, but I don't dare to guess rashly."

Zhao Kuangyin said helplessly: "Your Majesty has ordered Li Yanchong to rush back to Jincheng and be responsible for contacting places such as Kaifeng and Henan to expedite the transportation of grain and grass. It seems that your Majesty is determined to march to Taiyuan!"

Zhu Xiu frowned, then sighed and said: "Your Majesty hates Liu Chong for invading the south during the state funeral and defeating the enemy in Bagongyuan. He is so angry that he may not be able to listen to persuasion."

Zhao Kuangyin looked at him and said, "You should think of a way to persuade His Majesty to return to the army. Otherwise, if the war is delayed for a long time, our army will run out of food and grass, and it will give the enemy a chance to counterattack."

Zhu Xiudao: "I'll try my best."

Zhu Xiu bowed his hands and said goodbye. When he passed by Ma Renyu and the others, he smiled and nodded.

Han Chongyun seemed to be ignoring him, so Zhu Xiu naturally ignored him.

Before Zhu Xiu could go far, Han Chongyun suddenly patted Ma Renyu on the shoulder and sneered loudly: "Some people really think that they are Zhang Liang alive and Zhuge reincarnated. They can even figure out which way the enemy will retreat and mobilize the troops on their own initiative." , It’s simply whimsical!”

Zhu Xiu paused for a moment, did not look back, and continued to walk away calmly.

Seeing that Zhu Xiu didn't respond, Han Chongyun shouted at the top of his voice: "If Liu Chong can be intercepted, I would be willing to chop off his head and use it as a chamber pot for our contemporary genius!"

Zhu Xiu's back walked around the corridor and disappeared.

Han Chongyun felt helpless, and cursed angrily.

Zhao Kuangyin shouted: "Okay, please stop saying a few words."

Ma Renyu said honestly: "Brother Han is talking about the two groups of soldiers sent by Zhu County to rush to Jiangzhu Ridge and Diaohuang Ridge?

My younger brother has studied the map and there is nothing wrong with County Lord Zhu’s arrangement. If I were to lead the army, I would make the same arrangement! "

Han Chongyun said disdainfully: "Your Majesty is not sure about something, but a boy named Zhu dares to mobilize troops and mobilize people. He is not relying on His Majesty's favor!"

Ma Renyu said sincerely: "But from the perspective of military strategy alone, County Duke Zhu's move is indeed cleverly arranged! Even if he misses the point, it will not have much impact."

Han Chongyun hit Ma Renyu on the back of the head: "You know nothing about military strategy!"

Ma Renyu was a little annoyed, blushed and said, "Even His Majesty praises me, why do you look down on me?"

Han Chongyun sneered sourly: "Isn't it because you got lucky and yelled so loudly in Bagongyuan for your majesty to hear!
You kid had some thoughts, he must have yelled on purpose, just to attract His Majesty's attention! "

Ma Renyu said angrily: "No! The situation was critical at that time and there were many deserters. I was so angry that I shouted!"

"Hmph!~" Han Zhongyun snorted coldly in disbelief and disdain.

Ma Renyu felt that he had been wronged and felt aggrieved. He gritted his teeth and glared at him.

Zhang Qiong and Yang Xin were nearby to persuade.

Zhao Kuangyin frowned and said, "They are all my brothers, what are you shouting about? Ren Yu fought bravely, and it is a good thing to be praised by His Majesty, it is our brother's honor!"

Han Chongyun said in a weird voice: "I'm talking so much about County Lord Zhu that I just ran over and knelt down in front of him to surrender. Han will not call himself a brother to such a pickpocketing person!"

Ma Renyu became angry and said coldly: "I don't want to be with mediocre people who have no ability and only complain behind their backs!"

Ma Renyu snorted heavily, clasped his fists at Zhao Kuangyin and the other three, and walked away in a long stride.

Han Chongyun said angrily, "What an arrogant brat, stop!~"

Zhao Kuangyin scolded angrily: "Shut up!"

Looking around, the quarrel between several people has attracted the attention of other imperial guards.

Zhao Kuangyin glared at Han Chongyun, and said in a low voice, "If you can't control your stinky mouth anymore, get out of here and go back to the camp!"

Han Chongyun muttered a few words and did not dare to say more.

Although he is older than Zhao Kuangyin, Zhao Kuangyin is now the four chief ministers in front of the palace. He is highly regarded by His Majesty and Zhang Yongde. He has also made great achievements in Bagongyuan and has a bright future.

Han Chongyun knew that Zhao Kuangyin had all his wealth and glory on him. Without this support, he would have been expelled from the Imperial Army long ago.

Like Zhang Qiong and Yang Xin, he is a brother of Yishe in name, but in fact they are all subordinates of Zhao Kuangyin.

Ma Renyu was originally the same, but he showed his prowess in Bagongyuan and directly caught the eye of His Majesty. He was directly promoted from an unknown cavalry archer of the Forbidden Army to the commander of the bow and arrow control crane.

Even without Zhao Kuangyin, Ma Renyu's career was on the right track.

This is where people's confidence lies.

Han Chongyun does not have this kind of confidence. Without Zhao Kuangyin, he is nothing.

(End of this chapter)