The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 566 Another expedition to Huainan
In March of the fourth year of Xiande, Chai Rong arrived at Xiacai.

Under the leadership of Xiang Xun and Cao Han, Chai Rong secretly met with Liu Renzhan's third son Liu Chongjian at the Zhoujun camp in Shouchun City.

Ten days later, Shouchun Kaicheng surrendered.

Liu Renzhan, who was seriously ill, committed suicide before the Zhou army entered the city. He left his last words, hoping that the Lord of Zhou would treat the people of Shouzhou well.

At this point, the isolated city of Shouchun, which had been besieged by the Zhou army for a year and a half, was finally broken.

After Chai Rong entered the city, he saw that the city was full of starvation, and everything that could be eaten was searched by Shouchun soldiers and civilians.

In order to defend the city, almost all the houses in the city were demolished. In Shouchun, a huge city, the city is full of ruins. The only thing intact is the four walls, which were damaged and repaired in the repeated battles of siege and defense, back and forth.

Seeing the tragic situation in Shouchun City, Chai Rong couldn't help but be moved. He praised Shouchun's soldiers and civilians for their loyalty and bravery, and mobilized food from all directions to help the hungry people.

The remnants of the Huai Army of the Qing Dynasty were reorganized into the Zhongzheng Army, under the command of Li Chongjin, with Liu Chongjian as the commander.

Chai Rong posthumously awarded Liu Renzhan the title of Zhongshu Ling and King of Pengcheng. He built a tomb for him in the southeast of Shouchun and ordered local officials to pay homage on time.

Shouchun City was completely dilapidated and could not bear the functions of a state administration. Chai Rong ordered the Shouzhou administration to be moved to Xiacai.

After learning that Shouchun had fallen, General Lin Renzhao of the Southern Tang Dynasty led his troops to retreat to Huoshan Pass.

At this point, the entire territory of Shouzhou was peaceful.

In the subsequent battles that broke out, the Zhou army did not progress smoothly.

First, Lin Renzhao blocked Li Chongjin at Huoshan. Li Chongjin's general Wu Xingde was injured by a stray arrow in the melee and died of serious injuries on the way back.

Later, Wang Yanchao led his army across Chao Lake to attack Dongguan. However, the Tang army general Guo Tingwei saw through this and led his navy to intercept the Zhou army in the lake.

Wang Yansheng, who accompanied Xiang Xun and made great contributions to the conquest of Shu, unfortunately fell into the water and drowned.

The Zhou army lost troops and generals one after another, and encountered stubborn resistance from the Tang army in Shuzhou and Luzhou. The war progress was difficult for a while.

The two victories greatly encouraged the Jiangning court. Li Jing hurriedly promoted Lin Renzhao and Guo Tingwei to official positions, publicized the two victories to the people in Jiangnan, and at the same time stepped up the recruitment of new soldiers and sent them to the battlefield in Jiangbei.

From March to May, the war situation on the western front in Huainan was at a loss.

The Zhou army on the eastern front, led by Zhao Kuangyin, successively captured Zijinshanshui Village and defeated the Tang army's interceptions. Their reputation shocked Jiangning for a while.

The victory in the attack on Zijin Mountain became one of the few highlights of Chai Rong's second expedition to Huainan except Shouchun's surrender.

Chai Rong considered that the progress of the war on the western front was not going well, and the Zhou army on the eastern front crossed the river and stationed on the east side of Zijin Mountain. It was impossible to form a strategic situation that echoed east and west. It was inevitable that the Tang army would concentrate its forces to defeat Zhao Kuangyin's troops. Chai Rong ordered all Zhou troops on the eastern front to retreat to Jiangbei and across the Yangtze Far away from Jiangning, a water village was set up and warships patrolled the river every day.

Li Jing sharpened her sword and prepared to launch a counterattack on the Western Front in one go, but a sudden incident completely disrupted the situation.

In early June, Li Jingsui, the king of Jin in the Southern Tang Dynasty, died suddenly.

Li Jingsui is the former emperor's younger brother, now Tiance's General, Marshal of the Army and Horses, in charge of tens of thousands of forbidden troops in Jiangning.

His death, like a hurricane, plunged Jiangning City into complete chaos.

Li Jing was furious and ordered a strict investigation.

Soon, Yuan Congfan, the commander of the Sixth Army, was found.

On the day of Li Jingsui's sudden death, he was the last person he came into contact with, so it was inevitable that he would be involved.

The Imperial Forbidden Army found poison in Yuan Congfan's home. After verification by the imperial doctor, it was this poison that caused Li Jingsui's sudden death.

At the same time, the whereabouts of one of Yuan Congfan's entourage is unknown.

Yuan Congfan naturally argued vigorously and denied that he poisoned the King of Jin.

Unfortunately, all the crimes were pointed at him, so Li Jing ordered him to be dismissed and imprisoned, and at the same time, he made every effort to search for the missing Yuan family servant.

In the next few days, rumors arose in Jiangning City.

But all the rumors point to one person, Prince Li Hongji.

It is said that Li Hongji used the hatred of Yuan Congfan's son who was killed by Qi King Li Jingda to secretly draw him in and instigated him to poison Li Jingsui.

Rumors also say that Li Hongji promised Yuan Congfan that when he succeeded to the throne, he would execute Li Jingda to avenge him.

The rumor spread quickly and quickly reached Li Jing's ears.

A few days later, the imperial guards searched for the missing Yuan family servant, and the last hiding place turned out to be the prince's villa in the inner city.

The news spread, and the government and the public were in an uproar.

Li Jing first ordered Li Hongji to be imprisoned in the East Palace, and he would personally interrogate him.

But after interrogation, Li Hongji refused to admit that Yuan Congfan was instigated by him.

Li Hongji had a paranoid and suspicious temperament, but when he was suddenly imprisoned, he was under great mental pressure and showed signs of collapse.

It was rumored that on the day Li Jing interrogated him in person, Li Hongji cursed hysterically, making Li Jing almost angry in the East Palace.

Li Jing sent the imperial army to completely seal off the East Palace. Except for a few eunuchs who took care of daily life, all other palace residents moved away. The East Palace instantly turned into a dead and cold palace.

The death of Li Jingsui completely triggered the party struggle in the Jiangning court. Song Qiqiu, Chen Jue, Feng Yansi and others tried their best to shirk responsibility in order to protect Li Hongji.

The clan party headed by Li Jingda strongly demanded that Li Hongji be deposed. Even the veteran minister Zhong Mo, who had always remained neutral, also joined Li Jingda's party.

Li Jingda gathered a group of generals in charge of military power behind him. Generals such as Lin Renzhao and Guo Tingwei had always been on good terms with the kings of Jin and Qi.

Li Jing is not a fool. Now that the Zhou army is pressing down on the territory, it is still necessary to rely on these generals to defend the territory and lead the army to resist. The court can be without Song Qiqiu, Chen Jue and others, but Jiangbei cannot be without Lin Renzhao and Guo Tingwei.

Li Jing decisively issued an order to remove Qiqiu as Prime Minister of the Song Dynasty and move him to Qingyang, Chizhou for confinement.

At the same time, the blame for the previous series of defeats was placed on the Privy Councilor Chen Jue, who was sentenced to death to apologize.

Feng Yansi, Feng Yanlu and others were demoted and punished.

At this point, the princelings headed by Song Qiqiu suffered heavy losses and were unable to recover.

A group of ministers who had been suppressed and persecuted by Song Qiqiu and others were reused.

The representative among them was Xu Xuan. On the day of Chen Jue's death, Li Jing issued an order to quickly appoint him as Minister of War and Deputy Privy Envoy.

Although Li Jing did not explicitly issue an edict to depose Li Hongji, both the Jiangning government and the public knew that Li Hongji's status as the prince was not guaranteed.

The crown prince of the Southern Tang Dynasty may have to change hands.

After quelling the series of turmoil caused by Li Jingsui's death, Li Jing issued an order that Li Congjia, the sixth son of the emperor and the prince of Anding County, be granted the title of King of Wu and follow the court to participate in political affairs.

The 20-year-old Li Congjia officially entered the eyes of Jiangnan subjects.

Li Jing's counterattack plan was aborted because of the turmoil caused by Li Jingsui's sudden death.

On the western front, the Zhou army formed a confrontation and tug-of-war with the Tang army. On the eastern front, they were eyeing the enemy and vigorously maneuvered their naval forces, leaving Jiangning with no peace all day long.

At the end of July, Chai Rong ended his second southern expedition and returned to Kaifeng.

It is decreed that the sixth lady of the Fu family will enter the palace, be named a noble concubine, and temporarily take charge of the affairs of the harem.The noble concubine is the head of the four concubines, so it stands to reason that a grand conferment ceremony should be organized.

But Chai Rong ordered everything to be simple, and only simple arrangements were made in the inner palace.

At the end of August, a small incident caused a lot of discussion in the Kaifeng court.

Han Lun, the Jiedushi envoy who had just been transferred to Xuzhou, increased taxes and imposed corvee without authorization, which aroused resentment among the people of Xuzhou. Prefecture and county officials also complained. Han Lun sent local soldiers to suppress it, killing and wounding dozens of people, which almost triggered a rebellion. civil unrest.

Some people came to Beijing to report the imperial complaint. King Yin of Kaifeng Prefecture did not dare to conceal it and reported it urgently. When Chai Rong learned about it, he was furious and ordered Han Lun to be dismissed from office and asked to be brought to Beijing for punishment.

This Han Lun is none other than Han Lingkun's biological father.

Not long after Han Lun entered Beijing, Zhu Xiu received a letter of help written by Han Lingkun.

No matter how much of a bastard his old father was, he could not just watch him be beheaded in public. Han Lingkun begged Zhu Xiu to help intercede and spare his father's death.

Han Lingkun was the target of Zhu Xiu's efforts to win over, so naturally he could not ignore his fate and immediately went to the palace to see Chai Rong.

"Your Majesty, Han Lingkun led the army to stay in Yangzhou, and he made many contributions in the past. He didn't look at the monk's face and the Buddha's face. In the name of Han Lingkun's willingness to bear the responsibility for his father, Han Lun's life should be spared."

In the Qingshou Hall, Zhu Xiu begged for mercy.

Chai Rong said coldly: "This Han Lun is so bold. The Wude Division reported secretly that he was doing all kinds of things in Xuzhou. He almost treated himself as a local emperor and didn't take the court's laws and regulations seriously. It's really abominable!"

Zhu Xiu said with a wry smile: "I feel that Han Lun's crimes can be punished severely, but execution is indeed too severe. Ordering him to pay out of his own pocket to compensate the victimized villagers, and then come to the door to apologize in person as a prisoner, I think it is better than direct execution. The favor of the imperial court.”

Chai Rong thought about it and smiled: "In Huainan before, Han Lingkun was also considered as your subordinate. Is it because of this that you favored Han Lun?"

Zhu Xiu said honestly: "I did receive a letter from Han Lingkun, begging me to help me intercede. I found out what happened at Yushitai and Dali Temple, and felt that Han Lun's crime was not worthy of death, so I had the courage to come to the palace to ask for an audience." His Majesty."

Chai Rong said: "I also want Han Lingkun to work hard in Yangzhou and make great achievements, otherwise how can I let Han Lun come to Beijing alive?

That's all, just according to your words, Han Lun will be removed from all official positions, exiled to Salmonella Island, and will not be returned to Beijing unless he is amnesty! "

Zhu Xiu smiled and said, "On behalf of Han Lingkun, I would like to thank Your Majesty for your generosity!"

Just as he was talking, Zhao Kuangyin, who had accompanied Chai Rong back to Beijing, also entered the palace to see him.

"Let me guess, you and Han Lingkun have known each other since childhood. Do you think you came to intercede for him?" Chai Rong said with a smile.

Zhao Kuangyin didn't know why and quickly admitted it.

Chai Rong smiled and said: "You are a step too late, I have already punished Han Lun."

Zhao Kuangyin was shocked and thought he was too late. The emperor had already decided to execute Han Lun.

Zhu Xiu smiled and said: "Don't worry, Marquis Zhao Yu, your Majesty has decided to spare Han Lun's life and exile him to Salmon Island."

Zhao Kuangyin looked at Zhu Xiu, then at Chai Rong, and breathed a sigh of relief: "I would like to thank Your Majesty for your grace on behalf of Han Lingkun!"

Chai Rong looked at these two ministers who were most trusted and valued by him and said with a smile: "I am determined to conquer Huainan again at the end of the year. This time, I must completely win the fourteen states of Huainan!
When the time comes, you and I will go on an expedition together. When we get down, we will prepare our troops and horses, and collect food and fodder. Wu Desi might as well spread the word and make the momentum bigger. It is best to make the people in the south of the Yangtze River fearful. "

After experiencing the land allocation in Huainan and the sudden death of Li Jingsui in Jiangning, Chai Rong fully realized the power of public opinion warfare. It can confuse people's hearts and make the enemy disorganized. Sometimes it can achieve the effect of defeating the enemy without fighting.

Zhu Xiu and Zhao Kuangyin accepted the order in unison.

After exiting the main hall, the two of them walked down the long steps side by side, but they were silent all the way.

Suddenly, Zhao Kuangyin stopped, turned around and said, "Were you involved in the imperial concubine's entry into the palace?"

Zhu Xiu said calmly: "Brother Yuen Long, what do you mean?"

Zhao Kuangyin narrowed his eyes: "Fu Jinwan was going to marry my Zhao family, did you know?"

Zhu Xiu pouted: "King Wei did mention it when he came to see me."

Zhao Kuangyin's face was gloomy: "The death of Shi Jieshuai has nothing to do with Kuang Yi, why do you have to bear grudge against him?"

Zhu Xiu laughed dumbly and said: "Brother Yuen Lang, don't you think that it was me who encouraged King Wei to send the Sixth Lady into the palace in order to take revenge on Zhao Kuangyi?"

"Isn't it?" Zhao Kuangyin stared at him closely.

Zhu Xiu said calmly: "Of course not! King Wei came to me to ask me to help persuade His Majesty to accept Fu Jinwan. What choice would you make if you marry the Zhao family, continue to be the head of the country, or become Brother Yuen Long?"

Zhao Kuangyin was silent for a moment and nodded slowly: "I believe it."

"But this incident made Zhao Kuangyi very angry? Haha, I'm happy to see it come to fruition!" Zhu Xiu added.

Zhu Xiu looked at him calmly: "You know, your second brother and I have never dealt with each other! He and Han Chongyun were in Liuhe together, and Tang Jun disguised himself to cross the border. I never believe that they were unaware of such a major mistake!"

Zhao Kuangyin said with a stern face: "You killed Han Zhongyun and embarrassed me!"

Zhu Xiu sighed quietly: "Old Shi died in the battle in Chuzhou, and thousands of soldiers from the Huai army were buried in the swamp. I am also very embarrassed~"

The two stood facing each other in silence for a long time.

After a while, Zhao Kuangyin said: "This matter has been revealed. I don't want this matter to affect the friendship between you and me."

Zhu Xiu nodded: "As it should be!"

Zhao Kuangyin forced a smile and said: "I will hold a banquet at Jinming Tower tonight. Ma Renyu, Zhang Qiong, Yang Xin and several generals I met during the Huainan expedition will all come to have a drink. My dear brother, why don't you come and sit down too?"

Zhu Xiu said with a smile: "What a coincidence, my younger brother also set up two tables in Taihe Building tonight, entertaining Wang Shenqi, Shi Shouxin, Gao Huaide, An Shouzhong, Mi Xin, Tian Zhongjin, Pan Mei and those who came to Beijing to receive awards this time." A group of generals.”

"Oh? Haha, then we can only invite the wise brother to get together alone another day." Zhao Kuangyin said with a smile.

"That's fine. Brother Yuen Long, let's go slowly and say goodbye!" Zhu Xiugong handed over his hand.

The two looked at each other and smiled, their eyes met and missed each other, they turned their heads and left in front of the Daqing Gate, one facing east and the other west.

That night, most of the main high-ranking generals from the Palace Department and the Guard Department gathered at Jinming Tower and Taihe Tower.

Except for Li Chongjin and Zhang Yongde who stayed in Huainan, these two groups basically comprised the backbone of the Zhou Imperial Army.

At the end of November, Chai Rong issued an edict to conquer Huainan again.

Zhu Xiu served as the accompanying commander, Zhao Kuangyin was the deputy commander, Xiang Xun continued to serve as the Huainan Jiedushi and the former military camp commander, Li Chongjin was the deputy commander, and Zhang Yongde was the camp supervisor.

The Zhou army again raised 15 infantry and [-] naval troops, claiming to be a [-]-strong army, and marched towards Huainan in a mighty manner.

Wude Si Chazi came out together, and before the Zhou army arrived in Huainan, the news of the Zhou army's three expeditions to Huainan was spread to the south of the Yangtze River.

There is news that the Zhou army will not only capture the fourteen states of Huainan this time, but also cross the river to attack Jiangning.

There is news that Chai Rong, the leader of Zhou Dynasty, swore before the battle that Jiang Ning would not be returned until he was broken.

Gao Baorong, the king of Nanping, and Qian Hongchu, the king of Wuyue, responded by raising troops to attack the south of the Yangtze River. There was a strong momentum to carve up the south of the Yangtze River with the Zhou army.

For a time, people in Jiangning were in panic, and every tree and plant was in a state of panic.

(End of this chapter)