History of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms

Chapter 843 The rain keeps falling
[It keeps raining]

On June 959, 6, the 19-year-old Chai Rong passed away in the Wansui Hall in the capital of Bianzhou, leaving us too early. Even the heavens wept for him. According to historical records, in the month of Chai Rong's death, 39 prefectures and counties reported that heavy rains had continued for more than ten days. Chai Zongxun ascended the throne of emperor in a sad and depressed atmosphere.

Some historical books say that Chai Zongxun was 7 years old at the time, while others say he was 6 years old. In fact, Chai Zongxun was born on August 953, 8, the third year of Guangshun. His exact age when he ascended the throne was 4 years and two months, the last year of kindergarten.

The heavy rains began in June and continued until July. "In that month (July), reports came one after another from various provinces that heavy rains had occurred, causing rivers and canals to overflow, drowning houses and damaging crops."

By September, heavy rains across the country had not stopped. The capital and various prefectures and counties reported that the heavy rains had continued for dozens of days, causing floods and waterlogging disasters.

The rain continued to fall, and the atmosphere was not harmonious. The whole country was immersed in a gloomy mood, which could not be calmed down for a long time.

Chai Zongxun, who had just graduated from kindergarten and was at the age of transition from preschool to primary school, shouldered the heavy responsibility of ruling the empire and endured pressure that he should not have to endure at his age. Obviously, he was just a mascot and could not have any political role, and his mother (not his biological mother) was "Queen Xiaofu", a 27-year-old widow. In theory, she should have ruled the country from behind the scenes.

The young ruler ascended the throne, and the country was in doubt. This was extremely unfortunate for both Chai Zongxun and his mother, as well as for the entire Great Zhou Dynasty.

According to the custom, the new emperor would reward civil and military officials in order to win them over. In Chai Zongxun's Chronicle, almost all of it is about promotions, such as Li Chongjin, Zhang Yongde, Han Lingkun, Zhao Kuangyin and other generals who made meritorious contributions in wars such as the "Three Expeditions to Huainan", and civil officials such as Fan Zhi, Wang Pu, and Wei Renpu; and vassal states such as Qian Hongchu of Wuyue, Li Yiyin of Xiazhou, and Gao Baorong of Jingnan who paid tribute to the Great Zhou.

During this period, there are only two interesting stories worth mentioning:
First, Goryeo sent envoys to pay tribute, and also sent one volume of "A Separate Preface to the Book of Filial Piety", eight volumes of "New Interpretation of the Book of Filial Piety by the King of Yue", one volume of "The Imperial Spirit Book of Filial Piety", and three volumes of "The Female Illustrations of the Book of Filial Piety" for cultural exchange. As a result, they were despised by the Celestial Empire, because these books were too childish, and the Celestial Empire was far better than them, but Goryeo treated them as the apple of its eye.

Well, a gift of goose feathers from a thousand miles away is a token of great sentiment. It is rare for the barbarians to have the heart to be civilized, so there is no need for us to be too harsh on them, let alone ridicule them, because a thousand years later, the universe will belong to them.

Second, the Central Plains expressed their condolences to the Jiangnan region, and Li Jing finally won over the Central Plains in a funeral.

Hou Zhou: "My father is dead."

Nan Tang: "My son is dead."

Comrade Li Hongji, Li Jing's eldest son, unfortunately passed away due to illness. "Wow... my son, your father is dead... let's all mourn for him."

The death of Li Hongji was also related to a horrific palace murder in the Southern Tang Dynasty, which triggered a major party struggle and a dispute over the crown prince. This topic will be discussed in detail in a future special topic on the Southern Tang Dynasty.

By the end of the year, the heavy rain still did not stop, and dark clouds covered the sky above the empire. According to historical records, "the day was dark for four days", and the day also understood the darkness of the night. The young emperor Chai Zongxun sat alone in the Golden Palace, unable to see the light.

In a few days, it will be the Spring Festival.

On the first day of the first lunar month in the seventh year of Xiande (960), all officials came to the court to congratulate the emperor. Just as the emperor and his ministers were immersed in this rare joy and peace, an extremely urgent military intelligence was suddenly delivered to the Jinluan Palace: Zhenzhou and Dingzhou in Hebei reported that the Khitan invaded, and the "Jin independence" elements (Northern Han) joined forces with them to invade.

Chai Zongxun didn't know what Khitan, Northern Han, or war were, but he could sense fear from the frightened looks of the officials.

The 6-and-a-half-year-old boy looked back at his mother helplessly. He was trembling all over and almost crying.

The 28-year-old Empress Dowager Fu was also at a loss and could only ask for advice from her ministers.

The opinions of all civil and military officials were unanimous, which was just one word: fight!

Of course a 6 and a half year old kid couldn't lead the army in person, so it had to be a general with rich combat experience who led the troops north to fight the enemy.

Who is going?
On this crucial issue, the ministers' opinions were still unanimous: Comrade Zhao Kuangyin, the Palace Guard Inspector.

The military situation was urgent, and on the third day of the first lunar month, Zhao Kuangyin led his army to Bianzhou. Before leaving, the young emperor Chai Zongxun gave Zhao Kuangyin a farewell party and wished him a speedy and triumphant return.

"Don't worry, Your Majesty. I will be back soon."

Zhao Kuangyin's words were profound and Chai Zongxun listened to them with deep emotion.

He came back really quickly, too quickly. He came back the next day (the fourth day of the first lunar month), and he changed his clothes and wore a yellow robe.

(End of this chapter)