The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 563 Return to Beijing
At the top of Chuzhou City, Zhao Kuangyin, Zhao Hongyin, and Zhao Pu stood behind the female wall, overlooking the city below and Zhu Xiu's motorcade slowly drove out of Chuzhou City.

"The killing of prisoners in Chuzhou, if it had been anyone else, he would have been dismissed from his post long ago, that is, Zhu Xiu, the Holy Heart favored him!" Zhao Hongyin shook his head.

Zhao Kuangyin said calmly: "Your Majesty will not really punish him. The order to return to the capital is just a show of force to calm the anger of the Yushi Yanguan and the scholars of the Southern Tang Dynasty."

Zhao Pu said: "Even though His Majesty is a fierce and iron-blooded king, he also knows that unifying the country requires equal emphasis on power and virtue to win over the people of the world.

Our Zhou army is invincible in Huainan, which has made the people in Jiangnan deeply afraid.

When you are powerful enough, you will naturally have to work hard on virtue.

At this time, Duke Zhu deposed him because of his personal affairs, and he killed Chuzhou surrendered soldiers without permission, which aroused the indignation of the soldiers and civilians in Jiangnan. It was really unwise! "

Zhao Kuangyin narrowed his eyes slightly and said in a deep voice: "It's not without any benefit. At the very least, this move won him great support in the army, and all the officers and soldiers of the three armies applauded!
The most important thing for a man in the army is brotherhood and loyalty. Zhu Xiu killed eleven generals, not only established prestige for himself, but also gave strict orders. With kindness and power at the same time, even if he left, the Zhou army on the Eastern Front would always be there. Remember him! "

Zhao Hongyin stroked his white beard and said suspiciously: "Listening to what you said, why do you think that all this was planned by Zhu Xiu in advance?"

Zhao Kuangyin smiled bitterly and said: "Zhu Xiu's behavior has always been elusive. I can only make guesses based on my understanding of him."

Under the city, after Zhu Xiu's motorcade, Xiang Xun, Cao Han, Tian Chongjin, Mi Xin, Ma Renyu, Dou Yi and other generals and officials followed behind and went out of the city to see each other off.

Zhao Kuangyin stood at the top of the city and looked calmly, with a strange light shining deep in his eyes.

Zhu Xiu is gone, but the Zhou army on the eastern front has deeply marked his mark.

Prior to this, in the Huainan War for more than a year, Zhu Xiu's army undoubtedly ranked first in military achievements.

His Majesty and the court will not forget his contribution.

The people in Jiangnan will remember his name deeply in their hearts.

Zhao Kuangyin took a deep breath. For some reason, his heart seemed to be pressed by a big stone and he couldn't breathe.

It seemed like something was holding him back.

Zhao Kuangyin had a vague feeling that Zhu Xiu seemed to be a big mountain pressing on his head.

I originally thought that after he left, he would be the one to take charge of the Zhou army on the Eastern Front.

Unexpectedly, His Majesty appointed Xiang Xun and Cao Han to come.

Zhao Kuangyin was disappointed and angry. Why did His Majesty still refuse to trust him?Reuse him?

Couldn't the Uzumaki Battle and the Liuhe Battle show his loyalty and military talent?

Zhao Kuangyin clenched his fists and his face turned pale.

Zhao Pu glanced at him and seemed to be able to guess what he was thinking in an instant. He whispered: "Zhao Yuhou, please be patient. There are always opportunities to prove yourself. Don't rush!"

Zhao Kuangyin looked at him: "Mr. Zhao, can you understand what I feel in my heart?"

Zhao Pu smiled, watched the convoy go far away, and murmured: "The light of the firefly candles is indeed difficult to compete with the sun and the moon, but the sun is covered by dark clouds, and the moon is full and dark. As long as the firefly candles are not extinguished, there is always a chance to compete with the sun and the moon." The sun and the moon compete for light, even if it is just for a moment as a shooting star, this life is not in vain!"

Zhao Kuangyin was stunned for a moment, as if he had been awakened, his eyes suddenly shot out, he slapped the wall and raised his head and laughed.

"Well said! Well said! Brother Zeping has revealed the secret of heaven! If we, aspiring people, are not willing to live in mediocrity all our lives, we should fight for our lives and fight! No matter how brilliant and dazzling the sun and moon are, they cannot extinguish me. Wait for the light of the firefly candle!"

Zhao Pu smiled and held up his hands: "I would like to work with Zhao Yuhou to light up the world with the light of fireflies!"

Zhao Kuangyin held Zhao Pu's hands tightly and said with emotion: "Brother Zeping knows me!"

Zhao Pu smiled, his eyes a little moist.

He and Zhao Kuangyin are both ambitious and ambitious people. They both want to do something for this chaotic world on their own, and they both want to become the most dazzling existence in the world.

They are like fireflies, accumulating strength little by little to strengthen themselves, and finally emit light comparable to the sun and the moon.

But there is a kind of person who is born like the sun and the moon, with his own brilliance, such as Zhu Xiu.

From that year in Cangzhou, he showed superhuman talents and knowledge, and then he rose all the way up until he became one of the most prominent dignitaries in the Zhou Dynasty today.

Wherever he appears, his radiance attracts all eyes, and everyone seems to be covered by his light.

But there are always one or two who are not willing to just be Yingzhu covered by the light, but also dream that one day they can become the most dazzling light in the world.

Zhao Pu is like this, and so is Zhao Kuangyin.

The two of them joined together, not so much as a match, but as two groups of weak fireflies keeping warm together, working together to resist the brilliance of the sun and the moon.

The two of them held each other's hands, looked at each other and laughed, feeling relieved that we were not alone.

Zhao Hongyin stroked his beard, shook his head and said with emotion: "I am getting old, and the world will be your young people's in the future. But I have to warn you, Your Majesty is the Holy Son of Heaven, so be careful not to go too far, otherwise no one will be able to please you!"

The two bowed and said: "I will obey my father's (uncle's) instructions!"

Zhao Hongyin walked slowly down the city wall with his hands behind his back.

Zhao Kuangyin smiled and said: "After Zhu Xiu leaves, it will be my chance to show off my talents. Brother Ping, what do you think is the best place to start?"

Zhao Pu smiled slightly, pointed to the south of Chuzhou, towards Jiangning and said: "The first priority is to gain a foothold in the war situation in Huainan, and try to earn as much credit as possible to use it as a foundation for advancement!"

Zhao Kuangyin looked around Chuzhou City, and suddenly felt a heroic feeling that the world was vast and he could spread his wings and fly.

He clenched his fists tightly and made up his mind to tell His Majesty and the world that Zhao Kuangyin was no worse than Zhu Xiu with his real combat achievements!
~~~
At the end of November, on his way back to Beijing, Zhu Xiu received an order from Chai Rong, ordering him to send Shi Kuangwei's coffin directly to Songling for burial.

Chai Rong ordered Prime Minister Wang Pu to serve as the funeral envoy and go to Songling to preside over Shi Kuangwei's funeral on behalf of the court.

Shi Lingyan, Fu Jinhuan, and Feng Qingchan also went to Songling with Wang Pu to wait.

Zhou Xian gave birth to his next son, Zhu Yuan, and stayed in Suzhou to recuperate after the war. When Zhu Xiu passed through Suzhou on his way back, he stayed with his mother and son for a few days.

The journey was inevitably bumpy. After a month, when Zhou Xian was feeling better, Zhu Xiu sent Ma Qing to Suzhou in person to pick up the couple back to Kaifeng.

On the day of arriving at Songling Mausoleum, Wang Pu led the officials guarding the mausoleum to line up to greet him.

Zhu Xiu was filled with emotion after meeting the three girls after more than a year.

Especially Shi Lingyan, the person Zhu Xiu felt most sorry for after returning this time was her.

Shi Lingyan lay on the coffin and cried in grief. Zhu Xiu comforted her for a while, but it was difficult to let her go.

During the burial, there were bursts of mournful music, Zhu Xiu personally recited the memorial rites, and wore sackcloth and mourning to see the old man on his last journey.

It was the end of December when we returned to Kaifeng.

As soon as he entered Kaifeng City, Zhu Xiu was called into the palace by the eunuch who had been waiting for a long time. Fu Jinhuan led his family back home first.

"Your Majesty, Zhu Xiu, come to see you!" Zhu Xiu met Chai Rong in the Qingshou Hall.

After more than half a year, Chai Rong lost a lot of weight again, his face was covered with stubble, his complexion turned blue and yellow, his eye sockets were deeply sunken, and when he pursed his lips and frowned, he exuded a strong sense of majesty, giving people a heavy sense of oppression.

"Come closer and let me take a good look at you!" Chai Rong said with a smile.

Zhu Xiu got up, bowed and walked a few steps forward. After bowing, he sat on the embroidered pier sent by the eunuch.

Chai Rong sat on the imperial throne and said with a smile: "You have lost weight. It seems that you are worried about the war in Huainan."

Zhu Xiu said with a smile: "Your Majesty gave orders before leaving, how can I not do my best?"

After a pause, Zhu Xiu said worriedly: "Your Majesty has lost a lot of weight, you should listen to the imperial doctor's advice and take good care of the dragon's body."

Chai Rong sighed: "Since the queen died of illness, it has been difficult for me to fall asleep at night. I wake up from time to time, and weight loss is inevitable."

Zhu Xiu was silent for a while, then cupped his hands and said: "Your Majesty is the Lord of the world, and you are responsible for the hope of the country. No matter at any time, you should take good care of yourself and don't work too hard."

Chai Rong forced a smile and said: "The imperial doctor said that I was too preoccupied and had poor sleep, which led to blockage of the meridians in my body and poor transportation of the organs, which led to my weight loss. I will be able to recover with more care in the future, so there is no need to worry."

Zhu Xiu looked at Chai Rong's face worriedly, but hesitated to speak.

After all, he was not an imperial physician, and it was not his turn to comment on the emperor's health.

However, as far as the disease itself is concerned, the lack of specific symptoms is often the scariest thing.

The imperial doctor has determined that the meridians in Chai Rong's body are blocked. According to Zhu Xiu's knowledge, the term "blocked" in the current context most likely refers to major problems in the body's blood circulation, liver metabolism, and digestion.

From the perspective of future generations, these symptoms are often precursors of serious diseases, and Zhu Xiu's heart became increasingly heavy.

Chai Rong cheered up and said with a smile: "Okay, I'm only 35 years old and in my prime. Even if I have some minor health problems, it won't be fatal.

Your kid's frowning look made me think that I might be terminally ill. "

Zhu Xiu trembled all over, and hastily said with a bitter face: "I absolutely did not mean that, Your Majesty must not misunderstand! I would rather transfer all your majesty's illnesses to me, and let me take it on my behalf!"

Chai Rong shook his head and sighed: "Sickness can be treated with medical skills, but the pain in the heart can only be healed by time."

Zhu Xiu pursed her lips and her eyes turned red: "Your Majesty, my condolences!"

There was silence in the hall for a moment, and Chai Rongqiang smiled to himself: "The queen was very peaceful when she left. The only thing that I can't worry about is Xun'er."
I plan to wait until Xun'er grows up and leave it to you to teach me. In the future, I will be content with not being as versatile as you in both civil and military affairs and being a benevolent and magnanimous ruler."

Zhu Xiu's heart trembled, and she felt that Chai Rong's words seemed to have a profound meaning.

After feeling sentimental for a while, Chai Rong cheered up and said with a smile: "Tell me what is going on in Chuzhou."

Zhu Xiuzuo bowed and said: "The Duke of Jing suffered a sudden misfortune, and I was so angry that I ordered the execution of the three thousand surrendered soldiers, as well as the Tang army generals Lin Renhan and Zheng Yanhua.

I am grieved by the death of Marshal Shi Jie, and I mishandled it for a moment. Please punish me! "

Chai Rong said: "Why do I think you did this on purpose? You sent [-] heads to Jiangning to scare Mr. Li Jing?"

Lord of Jiangnan?Haha~ You are such a shameful kid. Li Jing sued for peace twice. The first time he falsely claimed to be the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty, and the second time he was demoted to the title of Lord of the Southern Tang Dynasty. He has not yet admitted that he is the Lord of Jiangnan, so why don’t you put him down in advance? Have you got a name? "

Zhu Xiu smiled and said: "I dare to make a bet with Your Majesty that if Li Jing asks for peace for the third time, he will willingly accept the title of Lord of Jiangnan."

"Haha, the Southern Tang Dynasty is dying, and Li Jing will not shed tears until he sees the coffin. I estimate that it will take a year or two before this old boy is willing to give up the fourteen states of Huainan."

Zhu Xiu admired Chai Rong in his heart. Chai Rong's control of the overall situation was absolutely top-notch, and he could clearly understand the reality of Jiangnan in one personal expedition.

He even saw through Li Jing's weakness.

Chai Rong frowned and said: "However, the battle in Huainan also let me know that although the Southern Tang is weak, it is by no means easy to win.

Shouchun Liu Renzhan almost made me fall into trouble.

Liu Renzhan is not an exception. The Jiangnan separatist regime has been going on for more than [-] years. If the people in Jiangnan want to recognize the Central Plains imperial court, they need to pay equal attention to kindness and power.

Blindly attacking with force will only be counterproductive and arouse the anger of the people in Jiangnan. If they rebel, the gains outweigh the losses. "

Zhu Xiu said with a smile: "What your Majesty said is absolutely true. Therefore, after I executed the three thousand prisoners in Chuzhou, I suddenly thought that if I killed them all, why not send them to Jiangning so that the people in Jiangnan can feel the brutality of the war ahead?" , and the terrifying aspect of my great Zhou army’s power.”

Chai Rong smiled and said: "Don't you want to be a bad person and let me be a good person, so as to show kindness and power to the people of Jiangnan?"

"Sure enough, I can't hide this little thought from Your Majesty!" Zhu Xiu chuckled.

Chai Rong smiled and said, "What do you think? Tell me about it?"

Zhu Xiudao: "The people in the south of the Yangtze River are most disgusted by the wealthy families who wantonly annexed the land. Now our army has captured the six states of Si, Chu, Chu, Hao, Yang and Guang, plus most of Shouzhou and Luzhou. , it would be better to issue an edict to exempt these states and counties from taxes for one to three years, reward reclamation and farming, and re-divide the fields for the vast number of landless people.

Taking a group of notorious gentry and landlords as examples, holding public trials and executions, confiscating their land and distributing it to the homeless people, opening prefecture and county warehouses to provide relief to the victims, this will surely win over the hearts and minds of the people of Huainan.

When the news reaches Jiangnan, the people will praise me, the Emperor of Zhou Dynasty, for his kindness. "

Chai Rong nodded repeatedly after hearing this: "What a good idea. I will send Wang Pu to Huainan to take full charge of the tax-free land distribution!"

Zhu Xiu smiled and said: "I recommend Li Deming, the surrender minister of Jiangning, to assist Mr. Wang in handling this matter. He is from Jiangnan and is most familiar with the people and terrain of Jianghuai."

"Well, it just so happened that Li Gu wrote a letter saying that he was sick and asked to resign. I plan to let him return to the capital to recuperate, so I ordered Wang Pu to know the government affairs in Huainan, and Li Deming to be the envoy to Huainan, and the two of them will jointly preside over the civil affairs of Huainan!"

Chai Rong decided decisively.

Zhu Xiu hurriedly reminded: "Although this move will help capture the hearts and minds of the people in Huainan, it is also very likely to cause dissatisfaction among the local gentry and landlords. I am worried that some people will secretly collude with Jiangning, and the Jiangning court will also take advantage of the trend to counterattack, causing turmoil."

Chai Rong pondered for a moment, and Zhu Xiu was right. This measure would help consolidate Zhou's rule in Huainan and be kind to the people, but it would definitely offend a group of gentry and landlords.

If it is not handled well, it will cause local turmoil, and the Tang army will most likely seize the opportunity to counterattack.

"Let Wang Pu and Li Deming rush to Huainan first. I will conduct another expedition in person in March at the latest, and will personally take charge of the matter then."

After weighing the pros and cons, Chai Rong decided to proceed accordingly.

Offending a small group of gentry and landlords and gaining support from the wider public is a good deal no matter how you calculate it.

"You go back home first and have a good rest, and then go to the court to discuss politics after the Lantern Festival." Chai Rong said with a smile.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, I will leave!"

In return for the secret edict given by Chai Rong to improve the troops and horses of the Huaibei states, Zhu Xiu left the main hall and returned to the palace.

As for the execution of eleven generals including Han Chongyun in Chuzhou, Chai Rong never mentioned a word from beginning to end.

(End of this chapter)