The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 544
In the middle of the night, Yunzhou rushed to the palace. Chai Rong summoned all the important ministers overnight to hold an urgent discussion in the back cabinet of Qingshou Hall.

The dark night sky is filled with heavy rain, as if the sky is cracking, the Milky Way is pouring, lightning bolts are tearing through the sky, and thunder snakes are dancing ferociously to call for wind and rain.

This rare thunderstorm in winter turned the land of Qilu into a vast ocean.

In the palace, Chai Rong and other important ministers looked solemn.

Looking at this celestial phenomenon, one can imagine how critical the situation in the four states on the lower reaches of the Yellow River is at this moment.

Chai Rong did not fall asleep until late at night while handling government affairs. He was awakened by an urgent report just after falling asleep for more than an hour.

His face was full of tiredness, but he had to force himself up and looked quite tired.

The same is true for Fan Zhi, Wang Pu, Zheng Renjie, Wei Renpu, and the newly appointed Third Secretary Jing Fan.

Zhu Xiu glanced at everyone secretly and smiled bitterly. It seemed that they were all people who had trouble sleeping.

Zhang Yongde was sitting upright, with an upright face and no signs of fatigue.

Zhu Xiu always had a good sleep. No matter how big things were on her mind, she could fall asleep with her head on the pillow.

Tonight, it was also because Xiao Yuanyuan kept crying, so she stayed up until midnight to comfort the child.

There were oil lamps and candles burning in the palace, but it still looked dim. The flickering lights made people drowsy.

Zhu Xiu couldn't help but yawned. Soon, Fan Zhi, Wei Renpu, and Wang Pu began to yawn one after another, as if they were infected.

Chai Rong sighed: "I know that all of you are busy with official work, so you must not have had a good rest last night. However, Yunzhou has an urgent delivery of [-] miles, and floods in the lower reaches of the Yellow River have flooded the four states. I am anxious and have no choice but to summon you late at night. A major disaster has occurred in the country. , it is also necessary for all the ministries of the imperial court to work together to come up with disaster relief regulations as soon as possible."

Zheng Renjie said solemnly: "I and others are eating the emperor's salary. It is a matter of loyalty to the emperor. Your Majesty is concerned about natural disasters. It is a blessing for the people. How can I dare to neglect it?"

The ministers agreed, and Chai Rong was quite pleased.

Fan Zhidao: "The top priority right now is to send a capable official to the disaster area as soon as possible to preside over disaster relief matters."

Wei Renpu took the initiative to invite him and said: "Your Majesty, I am willing to go! Ahem~~"

Wei Renpu didn't look well, his face was a little sallow, and he obviously looked sick.

Chai Rong smiled bitterly and said: "The imperial doctor has just diagnosed that Privy Wei has a heart disease and needs to recuperate for a period of time. Don't overwork yourself. It's better to leave this matter to others!"

Wei Renpu wanted to say something else, but Chai Rong just refused.

Jing Fan also expressed his willingness to go and take charge of the disaster relief work, but Chai Rong still shook his head.

The Third Division is responsible for monitoring the world's taxes and taxes. As the Third Division's envoy, Jing Fan cannot be separated from him for a moment.

Wang Pu also took the initiative to ask for a job, but he had cold disease in his legs and the pain was unbearable as soon as winter came. Chai Rong thought about it and rejected it.

Fan Zhi sincerely stated that he had no experience in disaster relief and that it would be difficult to handle such a major disaster properly.

A slight oversight would cause immeasurable harm to the people in the face of such a major natural disaster.

Zhang Yongde shoulders the important task of guarding the capital, so naturally he cannot do without him. Zhu Xiu is the only one left among the people present.

"Your Majesty, I am willing to go to the rescue!"

Zhu Xiu cupped his hands and said, although he also knew that he had no experience in disaster relief, he could try it by referring to historical practices.

As long as Chai Rong provides sufficient support and mobilizes sufficient manpower and material resources, I believe the disaster can be quelled as soon as possible.

According to the situation reported by Yunzhou Express, the disaster in the four states on the lower reaches of the Yellow River this time was more serious than the flood that occurred at the same time in history.

If it is not handled well, it will be a major blow to both Dazhou and Chai Rong, who has been on the throne for less than a year.

Chai Rong glanced at Zhu Xiu and seemed to be hesitating. After a long while, he shook his head and said, "I will entrust you with other important tasks. For this disaster relief, I already have the right person in mind."

The ministers looked at the emperor, wondering who the emperor was talking about.

Chai Rong said in a deep voice: "Li Gu, the governor of the Huai Army in Suzhou Town, reported last month that he would go to Yanzhou and Yizhou to supervise the construction of warships. Right now, Li Gu is in the Yanzhou and Yizhou area. If he is allowed to We go to provide disaster relief, and we can reach the disaster area in a few days. I prefer Li Gu to take on this important task!"

Fan Zhi, Wang Pu and others discussed in a low voice for a while, and they all felt that Li Gu was a good candidate.

Zhu Xiu smiled bitterly, and after going around in a circle, this errand still fell on Li Gu.

It was Li Gu who stepped in to quell the flood at the same time in history.

Wei Renpu said: "Li Gu is here. He won't be able to rush back to Suzhou within three to five months. Where is the Huai Army, I wonder if your majesty plans to transfer anyone to take over temporarily?"

Chai Rong pondered for a moment and looked at Zhu Xiu: "You will also serve as the governor of the Suppressing Huai Army, succeed Li Gu, and continue to intensify the training of the Suppressing Huai Army!"

Zhu Xiu was stunned. He had no idea that Chai Rong would transfer him to take over as the governor of the Huai Army.

The Huai Suppressing Army was built by him and Li Chongjin, and then handed over to Li Gu. Now it is back in his hands again. It's really unpredictable~
Zhu Xiu hesitated for a moment, then cupped his hands and said, "May I ask Your Majesty, do you want me to temporarily take charge of the affairs of the Huai Army during Ligu's disaster relief period, or do you want me to formally succeed him as the Jiedu Envoy?"

Chai Rong said: "After Li Gu provides disaster relief, I plan to transfer him back to serve in the court. You will be in full charge of suppressing the Huai Army."

Zhu Xiu said hurriedly: "I obey the order!"

Chai Rong looked around at everyone and said in a serious tone: "My lords, I have decided to use troops against Meng Shu at the beginning of next spring. The goal is to recapture the four states of Qin, Feng, Jie, and Cheng, and compress the Shu army's defense line so that they can no longer disperse. Guan invades Jingzhao and ensures peace in Guanzhong!"

This was the first time that Chai Rong officially expressed his intention to use troops against Meng Shu. Everyone was a little surprised, but after thinking about it, it made sense.

After all, the emperor had summoned his ministers more than once to discuss the north-south strategy for the coming year.

First go to the four states of Qin and Feng to cut off the chokepoint connecting Shuzhong to Guanzhong and ensure the stability of Jingyuan and Guanzhong areas.

After that, they marched into Huainan and tried their best to seize this sacred land and take a solid step towards unifying the world for the Great Zhou Dynasty.

This has long been a strategic plan known to everyone, and it has now entered the implementation stage.

Chai Rong paused for a moment to give everyone time to react. Seeing that his close ministers were calm, he smiled and said: "If the war goes well, after next summer's harvest, I will personally lead the troops to march to Huainan!"

Chai Rong looked at Zhu Xiu: "When the time comes, the Huai Army in Suzhou Town under your command will be the bridgehead. They will attack the enemy. They have a heavy responsibility!"

Zhu Xiu said hurriedly: "Your Majesty, don't worry, I and the soldiers of the Huai Army will never let down your Majesty's trust!"

After discussing some disaster relief matters, everyone retired, and Chai Rong left Zhu Xiu alone.

The charcoal in the charcoal basin turned dark red. The monarch and his ministers sat around and warmed themselves in silence for a long time.

Seeing Chai Rong's frown, Zhu Xiu said softly: "Your Majesty asked me to stay because you have other important matters to explain?"

Chai Rong said in a low voice: "I asked you to take over Li Gu and go to Suzhou. Do you understand the deep meaning?" Zhu Xiu was silent. He could naturally guess some of Chai Rong's intentions.

But he would rather not get involved in this matter, and he didn't want to know the so-called deeper meaning.

Seeing that he didn't speak, Chai Rong was a little angry: "You can guess it, but you don't want to say it? Really?"

Zhu Xiu glanced at him, then lowered his head and murmured: "I can't guess anything. I only know that your Majesty asked me to go to Suzhou to train the navy."

Chai Rong laughed angrily, pointed at him and scolded: "You kid, stop pretending to be confused with me! The military and the country are important matters, and we cannot tolerate your emotions!"

Zhu Xiu drooped his head and remained silent.

Chai Rong sighed softly and said in a low voice: "Li Chongjin is in charge of the German army and is guarding Bozhou and Songzhou. It is only more than four hundred miles away from Kaifeng. You know what I am worried about!"

Zhu Xiu couldn't help but said: "Your Majesty, don't worry, Li Chongjin will not make the same mistake again! He is sincere to Your Majesty and to Great Zhou, I can guarantee it!"

Chai Rong asked coldly: "I also believe that Li Chongjin is loyal, courageous and sincere, but can you guarantee that his group of arrogant and powerful generals are as loyal as him?
Don't forget, there has already been a Zhai Shouxun beside him, and I don't want to see the second one again! "

Zhu Xiu lowered his head and remained silent. Chai Rong lowered his tone and sighed: "Sometimes, the situation is stronger than the person. I trust Zhongjin and believe that he will not do anything disobedient.

But who can guarantee that there will be no careerists among his men?

Last year he was able to escape all the way to Suzhou safe and sound. How many people were secretly helping him?How many people want him to sit in this seat?
After all, he was very popular in the court back then. Which general from the Yedu faction didn't want him to succeed?

What I am wary of is not Chongjin, but the people around him who harbor evil intentions! "

Zhu Xiu raised his head and saw Chai Rong's bloodshot eyes full of tiredness, and said softly: "So your Majesty asked me to go to Suzhou to take charge of the Huai Army. Is he worried that Zhai Shouxun and his like will appear next to Li Chongjin again and instigate him to plot a rebellion?"

Chai Rong said in a deep voice: "The states in Huaibei are all places with sufficient money, food and taxes. They have always had many soldiers and generals. This time the imperial army has been greatly changed. I am considering using troops in Huainan next year. I will rely on the military towns in Huaibei to contribute, so I have not sent troops from Huaibei." Wait for the deployment of sergeants.

When the imperial court uses troops in Shannan, the rear must ensure stability.

King Wei and Shi Yanchao are stationed in Hebei, and there are Wang Yanchao, Bai Chongzan, Li Jun and others in the river. Huaibei relies on you to help me pay more attention.

I grant you the right to do things at your own convenience. Once the situation is urgent, you can handle major military and political affairs in the Huaibei states according to my will! "

Chai Rong opened the cover of a brocade box on the imperial case, took out a book that had been prepared, wrapped it in jade-inlaid brocade, and handed it to Zhu Xiu.

Holding the light edict in his hand, Zhu Xiu felt it was as heavy as a thousand catties.

With this order, he is the highest military and political official in the Huaibei region. In the event of an emergency, he can rely on this order to mobilize the troops of the Huaibei states, and nominally has the power of life and death over any officials and generals in the Huaibei region.

It's just that this is a secret order and cannot be revealed until absolutely necessary.

Zhu Xiu hurriedly knelt down on the ground, kowtowed and said, "Your Majesty has entrusted you so much, I will always keep it in mind, and I will never forget it! I dare to guarantee with my life that if I stay in Suzhou for a day, I will never cause trouble to any young people!"

"Get up!" Chai Rong helped him up with a little force and said with a smile: "When you pass by Bozhou, go visit Zhongjin for me and tell him that everything is fine in the court and ask him not to worry about it.

I also asked the queen to prepare some rewards, and you sent them to Bozhou for me. "

Zhu Xiu agreed with a smile.

Chai Rong asked him to visit Li Chongjin in Bozhou, firstly to give him a reward, and secondly to see if Songzhou in Bozhou was still peaceful.

There is no need to express this meaning, Zhu Xiu can naturally understand it.

"Before departure, take your wife into the palace to say goodbye to the Queen. I will hold a separate banquet for you to practice." Chai Rong gently patted his shoulder, speaking with sincerity.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Zhu Xiu smiled bitterly, inexplicably feeling a little more sad about separation. Now that he is going to Suzhou, he may not be able to return to Kaifeng for a long time.

Chai Rong remembered something again and said with a smile: "I remember you have a confidante you brought back from Jiangning. This time you go to Suzhou, take her with you so that there will be someone around to take care of her.

There is nothing to worry about in the house, I and the Queen will always send someone to take care of you.

Yesterday, the queen was telling me that your wife was pregnant and wanted to take her into the palace to take care of her, saying that it would be good for sisters to keep her company.

After you leave, if there is nothing at home, let her come into the palace. The queen is not in good health. The sisters often get together so that they can talk to each other and be in a happier mood. "

Zhu Xiu grinned, cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty has been thoughtful for me. Thank you very much, Your Majesty!"

Chai Rong looked at him deeply and said with a smile: "Go back and rest early. Remember to enter the palace tomorrow. I will practice it for you!"

"I excuse myself!" Zhu Xiu saluted and exited the palace.

Chai Rong clasped his hands and watched him leave. He sighed long and tiredly, his whole expression relaxed, and his haggard face showed even more signs of weariness.

Whether he asked Zhu Xiu to go to Suzhou to guard against Li Chongjin, or as he said, to guard against a group of people under Li Chongjin with evil intentions, I am afraid only he himself knows.

Chai Rong himself didn't want to think too much about this issue. He was not a ruthless person who didn't care about family ties. It was just that he had to let go of some personal emotions after sitting in this seat.

"Eh~"

Chai Rong let out a long sigh, rubbed his stiff neck, and dragged his tired body back to the harem to rest.

~~~
In the carriage returning home, Zhu Xiu closed her eyes and rested.

Originally, he was prepared to go to Qingzhou to provide disaster relief in person, but in the end Chai Rong asked him to go to Suzhou to serve as the governor of the Huai Army.

The Dianqiansi has just gotten on the right track, and his foundation is not yet too solid. Frankly speaking, it is not a good time to go to Suzhou at this time.

What surprised Zhu Xiu the most was that deep down in Chai Rong's heart, he had always had a grudge against Li Chongjin.

Whether it was the battle for the reserve position that year or Li Chongjin's Jiao Zhao south escape to Suzhou at the beginning of last year, they all stabbed Chai Rong deeply in his heart.

At critical moments, these two thorns always make Chai Rong feel slight pain, which shakes his trust in Li Chongjin.

Or maybe, the person who sits in that seat will never completely trust anyone.

Zhu Xiu is not sure now. How much firm trust does Chai Rong have in him?
He was asked to go to Suzhou to bring Zhou Xian with him, and he left Fu Jinhuan in Kaifeng, and planned to take him to live in the palace. Was it to fulfill the sisterhood of the queen, or did he have other motives.
Zhu Xiu rubbed his eyebrows and sighed. He didn't dare to think about these issues in detail, and he couldn't think about them in detail.

Maybe his thoughts were too dark, or maybe he smelled something unusual.

In short, there is nothing wrong with being more thoughtful.

After all, you can't trust the lives of a whole family to others.

Zhu Xiu opened the car curtain. In the early morning, the wind and rain over Kaifeng subsided. The streets and alleys were filled with puddles, and the wheels of the car caused ripples.

Zhu Xiu suddenly realized that unknowingly, the historical process began to accelerate, and the future seemed to become more and more unpredictable.
(End of this chapter)