The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 534 Shi Yanchao asks for advice

"Yuanyuan, call daddy quickly. Daddy will buy you candy."

In the mansion, under the octagonal pavilion in the back garden, Zhu Xiu held her baby in her arms, muttering to herself, sometimes grinning silly, sometimes staring blankly at the baby in her arms, with tears in her eyes.

The little baby in the swaddling clothes is his daughter who is less than one month old. She is named Zhu Yuanyuan. She is small and delicate, and her eyebrows have not yet fully grown. She is already showing a bit of exquisiteness. She will definitely be a beautiful girl in the future.

Fu Jinhuan cracked the cold melon seeds and rolled her eyes at her husband: "You want to hear a baby who is not even a month old call her daddy?"

Zhu Xiu smiled and said, "You don't understand. Babies are also conscious and cannot speak, but they can feel the emotions of their parents and people around them. Talk to her more to stimulate brain development, and your children will be smarter in the future!"

Fu Jinhuan was stunned: "Seriously?"

Zhu Xiu glanced at her and said: "Also, the cold melon seeds are hard, so avoid using your front teeth to knock them. Over time, be careful to knock the gaps between your teeth wide. If you open your mouth and speak, air will leak!"

Fu Jinhuan's eyes widened, holding cold melon seeds in his hand, with a look of confusion on his face.

Jooheon, who was sitting aside peeling bananas, oranges, and pears to prepare fruit tea, couldn't stop giggling.

"Sister eats pears, don't listen to him scaring people!" Zhou Xian smiled and pushed a small plate of cut pears in front of Fu Jinhuan.

Fu Jinhuan poked a piece of pear with a stick and began to chew, then glared at Zhu Xiu, a little depressed.

She likes to eat cold melon seeds the most. After hearing what Zhu Xiu said, she was a little afraid to eat them.

What if a tooth is broken and you are ugly?

"Ehuang, feed me a piece." Zhu Xiu stretched his neck and opened his mouth.

Zhou Xian was afraid that the bamboo stick would poke him, so he pinched it with his hand and fed it into his mouth. Zhu Xiu took the opportunity to peck the delicate hand, causing the beauty to be embarrassed.

Fu Jinhuan laughed and said: "Look at you, you look like a hungry ghost, you are so ugly! After going to Hedong for a few months, you have become dark and fat, and you are almost catching up with Li Chongjin!"

Zhu Xiu smiled and said: "This is not called fat, it is called strong! I have not been idle for the past six months. I have been marching and training. I have tanned a lot and I have become much stronger. I will find out when I go to your room tonight. !”

Zhu Xiu winked at her, stuck out her tongue and licked her lips.

Fu Jinhuan's face was rosy and he said coquettishly: "I won't take you in! Emperor E composed a new song a few days ago and said she would play it for you when you come back. Go to her place!"

Zhou Xian's face turned red, and he waved his hands hurriedly: "You'd better go to sister's courtyard, I. It's inconvenient for me!"

Zhu Xiuhu said with a face: "Is it true that my husband is like a pig? Is he going to be kicked around by you?"

Zhou Xian said embarrassedly: "I'm not feeling well."

Zhu Xiu glared at Fu Jinhuan: "Just go to your place! Wash your husband clean and serve him well!"

"Disgusting!" Fu Jinhuan spat with a red face.

The swaddled baby seemed to be awakened, squeaking and twisting slightly.

Zhu Xiu quickly coaxed the child gently, and soon, the child was gently rocked to sleep again.

"By the way, eldest sister has been in poor health since she gave birth to the little prince. Tomorrow I will go to the palace with you to visit." Fu Jinhuan said worriedly.

Zhu Xiudao: "Call Qingchan and ask her to help the Queen take care of herself."

After all, Fu Jinzhan still could not escape her historical fate. Giving birth to a child may be an insurmountable obstacle for her.

Publicly and privately, Zhu Xiu didn't want anything to happen to her.

With her here, Chai Rong, the Zhu family, and the Fu family can form a stable community of interests.

Zhou Xian reminded: "There is also Mrs. Feng, who has been bedridden since Songling came back. I heard from Qingchan that the situation has not been good recently."

Zhu Xiu sighed, Feng Dao also reached the end of his life, and later, he took Feng Qingchan to visit the Grand Master's Mansion.

Just as he was talking, Shi Lingyan, supported by Feng Qingchan, crossed the archway in the backyard and walked towards the pavilion by the pool.

Not long after giving birth, Shi Lingyan was wrapped in thick clothes and looked very bloated.

"Yan'er, you just gave birth and you couldn't catch a cold, you should go back to the house to rest." Zhu Xiu walked forward with the baby in her arms.

Shi Lingyan wore a leather hat, revealing a slightly haggard face.

"It's so suffocating that people want to come out for some air!" Shi Lingyan complained.

Feng Qingchan said with a smile: "Sister Yan is in good condition. Walking around will help restore her vitality."

Shi Lingyan took the child and held it in his arms, his face filled with maternal love.

Zhu Xiu also saw tenderness in her eyes. The violent little girl in Anding County who was yelling and screaming is now a mother.

"Chan'er, come with me to the Grand Master's Mansion later." Zhu Xiu said softly.

Feng Qingchan's expression darkened and she nodded silently.

"How is Mr. Feng's condition?" Zhu Xiu asked with concern.

Feng Qingchan sighed: "I'm afraid it's all gone."

Zhu Xiu is also sad. Life, old age, illness and death, after all, no one can escape the vulgarity.

"Oops, Yuanyuan peed!"

Shi Lingyan muttered and stuffed the swaddling clothes into Zhu Xiu's arms: "Hurry up and change the diaper!"

Zhu Xiu hurriedly held the wet swaddling clothes, causing the girls to laugh.

In the afternoon, the servant reported that Shi Yanchao was visiting. Zhu Xiu changed clothes and rushed to the front hall to meet him.

Since returning to Kaifeng, Shi Yanchao is the first person to visit.

"General Shi, who are these two cows?"

Outside the front hall, Zhu Xiu watched in surprise as Shi Yanchao's soldiers brought two cows.

Shi Yanchao said: "I heard that you secretly like to eat beef, so I specially got two ends for you to try!"

Shi Yanchao pointed to the two cows and said: "This kind of cattle is rare in the Central Plains. They are mostly found in the Longxi and Hexi areas. The Tubo and Qiang people like to raise them. The locals also call them elegant cattle.

It's not worth much, but it's rare. It's not easy to get. So I asked a friend in Guanzhong to help me find it. "

Zhu Xiu didn't know whether to laugh or cry. These two cows were taller and stronger than the Central Plains buffalo and yellow cattle. They had thick horns and long and fluffy hair. They should be closely related to the Yan cattle.

When he was in Jingzhou, he had seen and eaten it. The meat was not delicate, but if cooked properly, it would have a different taste.

Zhu Xiu, Shi Kuangwei, and Shi Xiangwen were all experts at eating meat. Anything they could eat in Yuanzhou, Jingzhou, was brought to the Five Zang Temple by the three guys.

Shi Yanchao specially sent two cows, which were quite satisfactory.

I just didn't expect that this black bear spirit is tall and thick, but he also has a delicate side.

"Thank you, General Shi! I'm sorry to show you how disrespectful you are! Please take a seat in the hall!"

Zhu Xiu thanked him and invited him into the hall to talk.

The guests and hosts sat down and waited for the servants to serve the tea. Shi Yanchao said: "A certain person is a rough man. He is always outspoken and doesn't know how to beat around the bush. This time he came here to express his gratitude in person for the kindness he gave me outside Luzhou City that day!"

Zhu Xiudao: "General Shi, you are too polite. You and I are officials in the same dynasty, and we are also in the army. These are what we should do! It's just that loyal words are offensive to the ears. If some words are not said in a different way, General Shi may not be able to fully believe them."

Shi Yanchao said cheerfully: "I was short-sighted before, I'm sorry! If Mr. Zhu has any suggestions in the future, just say it! I, Mr. Shi, may not necessarily listen to what others say, but I, Mr. Shi, will definitely listen to what you, Zhu Xiu, say." !" "Haha~ It's a deal! If there is any offence in my words in the future, General Shi will forgive me!" Zhu Xiuye ​​said with a smile.

After this battle in Hedong, Shi Yanchao no longer had the slightest idea of ​​despising Zhu Xiu.

He understood that Zhu Xiu may not have the ability to charge into battle like warriors like them, but his vision and strategy were top-notch, which was exactly what a good commander must possess.

Even if he has never read military books, as a general who has fought all his life, Shi Yanchao still understands the principle of going to war.

Before, Shi Yanchao was a little disdainful, treating literati like Zhu Xiu as military leaders, but after the battle in Hedong, he fully realized Zhu Xiu's ability.

Zhu Xiu could fully bear the weight of the word "Pao Ze".

Shi Yanchao even secretly felt lucky that a talent like Zhu Xiu was a minister of the Zhou Dynasty, not the Northern Han Dynasty or the Khitan.

"I heard that General Shi will be appointed as the envoy of the Yongqing Army in Beizhou. I wonder when he will leave for the post?"

Shi Yanchao said: "The day after tomorrow, there are still some housework to settle."

Zhu Xiu smiled and said: "Since Your Majesty came to the throne, the Khitans have repeatedly sent small groups of cavalry across the Zhang River to invade the hinterland of Jizhou, harassing the people and plundering villages and towns.

General Shi's trip this time is probably to shoulder the important task of clearing out the Khitan's southern invasion forces! "

Shi Yanchao laughed and said, "You are right again! When His Majesty summoned me to the palace to report, he clearly asked me to strengthen defense after taking office, appease the local people, and find a way to teach the Khitans a lesson! What should I do? I don't know what to do. Can the county official give me some advice?”

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

This guy was smart enough to come to him for advice before leaving.

After thinking about it, Zhu Xiu said: "There are many river systems between Jizhou and Beizhou, and the terrain is mostly plains, which is suitable for the Khitan cavalry to use their strengths.

If you want to curb the Khitan cavalry's characteristic of coming and going like the wind, you must first limit its mobility.

After General Shi takes office, he can survey the terrain and look for places where the river bank is shallow and easy for the cavalry to cross. He can build a wall at a suitable location nearby, form a stronghold and even a camp, divide the troops and station them, and wait for the Khitan cavalry to attack. Message each other and send troops to rescue each other.

In this way, our army will have a stronghold as its foundation and will have no worries and can freely deal with the Khitan cavalry.

No matter how good the Khitan war horse is, there will always be a time when its physical strength is exhausted. As long as its movement speed is restricted, it will be able to find a flaw and defeat it! "

Shi Yanchao was overjoyed, and Zhu Xiu's words instantly gave him a general plan in his mind.

"Haha! Mr. Zhu's method is really clever! Shi's trip was not in vain. Thank you for your advice!"

Shi Yanchao clasped his fists happily.

The first reason for coming this time was to thank Zhu Xiu for his reminder outside Luzhou that day, which allowed him to survive by chance in Xinkou.

Second, he came to Zhu Xiu with the attitude of giving it a try. Unexpectedly, he was not disappointed.

Implicated by Wang Jun, Shi Yanchao was demoted to Shenzhou by the late emperor.

After Chai Rong came to the throne, he summoned him to go out with the army.

In the Battle of Hedong, Shi Yanchao performed brilliantly and was promoted to Beizhou Jiedushi due to his merit.

Returning to Hebei this time was particularly important for Shi Yanchao's career. He worked hard to achieve something.

The reform of the Great Zhou Army is imminent, and the Forbidden Army is about to undergo major changes. A large number of young generals will become the new backbone of the Great Zhou Army.

Shi Yanchao is 43 years old, and he is already quite old. If he does not make some achievements, he will sooner or later be replaced by the younger generation and lose his status in the military.

Now that he has Zhu Xiu's guidance, he is more confident to achieve great results in Beizhou and prove his ability and value.

"I heard that Lord Zhu is happy to have a daughter? Congratulations!" Shi Yanchao smiled, and changed the topic, "A young son is only two years old, and he is a little older than Ling's daughter. Why don't you and my family have a child relationship? ?”

"Uh~" Zhu Xiu was stunned and almost spit out a mouthful of tea.

My daughter is less than a month old, and she is missed by others, and there are more than one family who come to ask her relatives!
It's okay for other families, but Shi Yanchao
This guy looks fierce and ferocious, and is as strong as a wild bull. I'm afraid his son will be nowhere to be seen.

Zhu Xiu said vaguely: "The children are still young, so we are not busy with this matter. It won't be too late to talk about it in a few years!"

Shi Yanchao didn't force it, and said with a smile: "That's fine! But I have registered with you first, so you have to give priority to my son when it comes to getting married in the future!"

"Haha, say it again, say it again!" Zhu Xiu didn't know whether to laugh or cry, and could only be vague.

After bidding farewell to Shi Yanchao, Zhu Xiu returned to the back house with a depressed heart and hands behind his back.

In the original trajectory, Shi Yanchao was killed in the Battle of Xinkou.

Now, because of his intervention, this guy had a chance to escape and will be heading to Hebei soon.

Shi Yanchao was a fierce general with unparalleled loyalty and bravery. It would be a pity to die early in the battle. Before the battle at Bagongyuan, Zhu Xiu had been thinking about how to save his life.

As for how far this guy can go in the future, it depends on his fortune.

When passing by the independent courtyard where Shi Xiangwen lived, Zhu Xiu glanced inside and saw a huge body sitting on the floor. There was a mess around him, with saws, planes, knives, mallets and other tools scattered everywhere.

"Shi Dalang, what are you doing?"

Zhu Xiu stood behind him and saw this guy holding up a piece of wood and gesticulating something.

"I want to make a wooden horse for Xiao Yuanyuan to ride on." Shi Xiangwen said in a low voice without looking back.

Zhu Xiu smiled and said, "Why do you have to do it yourself? It's too troublesome. Just buy one in the street market!"

Shi Xiangwen was stunned for a moment, his disheveled head shook and he said, "I want to do it myself!"

Zhu Xiu smiled and ignored him.

Shi Xiangwen's brain was confused and had not improved after so many years. Feng Qingchan said that he was born with a congenital defect that could not be cured with medicine.

His head was dull, but his hands were extremely flexible. He could shape clay figures and cut paper. In recent years, he became interested in carpentry, so Zhu Xiu found someone from among the official craftsmen to teach him.

Shi Xiangwen had a clear mind and no distracting thoughts, and he studied hard. From the carpenter's tone, this was the best apprentice he had ever taught.

Zhu Xiu saw that his lion's mane and long hair was a little messy, with a lot of sawdust and grass, so she tidied it up for him.

"Dalang, do you know what Yuanyuan will call you when she grows up in the future?"

Shi Xiangwen raised his head and thought for a while, grinning stupidly: "Call uncle!"

"Haha~ Yes, you have to call me uncle!"

Zhu Xiu got excited and braided his messy hair into two thick braids, hanging on his shoulders, making him look like a Khitan man.

But even among the Khitan people, I'm afraid they can't find such a fierce man.

Shi Xiangwen suddenly said: "Zhu Xiu, I want to go with you to fights in the future!"

Zhu Xiu was stunned and said with a smile: "Why?"

Shi Xiangwen turned around and glanced at him with disgust: "You're so stupid that you can't even beat Xiao Yan'er! Dad said that there are many people who want to kill you and asked me to protect you! If you die, Little Yuanyuan has no father!"

Zhu Xiu laughed: "Okay! I will take you with me in every fight from now on. As long as you are here, no one in this world can kill me!"

Shi Xiangwen said "hmm" and ignored him, concentrating on starting to do the wood work.

Zhu Xiu sat down next to him and watched him playing with the wood with interest.

(End of this chapter)