The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 554 Meeting in Chuzhou
After a night of singing, dancing and drinking, military affairs and war were not mentioned at all.

Early the next morning, Zhu Xiu came to Shi Kuangwei's room.

I thought that according to Lao Shi's work and rest habits, he would be snoring loudly, but he didn't expect that this guy got up so early in the morning, wearing only a thin outer shirt, holding a book of Chuzhou's geographical records and looking at it seriously.

Zhu Xiu took a robe and put it on him: "Why don't you sleep more?"

Shi Kuangwei sipped the hot tea, smacked his lips and said, "I'm old and can't sleep. And your silk bedding is too soft. I can't get used to it."

Zhu Xiu teased, "Why don't you arrange two women from the water town to serve you tonight?"

Shi Kuangwei sighed and shook his head: "As we get older, we have no desires and desires, and we can't be interested!"

Zhu Xiu smiled and said, "How many years have you been in Xuzhou, but you haven't fallen in love with any of the local innocent ladies?"

Shi Kuangwei snorted: "I didn't fall in love with anyone, but there were quite a few who fell in love with me! Those local gentry knew that I was a widower, and they tried their best to put women in my bed, including sisters, sisters, daughters and nieces. A pretty girl!"

Zhu Xiudao: "Why don't you pick two of them and keep them in the room to serve them? They can be concubines, too!"

Shi Kuangwei glared at him: "Are those guys interested in me? They are interested in you, a new noble in the court, a popular figure in the emperor, and they want to make friends with me to curry favor with you! Besides, I, Old Shi, already know the fate of destiny, so I will accept a big one." The girl makes people laugh because of my concubine. If I kick my legs, won't I waste my time in vain? Your face will be disgraced."

Zhu Xiu spread her hands: "Don't worry too much. If you encounter someone you like, just accept it. Don't wrong yourself."

Shi Kuangwei said: "Forget it, Xuzhou is close to Kaifeng, and none of the local gentry has a big business. The family power is deeply intertwined and has inextricable connections with the court. I still don't want to cause trouble for you."

Zhu Xiu frowned and said, "I'm afraid you'll get sick from staying alone in an empty room for a long time. How about you recite Buddhist scriptures and learn how to be a monk."

Shi Kuangwei became angry and grabbed the tea cup as if to hit him, but Zhu Xiu ducked away with a smile.

Shi Kuangwei put down the teacup and said angrily: "I don't need you to worry about me. I'm used to being alone for so many years. Lingyan has a home, and Dalang is also taken care of by you. I have nothing to regret anymore. My only thoughts are for Xiao Yuan." Son, as a grandma, I’m afraid I won’t be able to wait until the day when she grows up and gets married as a bride.”

Zhu Xiu smiled and said, "Wouldn't you be able to see it if you live another 20 years?"

Shi Kuangwei rolled his eyes: "Are you the Prince of Hell? Are you telling me how many years I can live?"

After chatting for a while, Shi Kuangwei said seriously: "What are your plans for the war ahead?"

Zhu Xiudao: "I plan to let you stay in Chuzhou and arrange for Zhao Kuangyin to garrison Liangshan, the capital of Xuyi, to guard against the Tang army from Chuzhou moving south, and to be ready to march into Chuzhou at all times.

Han Lingkun followed me towards Yangzhou.The Lord of the Tang Dynasty, Li Jing, sent Prime Minister Sun Sheng and Privy Councilor Li Deming to form a peace negotiation delegation and went to Haozhou to meet with His Majesty.

I expect that this peace negotiation will be the same as the last one, and there will be no results unless Li Jing agrees to cede the fourteen states of Huainan.

In addition, according to intelligence reports, the Tang Army is stepping up its mobilization south of the Yangtze River. I guess this peace negotiation is Li Jing's delaying strategy. Next, the Tang Army will definitely concentrate its forces to counterattack. The focus may be on the direction of Yangzhou and Chuzhou. We should prepare early. "

Shi Kuangwei pondered for a moment: "Did you know the news about the Tang army's mobilization from Wude Division or Zangfeng Camp?"

Zhu Xiu smiled and said: "There is not much difference between the two."

Shi Kuangwei glared at him: "Don't fool me! Wu Desi is the emperor's minion, and Zangfengying is a private soldier secretly created by your kid. How can there be no difference?"
In addition to the ceremonial guards stipulated by the imperial court, you also have so many private troops. Are you not afraid of leaking it and arousing His Majesty's suspicion? "

"Don't worry, I know it well." Zhu Xiu smiled.

Shi Kuangwei shook his head and sighed: "What is the purpose of your kid's troubles? I don't want to know, and I can't control it. I just want to warn you that the world has been in chaos for too long, and the people of the world are at peace. They are looking forward to the coming of great peace. Can you Don’t do anything that betrays the people of the world!”

Zhu Xiu smiled slightly and was noncommittal.

Shi Kuangwei sighed, he knew that he was old and the future belonged to young people like Zhu Xiu.

The historian of Jingzhou has long been tied to Zhu Xiu, and he will be both prosperous and devastated.

Both the Shi family and the Zhu family were all handed over to Zhu Xiu, who no longer had the ability or energy to intervene.

Putting aside his distracting thoughts, Shi Kuangwei said: "I will go and garrison Liangshan in the capital, leaving Zhao Kuangyin to garrison Chuzhou."

Zhu Xiu frowned, and wanted to say something, Shi Kuangwei waved his hand and said: "I know what you mean, you want me to stay in Chuzhou, life will be easier, if the Tang army counterattacks, it will be easy to deal with it with the danger of Qingliu Pass and Chuzhou City.

Chuzhou is full of lakes and swamps, and the Tang army is mostly used to water warfare. If we invade Chuzhou and wipe out the Tang army, our army will not have an advantage in terms of terrain and combat power, making it difficult to fight. "

"Not bad." Zhu Xiu looked at him. Since he understood this, it was best to choose to stay in Chuzhou.

The hard nut to crack in Chuzhou should be left to young people like Zhao Kuangyin.

After capturing Yangzhou, it will not be too late to turn back and take down the Tang army in Chuzhou.

Shi Kuangwei grinned and said: "Aren't you afraid of such an arrangement? Zhao Kuangyin is dissatisfied and says you are nepotistic? Staying in Chuzhou is comfortable and easy to make contributions. Even fools know that it is a good job."

Zhu Xiu said with a smile: "I am following His Majesty's decree to control the armies on the Eastern Front. Who dares to have objections? Even if they do, they have to be kept in their stomachs."

Shi Kuangwei laughed and said: "Forget it, I know you are good for me, but I am not happy to stay in Chuzhou! Humph~ I haven't fought any bad battles in my life? In the puddles in Chuzhou, you can still drown. I can't do it?"

"But..." Zhu Xiu wanted to say something else, but Shi Kuangwei said with a tigerish face: "That's it! I'll go to Liangshan, and Zhao Kuangyin will stay in Chuzhou. Damn it, you kid really thinks that I've had a leisurely life these years. Can’t you even use a big sword?”

Zhu Xiu looked at him helplessly.

"That's right, you allocate [-] soldiers from the Huai Suppression Army to me. If you want water-resistant ones, I'll give you [-] Xuzhou soldiers in exchange."

Shi Kuangwei said again, "Do you know why Guan Tieshi didn't come with me?"

Zhu Xiu frowned and said, "Have you already arranged for him to go to Chuzhou?"

"That's right!" Shi Kuangwei slapped his hands. "When we set off from Shen County, I asked Guan Tieshi to take a few people to Chuzhou to inquire about the news and find out the terrain. So, don't worry, this bone in Chuzhou will sooner or later Chewed to pieces by me!"

Zhu Xiu smiled bitterly. Lao Shi was full of confidence and had made arrangements in advance. If he was not allowed to go, this guy would definitely not give up.

Shi Kuangwei was a layman when it came to intrigues in the court, but he was a true expert on the matter of battle formations.

Chuzhou may seem inconspicuous, but in fact it is related to whether the Zhou army can successfully capture Yangzhou in the future.

Moreover, due to the convenient terrain and water network, Chuzhou had a lot of space to deal with the Zhou army.

Zhu Xiu was really worried about not sending an experienced veteran to sit in the town.

After a moment of silence, Zhu Xiu said: "I will allocate five thousand naval troops to you, and then send Tian Zhongjin to accompany you. You can keep Xuzhou soldiers for yourself. There is plenty of food and grass in Sizhou, so just feel free to pay for it."

Shi Kuangwei curled his lips and refused no longer.

As the father-in-law, this can be regarded as the son-in-law's filial piety to him.

At noon, Zhu Xiu invited Zhao Kuangyin and Han Lingkun to have dinner together and informed them of the battle arrangements.

Han Lingkun nodded and said nothing. Zhu Xiu had promised him before that he would be the vanguard in the attack on Yangzhou.

Zhao Kuangyin obviously did not expect that Zhu Xiu would let him stay in Chuzhou.

He had already made preparations to go to Chuzhou.

After thinking about it, Zhao Kuangyin said sincerely: "My dear brother, Shi Jieshuai, I think it's better for me to lead the army to defend the capital Liangshan."

Shi Kuangwei glared and said, "Why, you look down on me?"

Zhao Kuangyin hurriedly said: "No! Shuai Shi Jie is the son of the general. Who knows the reputation of Jingzhou historians? It's just that Liangshan, the capital of troops, is not as good as Chuzhou. This kind of hard work should be undertaken by the younger generation!"

Shi Kuangwei waved his hand: "No need! Don't look at me, Shi, who is 50 years old, but his body and bones are no worse than those of you young people! If you don't believe it, why don't we go out and practice?"

Zhao Kuangyin smiled bitterly and looked towards Zhu Xiu.Zhu Xiudao: "Brother Zhao, there is no need to worry too much. Since Shi Jieshuai insists on going, you will be in charge of Chuzhou. General Han will follow me to send troops to Yangzhou."

Zhao Kuangyin looked at the two of them and sighed: "Okay! Many thanks to Deputy Commander Zhu and Commander Shi Jie!"

Zhao Kuangyin solemnly clasped his fists.

He knew in his heart that this matter must have been discussed between the two of them beforehand.

If you stay in Chuzhou, you don't have to live in the open, live comfortably, and make meritorious deeds easily.

Go to defend the capital Liangshan and march into Chuzhou. Not to mention the difficulty of the march, once Chuzhou is captured, the place can only rely on the navy. Zhao Kuangyin is really not sure how the battle will turn out.

He got the task of staying in Chuzhou, which was considered an advantage for him.

Han Lingkun drank his porridge silently, glanced at Zhu Xiu, and felt more admiration in his heart.

As the coach who controlled the Zhou army on the eastern front, such an arrangement left people speechless.

"It is said that Zhu Xiu is cunning and calculating, but when it comes to business matters, he is still fair." Han Lingkun thought to himself.

Just as he was talking, outside the hall, a person led by Dou Yi, the temporary governor of Chuzhou, came hurriedly.

Zhu Xiu turned around and saw that the person behind Dou Yi was Zhao Pu.

"Vice Marshal Zhu, this is Zhao Pu, the new military judge of Chuzhou. I have brought him here to see you!" Dou Yi introduced with a smile.

Zhu Xiu stood up and said with surprise: "I didn't expect to see Mr. Zhao here!"

Zhao Pu smiled implicitly and bowed respectfully: "See Deputy Commander Zhu!"

Dou Yi was stunned: "Are Deputy Commander Zhu and Judge Zhao old acquaintances?"

Zhu Xiu laughed and said, "I have known Mr. Zhao for almost ten years!"

Dou Yi, Zhao Kuangyin, Han Lingkun and others were all surprised.

He invited the two of them to sit down and have breakfast together.

It could be seen that Zhu Xiu was very enthusiastic about this black-faced scribe, and Zhao Kuangyin also looked at him with curiosity.

Squadway and Zhao Pu are also old acquaintances, laughing and talking about the jokes in Cangzhou back then.

Zhao Pu only smiled and had no reaction.

After joking for a while, everyone realized that it was Liu Ci, the old commander of Xingzhou, who once again recommended Zhao Pu to Chai Rong before his death. Chai Rong then appointed Zhao Pu as the military judge of Chuzhou and as the chief assistant officer to assist Dou Yi.

Liu Ci, a famous general of a generation, died of illness, and everyone mourned him.

Zhu Xiudao: "This is Zhao Kuangyin, the Marquis of Yu, the capital of the palace. He will lead the army to guard Chuzhou. You two are familiar with each other. We must cooperate tacitly in the future to ensure the stability of Chuzhou."

Zhao Pu saluted and said, "I have met General Zhao."

Zhao Kuangyin said with a smile: "Judge Zhao has the same surname as me, but I don't know where my ancestral home is?"

Zhao Pu said: "I am from Ji County, Youzhou."

"Oh?" Zhao Kuangyin said happily: "It turns out that you and I are from the same hometown, maybe even the same race!!"

Zhao Pu was also a little surprised and glanced at Zhao Kuangyin twice.

Zhu Xiu said with a smile: "Brother Zhao was born in Jiamaying, Luoyang, don't admit your relatives randomly!"

Zhao Kuangyin glared at him and said: "My ancestral home is Zhuo County, you don't know it!"

Zhu Xiu heyed twice but said nothing more.

His eyes swept over the two of them, and he suddenly felt like he was witnessing history.

I don’t know what kind of sparks these two guys will create after they meet.

Zhao Pu looked at Zhao Kuangyin with a closer look. These days, fellow villagers are relatives outside the country, not to mention that the two are very likely to be of the same race.

At the moment, Zhao Kuangyin and Zhao Pu kept whispering. By the end of the lunch, the two were already talking and laughing, and seemed to be quite attached to each other.

In the afternoon, a commendation edict came from Haozhou, which praised Zhu Xiu and Han Lingkun, and both schools under their command received promotions.

Tian Chongjin and Mi Xin both obtained the rank of military officer of Xitou, starting from the eighth rank.

Shi Xiangwen is one level higher and is in charge of the inner hall. He is the eighth grade.

These two official ranks are casual military official titles with no actual duties. The specific duties are arranged by Zhu Xiu.

The three people's transformation from white bodies to official bodies can be regarded as the beginning of their official career.

Tian Chongjin and Mi Xin could not hide their excitement. Having formal official status showed that they had been recognized by the Zhou court, which was a great encouragement to them.

Shi Xiangwen didn't feel much, so he went hunting at Motuoling in the west of Chuzhou with his three or five followers.

Two days later, Shi Kuangwei led his army and set off for Duliang Mountain.

Zhu Xiu saw him off personally.

"Tian Chongjin, have you firmly remembered what I told you?" Outside the city, Zhu Xiu warned again.

Tian Chongjin clasped his fists and said, "Don't worry, handsome man. I remember my humble position! I'm going to Liangshan now. I will obey Commander Shi Jie's orders in everything. I will do whatever you ask me to do and I won't cause any trouble!"

Zhu Xiu said seriously: "Remember, the most important thing in everything is to protect the safety of Marshal Shi Jie!"

Tian Chongjin knelt down on one knee and shouted: "If there is anything wrong, I will come to see you!"

Zhu Xiu nodded and breathed out a breath.

For some reason, this send-off made him feel vaguely uneasy.

Tian Zhongjin stood up and whispered: "Shuaiye, I went to Chuzhou with Shi Jieshuai in my humble position. Can I still fight under your command in the future?"

Zhu Xiu glanced at him sideways: "Why, after tasting the sweetness, you are reluctant to leave?"

"I don't dare!" Tian Chongjin said with a flattering smile on his face, "I know now that I have to stay with the handsome man to have a fun battle! Attacking key points, seizing the city, beheading the generals and capturing the flag is as easy as drinking cold water! I can't bear to leave the handsome man. "Too long"

Zhu Xiu put his hands behind his back and said calmly: "How do I remember that when I was in Suzhou, some people questioned whether I could conquer Chuzhou? There are still people who serve under me unwillingly?"

Tian Zhongjin said hehely: "That man turned out to be a fool, Handsome Master, please don't be the same as him! Anyway, I, Tian Chongjin, admire the Handsome Master so much that I am totally committed to having sex with him from now on!"

Zhu Xiu couldn't help laughing. Tian Zhongjin looked rough, but he was actually an interesting person.

"Okay, stop talking nonsense, protect Shi Jieshuai, and be careful when you go to Duliang Mountain!" Zhu Xiu waved his hand.

"General, I will obey the commander-in-chief's military orders!" Tian Chongjin shouted, clasping his fists, getting on his horse and chasing after Shi Kuangwei.

(End of this chapter)