The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 553 Xu Xuan’s ambition

Li Jing, Song Qiqiu and others discussed using a pretense to sue for peace to buy time for the Tang army to deploy. Xu Xuan had no intention of listening and was not qualified to participate. He stood silently behind the ministers and waited for the court meeting to disperse.

After the court was dismissed, Xu Xuan and most of the courtiers withdrew from the main hall. Li Jing left Song Qiqiu, Feng Yanlu, Chen Jue and other important officials to continue discussing military affairs.

Xu Xuan dragged his tired body down the long steps in front of the palace. He felt that his mind was hazy, his ears were buzzing, and his thoughts were extremely confused.

Since the war in Huainan broke out, he has been paying attention to the situation in Huainan all the time.

Seeing that the Tang army was retreating steadily, the Zhou army was victorious and pressing forward step by step. Except for Shouchun, almost all the fortresses and passes in the prefectures and counties along Huainan were in defeat.

At the beginning of the war, the Jiangning court, from the emperor to the officials, were all afraid of the strong Zhou army, but they also had high hopes for the Huaihe River defense line.

Unexpectedly, the Huaihe River defense line, which the imperial court spent a lot of money to build, except for Shouchun City guarded by Liu Renzhan, the rest of the defense line was filled with embroidered pillows and a bag of straw, which was not of much use.

Xu Xuan remembered that at the end of last year, when the Zhou army had just begun to besiege Shouchun City, he had given a report and emphasized the three key points of Huainan's defense.

The first is to organize elite troops and generals to rescue Shouchun as soon as possible, but we must not rush forward and must fight steadily.

The second is to guard against Wang Kui, the old general of Ma Chu in Hunan, in Ezhou, and to guard against Wu Yue in Changzhou.

The third is to focus on Chuzhou and use Chuzhou as the fulcrum to deal with the Zhou army.

It is a pity that this memorial is like a stone sinking into the sea without any response.

The situation in Huainan is getting worse day by day, and Xu Xuan is also gradually feeling cold.

The Southern Tang Dynasty, which seemed to be full of flowers, revealed its rotten, rigid and harmful side in the face of a real war.

The emperor of the Great Zhou Dynasty was so angry that he was determined to forge ahead, and he had already expressed his desire to rule the world. How could he be deceived by a mere plan to slow down the army?

Xu Xuan was sure that Song Qiqiu's plan would not work, because the Zhou Lord only had the fourteen states of Huainan in his eyes, and no other benefits were enough to make him withdraw his troops.

Judging from the current situation, if the five states of Shouzhou, Haozhou, Sizhou, Chuzhou, and Chuzhou can be ceded in exchange for a short-term peace, the Southern Tang Dynasty will have a chance to breathe.

In the future, when we pack up our troops and organize military affairs, there is still hope of regaining it.

Li Jing couldn't see through this, and he still tried to use military victory to force the Zhou Lord to negotiate for peace, which was simply fanciful.

Xu Xuan stopped, looked up at the gloomy sky, and let out a long sigh.

When he came back from Jingzhou, he was full of enthusiasm and hoped to carry out Jiangnan reforms, strengthen local governance, prepare military affairs, and rectify official administration, so that the Southern Tang Dynasty would take on a new look.

Unfortunately, things went against their wishes. The common people's landowner class in Jiangnan relied on the Southern Tang Dynasty and enjoyed stability for more than thirty years. They divided Jiangnan's interests with the imperial court and had long since lost their internal motivation for self-reform.

Once the reform is carried out, the interests of this huge class will be touched, and the conservative faction headed by emerging noble families such as Song Qiqiu will obstruct it in every possible way.

Xu Xuan can be the master of the Xu family in Wu County, but he cannot be the master of the entire Jiangnan.

The major bureaucratic landlords in the south of the Yangtze River relied on the imperial court to suck the blood of the people. They were obviously the biggest cancer that possessed the imperial court and the imperial power. But in turn, the imperial court had to rely on them to govern the place. This is really a great irony.

Over the years, Xu Xuan has seen through this, and his ardent desire to reform and rejuvenate politics has gradually cooled down.

The Great Zhou Dynasty could implement military reforms, divide the power of the Guards Department, establish the Palace Front Department, recruit brave men from all over the world to enrich the imperial army, further strengthen the centralization of power, and deal another heavy blow to the already lingering power of the vassal town Jiedushi.

Just looking at this point, it is impossible for the Jiangning court to do it.

Xu Xuan murmured: "Zhu Xiu is right, the destiny of the world lies in the north and not in the south. The land south of the Yangtze River will eventually return to the rule of the Northern Dynasty~~~"

Xu Xuan finally understood at this moment that the luck Zhu Xiu mentioned back then refers to timing, luck, talent, and people's hearts.

Among them, the Jiangnan court did not possess the most critical talents.

The arrival of a wise and courageous king like Zhou Lord Chai Rong in the Northern Dynasty was perhaps the greatest misfortune for Jiangnan.

"Mr. Xu thinks I have no hope of success?"

An honest voice sounded from behind. Xu Xuan was startled and turned around to look hurriedly.

A young man wearing a crown and about the same height as him stood behind him, looking at him with questioning eyes.

It was Li Congjia.

Li Congjia pursed her lips tightly, and there was a ring of fine fuzz on her lips that still looked green. Her stocky figure gave people a simple and honest feeling.

"I have met Prince Anding." Xu Xuan smiled bitterly and held his hands in greeting.

Fortunately, it was Li Congjia who was behind him just now. If others heard his sigh, he would probably get into trouble.

"Mr. Xu, please talk while we walk!" Li Congjia invited.

The two of them walked down the long steps together and headed towards the palace gate.

Seeing no one around him, Li Congjia whispered: "A war in Huainan has made Mr. so pessimistic about our country?"

Xu Xuan smiled bitterly and said: "Huainan is a fertile land. When the Zhou Dynasty gained it, it was like a tiger with wings. But when we lost it, it was as if our arms were broken! One is declining and the other is growing. Jiangnan will never have any hope of advancing north, and will eventually be unified by the Northern Dynasty!"

Li Congjia's fat face wrinkled, "If we follow what Mr. said, we can first cede several states to seek peace, and then work hard in the next few years to take them back from the Zhou people, wouldn't it be okay?"

Xu Xuan shook his head and sighed: "In this case, we can only seek temporary stability and delay the Zhou army's southern expedition. In essence, we still hope that the Great Zhou Dynasty will be unrest.

When the Central Plains is in chaos, Jiangnan can hope to advance northward. Otherwise, it can only survive in peace. "

Li Congjia gritted his teeth and clenched his fists, a little annoyed, a little disappointed, and hiding some fear: "Brother Zhu Xiu, a talented man. He actually captured Chuzhou with only [-] troops and horses, defeating my tens of thousands of troops!"

After hearing that Huangfu Hui and Yao Feng were captured, he didn't even see them. He directly ordered people to behead the two generals and sent their heads to the Zhou army camp in Feishui to ask for credit from the Lord of Zhou!

Brother Wencai. Zhu Xiuhe. He's too ruthless and terrifying! "

After all, his former friends were still on opposite sides. Li Congjia felt sad and resentful, "Mr. Xu, why can't Zhu Xiu persuade the Lord of Zhou to live peacefully with our court? We are all Chinese Han people, descended from the same blood. What's wrong with dividing the north and the south? ?”

Xu Xuan looked at him with a look of pity and sympathy, and said softly: "This is the principle of the division and reunification of the world. If you want to restore the prosperity of the Han and Tang Dynasties, you must first unify the north and south of the Yangtze River. It is impossible to tolerate two people within the four seas. As long as the political power exists, the nine states will eventually be unified, no matter who is in power, this is inevitable and is destiny!"

Li Congjia said distressedly: "I don't want to be Zhu Xiu's enemy, nor do I want my country to be destroyed. Mr. Xu, isn't there any way to get the best of both worlds?"

Xu Xuan suddenly stopped and looked at him deeply.

Li Congjia was a little confused, and Xu Xuan's eyes made him shudder.

"Your Highness, you are also a descendant of Liezu and a descendant of the Tang Dynasty. You have never thought about competing with the Northern Dynasty for destiny? Compete with Zhu Xiu?" Xu Xuan said solemnly.

Li Congjia said blankly: "Mr. Xu asked me to lead troops to the battlefield? Face to face with Zhu Xiu?"

"It won't happen, it won't happen!" Li Congjia waved his hands hurriedly, his fat face flushed, "Xiao Wang knows nothing about battle formations, how can he be Zhu Xiu's opponent!"

Xu Xuan stretched out a hand and put it on his broad shoulder: "Your Highness, your opponent is not only Zhu Xiu, but the entire Northern Dynasty, and even Chai Rong, the Lord of Zhou! What you are fighting for is not just victory or defeat on the battlefield, but destiny, destiny, and destiny. National luck and luck!"

Li Congjia swallowed his saliva and said carefully: "Xiao Wang didn't understand what Mr. Xu said." Xu Xuan looked at him deeply and squeezed out a smile: "One day, His Highness will understand."

After a moment of silence, Xu Xuan suddenly asked an unrelated topic: "How do you get along with Your Highness and the Princess?"

Li Congjia was taken aback for a moment, and said embarrassingly: "The princess is well educated, sensible, informed and intellectual, Xiao Wang really likes it."

Xu Xuan smiled, "That's good! Your Highness must treat the princess well. In your spare time, you might as well go to Xianggong Feng's house and walk around more."

Li Congjia blinked, a little puzzled: "Sir and Mr. Feng have always had different political views. How could this happen?"

Xu Xuan smiled lightly and said: "Although I despise Feng Yansi and Feng Yanlu as human beings, the talents of their brothers are indeed first-class. It's just that the two of them played tricks on the party, controlled the government, and suppressed dissidents. Xianggong Sun, Han Daxue, and I Scholars and other people will resist vigorously.

Your Highness has now become the grandson-in-law of the two Prime Minister Feng, so it is appropriate to stay close to them.Winning the support of these two people will be of great help to His Highness in the future. "

Li Congjia seemed to understand, and bowed and saluted: "Sir, Xiao Wang has remembered it."

Xu Xuan said softly: "Your Highness is respectful to your father and brothers, generous to officials, and compassionate to the people. These are your advantages. Don't forget them!"

Li Congjia nodded vigorously, "Xiao Wang will remember Mr. Wang's teachings!"

After leaving the palace gate, Li Congjia got into the car and drove away to say goodbye.

Xu Xuan watched him go away and couldn't help but smile.

His ambitions and ambitions in life may be pinned on this humble sixth prince.

The crown prince Li Hongji and the kings of Jin and Qi are incompatible with each other, and the clan also dislikes and fears Li Hongji, who is ruthless and vicious.

Even Li Jing, who had single-handedly caused this situation, was dissatisfied with Li Hongji.

On the other hand, Li Congjia was known for his poetry, calligraphy, etiquette, and music since he was a child. He was also born with visions. He had a close and friendly relationship with his two uncles, and the clan was also very close to him.

When Li Congjia got married, Li Jing overcame all objections and asked him to marry Feng Yanlu's granddaughter as his concubine.

The purpose is to take this opportunity to ease the relationship between Song Qiqiu, Feng Yanlu's party and Jin Wang Qi Wang.

There is another deeper purpose. Xu Xuan guessed that Li Jing wanted to divide and disintegrate the Donggong Party members.

Otherwise, it would be impossible to arrange the marriage between Feng Yanlu and Li Congjia, who were members of the prince's party.

Xu Xuan knew that Li Jing was both using and guarding against Song Qiqiu. Song Qiqiu seemed to be in a high and powerful position, but judging from his two previous demotions, Li Jing actually had a lot of dissatisfaction with him.

If Qiqiu of the Song Dynasty falls, Prince Li Hongji will definitely be shaken.

Judging from official support and public opinion, Li Congjia is becoming an emerging force that cannot be underestimated.

Perhaps one day, this sixth prince, who was humble at first, could become the new master of Jiangnan.

Thinking of this, Xu Xuan clenched his fists suddenly, feeling greatly inspired and inspired.

He wants to implement a new deal in Jiangnan and get rid of the old evils, so he must get the support of those in power.

And hope may fall on Li Congjia!

This may be the 40-year-old's last hope to realize his life value and political ambitions!
Xu Xuan's eyes swept away the dejection and became radiant again.

The breeze blew his white hair and his finely wrinkled face.

"Time waits for us~~~"

Xu Xuan murmured softly.

~~~
At the end of March, Zhao Kuangyin and Shi Kuangwei led their troops to Chuzhou and joined Zhu Xiu.

Also accompanying him was Dou Yi, a bachelor of Hanlin Academy and a soldier in the army. He came to Chuzhou temporarily to take charge of Chuzhou government affairs and take stock of the money, food and weapons in the government treasury.

Chuzhou was an important military stronghold of the Southern Tang Dynasty in Huainan, and the confiscated materials were rich. Zhu Xiu specially asked Chai Rong to send officials to preside over the counting work in the report.

At the foot of Chuzhou City, Zhu Xiu greeted him in person. When Shi Kuangwei saw him, he yelled unceremoniously: "Boy Zhu, you have made a great name in Chuzhou, and you have had enough fun, but I am stationed in Shen County, but I haven't even touched Tang Junmao. Get one!
This time, your majesty has shown mercy and allowed me to come to Chuzhou to listen to your orders. As I said, whenever there is a war in the future, you must be the first to send me into battle!
I reserved the pioneer position first! "

Zhu Xiu laughed loudly and stood outside the city gate. The Chuzhou surrender officials lined up in a row quickly followed him to apologize.

Han Lingkun said with a smile: "Shuai Shi is not being kind when he says this. Under Vice Admiral Zhu, Han is the real pioneer! You will steal someone's job as soon as you come here, but you won't do it!"

Shi Kuangwei acted rogue and said: "I don't care anyway! You guys have to respect your elders! Besides, I'm still Zhu Xiu's father-in-law, so you have to treat me no matter what!"

The crowd burst into laughter again, and Zhao Kuangyin said: "That's not certain! His Majesty has ordered that your father-in-law must be controlled by his son-in-law. If they leave you alone, there is nothing you can do!"

Shi Kuangwei was so angry that he blew his beard and stared: "He dares!"

Zhu Xiu shook his head: "Brother Zhao did not persuade peace but instead made a fuss. It is really unkind!"

Zhao Kuangyin smiled and said: "Brother Yu is also afraid that Deputy Commander Zhu will give all the benefits to Commander Shi Jie, so that I and General Han will have nothing to do!"

Zhu Xiushi bowed his hands in the direction of Haozhou calmly: "Don't worry, everyone, I will uphold justice and act in accordance with military regulations!"

Zhao Kuangyin and Han Lingkun looked at each other and laughed.

These words may sound like a joke, but they actually have some truth to them.

His Majesty the Emperor has made it clear that the Zhou army on the eastern front will be controlled by Zhu Xiu. The Zhenhuai army, the imperial guards brought by Han Lingkun and Zhao Kuangyin, and the Xuzhou Zhongwu army brought by Shi Kuangwei are all under Zhu Xiu's command.

Zhu Xiu has the final say on how to allocate and assign combat tasks.

Even if all the benefits were given to Shi Kuangwei and the Zhenhuai Army, there was nothing Zhao Kuangyin and Han Lingkun could do.

Zhu Xiu stated that his attitude would be fair, regardless of whether it was true or false. Zhao Kuangyin and Han Lingkun could at least feel more at ease.

They are not afraid of fighting, but they are afraid of not fighting.

Without fighting, how could there be any chance of meritorious deeds?
Shi Kuangwei touched his head, looked at Zhu Xiu, then at Zhao Kuangyin and Han Lingkun, laughed heartily, and was filled with joy.

Zhu Xiaozi is becoming more and more mature and sophisticated, and he is becoming more and more commander-in-chief.

"Everyone, please come into the city! I will serve you with wine tonight! Let's have a good drink first. We can discuss military matters tomorrow!"

Zhu Xiu invited.

Zhao Kuangyin said happily: "I have long heard that Chuzhou's brewing method is excellent. Dear brother, please don't be stingy. If you have any good wine, just bring it! I'll wait until I get drunk today!"

Zhu Xiu smiled, everyone knew that Zhao was a good drinker, and today's meal was specially designed for him.

After you have a good drink, you can discuss the rest of the matter.

(End of this chapter)