In the spring of the eleventh year of Shaoxing in the Song Dynasty, a piece of news spread in Bianliang City, the capital.
The general manager Chu Yi, who has not been on an expedition for several years, will once again go on an expedition to the Western Regions. This news shocked many people.
You must know that Chu Yi has never left the capital since he returned to the capital. Although the soldiers and horses of the Song Dynasty have never stopped their expedition to foreign countries, they are all generals under Chu Yi.
It seems that there is no opponent worthy of Chu Yi in the world.
However, such shocking news suddenly appeared, which naturally made many people look shocked.
Many people even secretly speculated on what kind of enemy could actually attract Chu Yi to take action personally.
Everyone knows that several armies of the Song Dynasty have been fighting abroad. It is not impossible to encounter a strong enemy. However, Chu Yi has never left the capital for several years. But now he has to go out in person. It is not impossible to encounter a strong enemy.
If there was any powerful enemy, everyone really didn't know how to explain why Chu Yi went out of his way to go out in person.
Of course, for those who were well-informed and had already learned that they were about to ascend, they had a lot to think about when they learned that Chu Yi was going to lead an army to go out in person.
Yang family in Tianbo Prefecture
Yang Wenguang and Mu Guiying were sitting opposite each other, and standing in front of them were Yang Zaixing and Yang Zhi.
Because Yang Zhi and Yang Zaixingtong were under Chu Yi's command, the Yang family has become much stronger in recent years, and is no longer just a declining general family like before.
Of course, as Yang Wenguang broke through to the realm of heavenly beings, plus Mu Guiying, Yang Zaixing and Yang Zhi, there were four heavenly beings in the Yang family alone. Looking at the capital of the Song Dynasty, except for the royal family,
Apart from that, there is no other family that can match the Yang family's current heritage.
At this time, Yang Wenguang looked at Yang Zhi solemnly, and Yang Zaixing and the other two said slowly: "Let me ask you, does the General Manager really want to personally go to the Western Regions?"
Yang Zhi and Yang Zaixing looked at each other, and Yang Zhi nodded and said: "The chief manager has made up his mind. I think it will happen in the past few days."
Slightly stroking his beard, Yang Wenguang pondered for a while, his eyes fell on the two of them, and he said slowly: "Didn't you two ask me before if our Yang family wanted to fly away with the chief manager?"
Yang Zhi and Yang Zaixing's eyes couldn't help but light up when they heard this. The two of them could be regarded as Chu Yi's confidants. Chu Yi ascended and left. Naturally, they wanted to follow Chu Yi, but they were born as generals.
Naturally, they have to consider family issues.
Although the Yang family now has two heavenly beings like Mu Guiying and Yang Wenguang sitting in charge, even if the two of them leave, it will not shake the foundation of the Yang family, but they are still unable to let go. If they can persuade Yang
Leaving the family together would be the best thing of course.
It's just that for such a big matter, even Yang Wenguang couldn't make an immediate decision. Now, listening to Yang Wenguang's words, it seems that he has already made a decision.
Yang Zaixing glanced at Mu Guiying who was sitting there. As the most respected person in the Yang family, let alone Yang Wenguang as the apparent head of the Yang family, who didn't know that it was Mu Guiying who could really make the decision in the Yang family.
But at this moment, Mu Guiying was sitting there with a calm expression. Even though Yang Zhi and Yang Zaixing could not see any emotion on Mu Guiying's face.
The two of them focused their attention on Yang Wenguang. Yang Zhi looked at Yang Wenguang with some expectation and said, "Uncle, has he already made a decision?"
Yang Wenguang took a deep breath, glanced at the two of them, and said slowly: "My Yang family has paid too much for the Zhao family, and I have fulfilled my duty as a courtier, so I have made a decision. If
If the General Manager doesn’t mind, the whole Yang family will follow the General Manager."
Hearing what Yang Wenguang said, Yang Zhi and Yang Zaixing finally felt relieved, and couldn't help showing a bit of joy on their faces.
Yang Zaixing laughed even more and said: "The General Manager will definitely agree, and the General Manager has also said before that as long as he is our family member, no matter who it is, if he is willing to go with him, he will not abandon anyone."
Yang Wenguang nodded with satisfaction and said: "This matter is settled. In that case, I, an old man like me, will go to the battlefield with the chief manager."
It seems that they did not expect that Yang Wenguang would have such an idea, but Yang Zhi and Yang Zaixing did not take it to heart. With Yang Wenguang's qualifications, if he wanted to accompany them on the expedition, Chu Yi would definitely not have any objections.
Planter
Since the day when Zhong Shidao chose to let Chu Yi enter the capital, the Zhong family could no longer be regarded as loyal ministers of the Song Dynasty. However, the influence of the Zhong family in the Song Dynasty army was too great, especially in the border town.
The Zhong family even controlled a large number of soldiers and horses, and coupled with Chu Yi's intimidation, the Zhong family did not suffer much influence in the court. Even Zhong Shidao was granted the title of county king by the emperor Zhao Gou, which can be said to have reached the level of the general family.
peak.
But a reward is a reward, and it should be alienated or alienated. In other words, Zhong Shidao is a powerful official in the court, but anyone with a discerning eye can see the alienation and wariness of the Emperor Zhao Gou towards the Zhong family.
.
But one thing is undeniable, that is, among the many general families in the Song Dynasty, the Zhong family is definitely one of the best in terms of strength and influence. Even the Yang family of Tianbo Mansion, which is now at its peak, may not be able to match the Zhong family.
Home.
The Zhong family originated from Zhong Fang in the Great Yin Dynasty in the Song Dynasty, and its prosperity began with Zhong Shiheng, the son of Zhong Fang. Zhong Shiheng was the founder of the Zhong Family Army in the Song Dynasty. Zhong Shiheng had eight sons, namely
In ancient times, diagnosis, consultation, chanting, e, suo, Ji, friendship, and the father of Zhongshi Dao was Zhongji, the son of Zhong Shiheng.
Just like almost all the seven men and eight tigers of the Yang family were wiped out on the battlefield, although the Zhong family's descendants were prosperous, they also suffered heavy losses on the battlefield.
When Zhong Shiheng took charge of the Zhong family army, only Zhong E was left in the previous generation of the Zhong family. However, the news that Zhong E is still alive is rarely known. After all, when Zhong E led the army, military law was cruel and he often tortured and killed people in the army.
, although he has the name of a famous general, it is also accompanied by a bad reputation.
After Zhong E's death, he stayed in charge of the Zhong family. Unless it was something that shook the foundation of the Zhong family, otherwise, Zhong E would not show up at all.
Nowadays, in the ancestral temple of the Zhong family, tablets are enshrined one after another, and several figures are sitting in the ancestral temple.
Zhong E put the incense candle in his hand, then slowly turned around, his eyes falling on Master Zhong Dao and his two brothers.
This generation of the Zhong family has Zhong Shi Dao and two of them. Especially Zhong Shi Dao has pushed the Zhong family's momentum to the peak. It can be said that Zhong Shi Dao's choice to join forces with Chu Yi was indeed a wise choice.
Otherwise, given the strength of Chu Yi at that time, I am afraid that even if their family was not destroyed, they would never recover from this, and how could they be as prosperous as they are today.
Of course, Chu Yi succeeds and Chu Yi loses. Although the Zhong family tried hard to distance themselves from Chu Yi, they were Chu Yi's allies both in the court and in the eyes of the emperor.
Zhong E sat down slowly and said, "Tell me, why did you come to see me?"
Zhong E has been sitting in the ancestral hall of the Zhong family for a long time and pays little attention to external affairs. Now that Master Zhong is here, two brothers from Master Zhong have come in person. Something big must have happened. Otherwise, it would not have happened.
Let the two brothers come to see him so seriously.
Zhong Shidao saluted Zhong E and said, "Uncle, I know everything. This time my nephew comes here because he has something to discuss with his uncle. I hope that my uncle can come up with an idea for our Zhong family."
Raising his brows, Zhong E couldn't help but glance at Zhong Shidao in surprise. What on earth was going on, and he was actually asked to make the decision? You must know that Zhong Shidao had promised to help Chu Yi and let Chu Yi enter the capital. It almost worked.
When planning the change of dynasty, Master Zhong did not ask him for instructions.
Now that he is being asked to make a decision, is this matter more important than the original incident of Zhong Shidao letting Chu Yi enter the capital?
Thinking of this, Zhong E couldn't help but sit up straight and looked at Master Zhongdao and the two masters with solemn expressions.
Master Zhong took a deep breath and slowly informed Zhong E of all the news that his family had received.
Zhong E opened his eyes wide, and said with a look of disbelief on his face: "You said that the general manager Chu Yi is about to ascend, and he is going to do what it takes for a person to achieve enlightenment, a chicken or a dog to ascend to heaven?"
For Zhong E to have such a reaction, Zhong Shidao and the brothers among Zhong Master were not surprised at all. In fact, even their reactions when they first received the news were not much better than Zhong E's.
If they hadn't confirmed the accuracy of the news, they would have suspected whether they had received some false news.
Zhong Shizhong now said to Zhong E: "The news confirms that there is no problem."
Zhong E's eyes widened at this moment, and after a while he exhaled a breath, and a bright light flashed in his eyes: "If you say that, Chu Yi really wants to do that thing of ascension, and as a human being, he can take away those
It is reasonable for him to follow his men."
As he spoke, Zhong E's face gradually became serious and he said: "If Lu Junyi, Fang La and the others fly away with Chu Yi, the military power will be greatly reduced by then, and the nobles who have been suppressed over the years will definitely rebound strongly. Really
When that time comes, we will plant a family..."
When he thought of the suppressed nobles and the royal family who were alienated from their family, even though their family had three strong men of heaven and earth standing in charge, Zhonge started to panic a little.
"Is Chu Yi trying to trick our family to death?"
After holding it in for a long time, Zhong E couldn't help but let out a long sigh.
Obviously, no one is a fool who can become a famous general. Once Chu Yi leaves, they can see what kind of consequences they will have.
He came to see Zhong E so solemnly to discuss this matter, which was a matter of life and death for the Zhong family.
His eyes fell on the two Zhongshi Dao brothers, and Zhonge suddenly said: "Our Zhong family has reached its peak in your hands. With your knowledge and wisdom, even my uncle is not as good as me. Our Zhong family is facing such a situation.
Master, do you have any good ideas?"
Zhong Shidao's expression is very calm. After all, he has experienced so many ups and downs in his life. What kind of scene has he never seen? Although it is said that this time is related to the life and death of the Zhong family, Zhong Shidao can still remain immovable in all eight winds.
, as stable as Mount Tai.
After looking at Zhong E, Master Zhong said: "If it is my nephew's opinion, there is only one way for our Zhong family to go, and that is to completely attach ourselves to the General Manager Chu Yi and fly away together with the General Manager.
"
Zhong E was stunned for a moment, then a look of surprise appeared on his face, and he clapped his hands and praised: "Wonderful, really wonderful. If this is true, our Zhong family will not only be able to avoid a disaster, but also be able to obtain the ascension."
Opportunity.”
As he spoke, Zhong E said to Master Zhong: "I'll leave this matter to you. The entire Zhong family will give their full cooperation."
It's the same thing, but everyone has their own choice.
For example, the Yang family and the Zhong family chose to follow Chu Yi, while the Huyan family, also a general family, chose to support the imperial court and be loyal to the royal family.
At this moment, Hu Yanzhuo, as the representative figure of the Huyan family in the court, and now the commander of the capital in front of the palace, was talking to Zhao Gou in the imperial garden.
After all, Hu Yanzhuo is also a strong man, especially the Huyan family who has always been loyal to the court. For such a family, as long as Zhao Gou is not a fool, he will naturally try his best to win over him.
At this moment, Zhao Gou smiled at Hu Yanzhuo and said, "I think the Huyan family has already received the news that the general manager is about to ascend."
With a straight look on his face, Hu Yanzhuo said respectfully: "Your Majesty, the Huyan family has indeed received this news, but the accuracy of this news..."
Zhao Gou waved his hand and said: "I can guarantee the accuracy of the news. I have already seen the General Manager. I can confirm that the General Manager is not joking, but is really going to ascend and leave."
A flash of horror flashed in Hu Yanzhuo's eyes and he said: "I never thought that Chu Yi's cultivation would reach such an unpredictable state. No one of our generation of warriors has successfully ascended for more than a hundred years..."
After coming back to his senses, Hu Yanzhuo said to Zhao Gou: "I congratulate your majesty and congratulate your majesty on finally being able to get rid of the shadow of Chu Yi."
Although Zhao Gou was happy in his heart, he did not show it. He waved his hands slightly and said: "With the departure of the general manager, the situation in the DPRK will inevitably change drastically. I summoned Qing's family here precisely to ask about Hu Yan.
The choice of home..."
Hu Yanzhuo immediately prostrated himself on the ground and said to Zhao Gou: "My Huyan family will always be loyal to the court and your Majesty. I hope your Majesty will tell you clearly!"
Zhao Gou hurriedly stepped forward and helped Hu Yanzhuo up and said, "Please excuse yourself from the Qing family. Why do you and I, our monarchs and ministers, have to pay such a big courtesy?"
Zhao Gou said with a bit of joy on his face: "You will not let me down, and I will not let you down. I have made a decision. If the general manager really leaves, Lu Junyi, Han Shizhong, Yue Fei and other generals will definitely follow him.
If you leave, there will inevitably be a large number of vacancies in the court during the intervening period. I plan to promote ten people from the Huyan family into the army to take over the vacancies left after these people leave."
Hu Yanzhuo was overjoyed when he heard this and thanked Zhao Gou again.
In the capital, with the news that Chu Yi was about to ascend, it was unknown how many powerful families were affected, but amid this undercurrent, Chu Yi, who had not left the capital for several years, once again led his army to go on an expedition.
Among the people who went on the expedition this time, there were many more figures, such as Zhongshi Dao from the Zhong family. Among the Zhongshi, Yang Wenguang of the Yang family in Tianbo Prefecture and other general families took the initiative to write to the emperor, requesting to accompany Chu Yi on the expedition outside the territory.
Anyone with a discerning eye can see that on the eve of Chu Yi's ascension, those who took the initiative to write a letter requesting to accompany Chu Yi on the expedition abroad clearly chose Chu Yi between Chu Yi and the imperial court.
No matter what Zhao Gou thought when he saw the memorials of these people, he approved the petitions of these people one by one. Obviously Zhao Gou did not intend to embarrass these people. After all, embarrassing these people is equivalent to finding trouble for himself.
Zi Zi, he has endured it for so many years, can he still not be able to bear it in the remaining few months?
Besides, in Zhao Gou's view, it would be a good thing for the court and him that families with great influence in the military, such as the Zhong family and the Yang family, could choose to leave with Chu Yi.
