The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 530: Failure in Taiyuan
Outside Taiyuan City, the Zhou army formed a stronghold around the city and camped for more than [-] miles.

Although it seems to be a huge force, in fact, the soldiers only account for a small part, and the camps are mostly occupied by civilians recruited from various places.

Torrential rain has been falling for several days. Taiyuan City is located at the southern foot of Zhoushan Mountain, with mountains on the left and right. The terrain is low-lying. The continuous heavy rain has caused rainwater to pour back. Not only the four city walls are soaked in rainwater, but even the Zhou army camp has become a vast ocean.

In the emperor's own army camp, Zhu Xiu put on his raincoat and went to inspect the military garrison. He waded through the muddy water with one foot deep and one foot shallow, and his lower half was almost soaked.

"It has rained heavily for days and our army's attack on the city has almost stopped. If we continue like this, we will run out of food and grass, and there will be chaos." Bi Zhenhai, who was following closely beside him, whispered worriedly.

Zhu Xiu said nothing with a sullen face. How could he not know that attacking Taiyuan City was a mistake from the beginning.

But Chai Rong's attitude was firm, and no one's persuasion was of any use.

After all, this was his first battle on the throne, and it was also a personal conquest by the royal driver. A big victory in Bagongyuan could not satisfy him, and he wanted to take the opportunity to destroy the Northern Han Dynasty.

It cannot be said that Chai Rong's decision-making was wrong. Sitting in his seat, his considerations were naturally different from others.

Judging from the progress of the war, Zhou Jun did hope to defeat Taiyuan City in one go, but who would have thought that since entering the jurisdiction of Taiyuan Prefecture, God seems to be on Liu Chong's side. The rain is getting worse day by day, and the entire Taiyuan The basin became a marshland, causing great difficulties to the Zhou army.

Zhu Xiu lifted up his bamboo hat and raised his head slightly. The wind and rain hit his face. The big raindrops hit his face, which actually hurt a little.

Such heavy rain prevented the Zhou army from attacking the city, and even the logistics supply line had to be blocked.

The army only has enough food and grass for a few days. This news cannot be concealed, and the plight of food shortage has spread throughout the army.

Wang Yanchao of the West Route Army and even several Xiangdu troops openly robbed people and robbed people of food in the surrounding villages.

With a heavy heart, Zhu Xiu inspected the camp and found that the morale of each army camp was low and they were huddled in their tents doing nothing.

The worst thing was the civilian camp. The climate was humid and hot due to heavy rains for days. Some civilians recruited from Huaizhou, Mengzhou and other places had difficulty adapting and fell ill.

Once the epidemic is allowed to spread, the consequences will be disastrous.

The emperor's own army camp is already the camp with the best conditions. If the situation is so bad, it is conceivable that the West Route Army Wang Yanchao's troops will be even worse.

"Look, sir, which general is coming?" Bi Zhenhai pointed in the direction of the camp gate.

Zhu Xiu looked around hurriedly and saw several generals in raincoats dismounting from their horses. There were accompanying flag bearers holding a folded general's flag.

"It's General Zhe Dequ who has arrived after Fuzhou Jieduliu!" Zhu Xiu hurried forward to greet him.

"I've heard about General Zhe for a long time, and it's truly a blessing to see him today!" Zhu Xiu smiled and bowed his hands. The rain was so heavy that his voice could not help but become louder.

The group of people who had just dismounted looked towards him, and there was one person in the lead. He was about 40 years old, with a strong build and a kind face. At first glance, people felt that he was a trustworthy and loyal person. He was none other than Zhe Deke!
"Who is your Excellency?" Zhe De was stunned for a moment, feeling that the person in front of him was unfamiliar and he had never seen him before.

He was always cautious and knew that even if the emperor was surrounded by a young eunuch, he couldn't neglect him, so he hurriedly returned the favor with fists clasped.

"I, Zhu Xiu, have met General Zhe!" Zhu Xiu said with a smile.

A look of surprise flashed in Zhe De's eyes. Of course he had heard of Zhu Xiu's name, but he didn't expect him to be so young.

"It turns out to be Deputy Commander Zhu, disrespectful!" Zhe Deqian bowed slightly, not looking down on the young man in front of him just because he was older.

Zhu Xiu hurriedly stretched out his hands for support and said with a smile: "General Zhe, there is no need to be polite. The title of deputy commander of the army is just a decoration. He is just taking care of military supplies for your majesty. He cannot be called deputy commander!"

General Zhe calls him this, which makes me feel ashamed! "

Zhe Deqing didn't seem to expect that Zhu Xiu would be so polite to him. After all, this man was a new noble in the court. He was deeply favored by the late emperor and today's emperor. He was awarded the title of Founding Marquis before he reached the weak crown. Now he is promoted to the county Duke, and he is a legend. Experience can be said to be a famous name spread all over the world.

"Military supplies are a top priority, and His Majesty entrusted them to Deputy Commander Zhu, which shows that Deputy Commander Zhu has outstanding abilities and is worthy of a big responsibility!" Zhe Deqing said with a smile.

Zhu Xiu waved his hands repeatedly and said with a grimace: "General Zhe, you really don't need to call me Deputy Commander Zhu. I'm just running errands and doing odd jobs with His Majesty. Look at my thin arms and legs, and I can't go into battle to kill him." Enemy, I’m really ashamed~”

Behind Zhe Deqi, a chuckle suddenly came from several generals wearing raincoats, like a girl's laughter.

Zhe Deqing looked slightly unnatural and coughed dryly.

Zhu Xiu looked at several people. They were all wearing bamboo hats and raincoats. They lowered their heads and couldn't see clearly.

The sound of heavy rain could be heard in his ears. Zhu Xiu thought she had heard it wrong and didn't take it seriously.

Zhe Deqing thought for a moment and said, "It's better to do this. When Fu Zhaoxin was in Fuzhou, I called him brother, and Duke Zhu is his brother-in-law. I will ask you to call you brother Zhu Xiandi!"

Zhu Xiu glared and waved his hands quickly: "No, no! General Zhe is much older, how can he be worthy of being a general?

What's more, Zheng Guogong is about the same age as the old master Feng Dao. I am related to the old master Feng as my grandson-in-law, so I am naturally the junior of Zheng Guogong.

I have a cursive character for writing, so General Zhe may as well call me by my nickname! "

Zhe Deqian hesitated for a moment and said with a smile: "Literary talent!"

Zhu Xiu bowed his head with a smile, but Zhe Deku did not give in and accepted his bow.

After all, Zhe Deku was almost 40 years old, so it was not appropriate to call him brother. Zhe Congruan, Duke of Zheng Guo, was also a veteran of several generations. There was no problem in being Zhu Xiu's grandfather, and there was no need to take advantage of his seniority.

With Zhu Xiu's attitude, besides deliberately trying to win over the Zhe family, he also sincerely admires the heroes of the Zhe family.

The Zhe family is a wealthy family in Fuzhou. They have lived in Fuzhou for generations. For several generations, they have persisted in resisting the Khitans and loyal to the Central Plains Dynasty.

Even in the 12th year of Tianfu, when Yelu Deguang's army invaded south and reached the Yellow River line, and the Central Plains dynasty was almost destroyed, the Zhe family in Fuzhou never wavered in their determination to fight against the Khitan.

In the Hetao and Yunshuo areas, the reputation of the Zhe family is unpopular, but the Khitan people hate it deeply.

Nowadays, the life of the Zhe family is even more difficult. They are facing threats from the Northern Han Dynasty and the Dangxiang people of the Dingnan Army, and they also have to deal with the harassment from the Monan Khitan tribe. It can be said that they are surrounded by enemies on three sides.

Even so, the Zhe family was still struggling to support themselves and ignored Liu Chong and the Khitan people's solicitations.

Last year, Guo Wei thought that Ruan was old and worried that it would be dangerous for him to stay in Fuzhou, so he transferred him to Pizhou Jiedushi to suppress the rebellion of the Dangxiang Pheasants in the Jingyuan area.

Compared with Fuzhou, which has suffered from continuous wars, Jingzhou and Pizhou are much better off. At least they don't have to face the danger of being attacked from both sides.

Now, the important task of leading the soldiers and civilians of Fuzhou to resist the Khitans fell on Zhe Deqi's shoulders. He took over the banner of his father and continued to stay in Fuzhou.

Zhu Xiu admired from the bottom of his heart such a heroic family that had guarded the country's borders for generations.

"Zhu Xiu!"

Behind him, Zhang Yongde shouted urgently.

Looking back, Zhang Yongde got off his horse and walked up quickly with an anxious look on his face, and grabbed him: "Your Majesty heard about the sergeants robbing the people. He was furious and wanted to kill more than a dozen generals of the West Route Army. Wang Yanchao, Han Tong, Xiang General Xun is begging!
Come back with me quickly, and together with all the generals, plead with His Majesty! "Zhu Xiu was startled, people in the army are already uneasy, if they kill the generals again, it will definitely disturb the morale of the army.

"Wait a minute!" Zhu Xiu grabbed him, "Let me introduce you. This is General Zhe Deyi after the governor of Fuzhou! This is Zhang Yongde, the commander of the capital in front of the palace, the Duke of Shangdang, and the prince-in-law Zhang Yongde!"

When the two heard each other's name, they hurriedly greeted each other.

Zhang Yongde squeezed out a smile and said: "When I was on business in Xingzhou, Duke Zheng led his army and passed by. I was ordered to go to reward the army, but I was not able to meet General Zhe. What a pity!"

Zhe Deku also smiled and said: "That year, the Khitans were lingering in the Monan area. My father was worried about changes and ordered me to stay behind. I was unable to go to Hebei to fight. This has been a regret in my heart for many years."

The two of them smiled heartily.

Zhang Yongde pulled Zhu Xiu, winked and whispered: "Let's go quickly! Your Majesty is furious, and it's up to you to intercede!"

Zhe De said hurriedly and seriously: "Military affairs are important. We'd better go to see your Majesty as soon as possible!"

A group of people mounted their horses and ran towards the emperor's imperial tent.

Beside Zhu Xiu, a horseman suddenly came forward. The knight on the horse poked Zhu Xiu's waist with his riding whip.

Zhu Xiu looked back suspiciously and saw the man lifting his bamboo hat and revealing a woman's smile.

She is about 20 years old, her skin is wheat-colored and slightly rough, her face is slightly round, and she has two cute dimples when she smiles.

"It turns out that you are Zhu Xiu! Rumor has it that you are a disciple of a hermit from Tanzhou. You are very talented and have a first-class handsome appearance. When we meet you today, you are nothing more than that!" The woman chuckled and whispered.

Zhu Xiu was stunned and grinned: "It's just a rumor, it can't be believed. I'm just an ordinary person, so I've disappointed the girl."

The woman was stunned, not expecting Zhu Xiu to reply like this.

She pursed her lips and smiled softly: "You are quite interesting. But, you don't want to ask me who I am?"

Zhu Xiu smiled and said: "The girl came with General Zhe and can enter and exit the military camp as a woman. Apart from General Zhe's beloved daughter, the famous heroine, Miss Zhe Sai Huazhe, I don't think there is anyone else with such grace!"

Zhe Saihua's slightly chapped face suddenly became rosy, her eyes were watery, and she pursed her lips and said nothing.

Zhe De, who was riding in front, turned around and saw that she hurriedly lowered her bamboo hat, lightly tightened the reins, and shrank behind the crowd.

Zhang Yongde, who was beside him, turned to look with a strange look in his eyes, and whispered: "When did you become so familiar with the Zhe family?"

Zhu Xiu chuckled and said, "We just met, we're not very familiar with him yet."

Zhang Yongde opened his eyes wide and whispered: "I just met you and you know her by her first name? Are you still so playful?"

Zhu Xiu glanced at him and mocked: "How else should I speak? How can you please a girl with such an old-fashioned attitude?
I said, Brother Zhang, you must be lucky enough to get a marriage from the late emperor in your early years, otherwise you may be a bachelor in this life! "

Zhang Yongde blushed and glared at him angrily: "I heard that the daughter of the Zhe family has been engaged to the Yang family of Linzhou for a long time. Don't do anything wrong!"

Zhu Xiu said angrily: "Brother Zhang is too worried. I just want to get acquainted with this girl, nothing else!"

Zhang Yongde snorted, as if he only believed in you.

Zhu Xiu rolled his eyes. After all, he was surrounded by a lovely wife and concubines. He was going to be a father soon and had a family to worry about. How could he attract bees and butterflies outside?

Zhe Saihua's appearance can only be said to be pretty good, rather attractive and distinctive, and her temperament is a bit like Fu Jinzhan in Cangzhou City back then.

Compared with the four girls in the family, her appearance is not superior, but her temperament is different.

Zhu Xiu looked back and saw Madam Zhe standing at the end of the crowd, staring directly at him with a pair of dark eyes under her bamboo hat.

Zhu Xiu nodded politely, thinking that Madam Zhe was lively and interesting, but didn't think anything of it.

Entering the imperial tent, Wang Yanchao, Han Tong, Xiang Xun, Li Chongjin, Zhao Kuangyin, Liu Ci and other generals were all present, sitting in the middle of the main seat, Chai Rong sat with a worried expression on his face.

Seeing that Zhe Deqi led his troops from Fuzhou to help in the battle, Chai Rong stood up, helped him up, praised him greatly, and promoted him to the governor of Fuzhou on the spot, officially succeeding Zhe Congruan in charge of the military affairs of Fuzhou.

Everyone sat down, no one dared to speak, and the atmosphere in the tent became slightly solemn.

Li Chongjin and Zhang Yongde kept winking at Zhu Xiu. Zhu Xiu secretly scolded the two guys for being unloyal, knowing that Chai Rong was angry and letting him take the lead.

Helpless, Zhu Xiu bit the bullet and said: "I heard that there are generals in the West Route Army who are disturbing the people, and your Majesty wants to punish him."

Before he finished speaking, Chai Rong shouted coldly: "Is it to disturb the people? The above 16 people commanded by Hezhong Army and Shaanzhou Army blatantly violated military orders and led soldiers to invade nearby villages and towns at night, robbed people of their property and food, and injured people. Hundreds of people!
Before entering the Taiyuan Mansion, I ordered the soldiers to harass the people. In doing so, they trampled on the military order and committed a capital crime, which is unforgivable! "

Han Tong, the governor of the Baoyi Army in Shaanxi Province, was a reckless man, nicknamed Han Dangyan. He couldn't help but muttered: "The army has been short of food for several days. The brothers had no choice but to go get some food and come back. It can't be done." Fighting on an empty stomach”

Chai Rong angrily rebuked: "How dare you! How dare you defend them? They have the audacity to commit capital crimes, and you cannot escape the responsibility of poor supervision!"

Han Tong shrank his neck and did not dare to speak anymore. He was obviously a ferocious-looking man, but at this moment his face was full of grievances, which looked a bit funny.

Wang Yanchao sighed: "After all, there are extenuating circumstances. I hope your Majesty will be given a lighter sentence."

Chai Rong looked gloomy and said nothing.

Zhu Xiu said earnestly: "Since the Hezhong Army and the Baoyi Army attacked Fenzhou, they fought bravely and won consecutive battles. After the siege began, they took on most of the heavy siege tasks and suffered heavy casualties.

In recent days, heavy rains have continued, and flash floods have broken out, blocking roads. It is difficult to transport food transferred from Luzhou and Zezhou. The army's rations have been reduced by half, and the soldiers are inevitably complaining.

It is true that plundering civilians and violating military law should be severely punished, but Your Majesty also asks your Majesty to consider that given the many military exploits of the two armies and the fact that the weather and location are really not conducive to our army, the offenders will be given a lighter sentence. "

Zhu Xiu took the lead, and Li Chongjin, Zhang Yongde, Xiang Xun, Zhao Kuangyin and others all pleaded for mercy.

Zhe Deqing had just arrived and it was difficult for him to stand out, but in this case, he also knew that punishing the sergeants severely would not help boost morale, and since all the generals in the tent had expressed their opinions, he naturally could not stay out of the matter and follow everyone to plead for mercy.

Chai Rong's expression changed. He looked around at the generals and said, "Well, for the sake of your pleading, let's bypass the death penalty for the time being! The person who committed the crime will have twenty sticks on his buttocks. Wang Yanchao and Han Tong will be demoted one level and fined for one year." !”

Wang Yanchao and Han Tong breathed a sigh of relief and quickly knelt down to thank them. The generals also thanked them.

The two of them did not forget to cast grateful glances at Zhu Xiu.

Demotion and fines are easy to talk about, but if Chai Rong really wants to behead those sixteen commanders, they won't be able to lead the troops.

Zhu Xiu smiled bitterly in his heart, so what if he spared those generals who took the lead in robbing the people? The Zhou army was at a loss in the siege of the city. If it continued, there would be even greater chaos.

The key now is to let Chai Rong make up his mind to withdraw his troops as soon as possible.

(End of this chapter)