In the middle of the night, Yunzhou rushed to the palace. Chai Rong summoned all the important ministers overnight to hold an urgent meeting in the back cabinet of Qingshou Hall.

The dark night sky is filled with endless rainstorms, as if the sky is cracking, the Milky Way is pouring, lightning bolts are tearing through the sky, and thunder snakes are dancing ferociously, calling for wind and rain.

This rare thunderstorm in winter turned the land of Qilu into a vast ocean.

In the palace, Chai Rong and other important ministers looked solemn.

Looking at this celestial phenomenon, one can imagine how critical the situation in the four states on the lower reaches of the Yellow River is at this moment.

Chai Rong did not fall asleep until late at night while handling government affairs. He was awakened by an urgent report just after falling asleep for more than an hour.

His face was full of tiredness, but he had to force himself up and looked quite tired.

The same is true for Fan Zhi, Wang Pu, Zheng Renjie, Wei Renpu, and the newly appointed Third Secretary Jing Fan.

Zhu Xiu glanced at everyone secretly and smiled bitterly. It seemed that they were all people who had trouble sleeping.

Zhang Yongde was sitting upright, with an upright face and no signs of fatigue.

Zhu Xiu always had a good sleep. No matter how big things were on her mind, she could fall asleep with her head on the pillow.

Tonight, it was also because Xiao Yuanyuan kept crying and fussing, so I stayed up until midnight to comfort the child.

There were oil lamps and candles burning in the palace, but it still looked dim. The flickering lights made people drowsy.

Zhu Xiu couldn't help but yawned, and soon Fan Zhi, Wei Renpu, and Wang Pu began to yawn one after another, as if they were infected.

Chai Rong sighed: "I know that all of you are busy with business, so you must not have had a good rest last night. However, Yunzhou has an urgent delivery of 800 miles, and the floods in the lower reaches of the Yellow River have flooded the four states. I am anxious and have no choice but to summon you late at night. A major disaster has occurred in the country. , we also need all the ministries of the imperial court to work together and come up with disaster relief regulations as soon as possible."

Zheng Renjiao solemnly said: "I and others are eating the emperor's salary. It is a matter of loyalty to the emperor. Your Majesty is concerned about natural disasters. It is the blessing of the people. How can I dare to neglect it?"

The ministers agreed, and Chai Rong was quite pleased.

Fan Zhidao: "The top priority right now is to send a capable official to the disaster area as soon as possible to take charge of the disaster relief."

Wei Renpu took the initiative to invite him and said: "Your Majesty, I am willing to go! Ahem~~"

Wei Renpu didn't look well, his face was a little sallow, and he obviously looked sick.

Chai Rong smiled bitterly and said: "The imperial doctor has just diagnosed that Privy Wei has a heart disease and needs to recuperate for a period of time. Don't overwork yourself. It's better to leave this matter to others!"

Wei Renpu wanted to say something else, but Chai Rong just refused.

Jing Fan also expressed his willingness to go and take charge of the disaster relief work, but Chai Rong still shook his head.

The Third Division is responsible for monitoring the world's taxes and has a very important relationship. As the Third Division Envoy, Jing Fan cannot be separated from him for a moment.

Wang Pu also took the initiative to ask for a job, but he had cold disease in his legs and the pain was unbearable as soon as winter came. Chai Rong thought about it and rejected it.

Fan Zhi sincerely stated that he had no experience in disaster relief, and it would be difficult to handle such a major disaster properly.

A slight oversight could cause immeasurable harm to the people in the face of such a major natural disaster.

Zhang Yongde shoulders the important task of guarding the capital, so naturally he cannot do without him. Zhu Xiu is the only one left among everyone present.

"Your Majesty, I am willing to go to disaster relief!"

Zhu Xiu said, although he also knew that he had no experience in disaster relief, he could try to refer to historical practices.

As long as Chai Rong provides sufficient support and mobilizes sufficient manpower and material resources, I believe the disaster can be quelled as soon as possible.

According to the situation reported by Yunzhou Express, the disaster in the four states on the lower reaches of the Yellow River this time was more serious than the floods that occurred at the same time in history.

If it is not handled well, it will be a major blow to both Dazhou and Chai Rong, who has been on the throne for less than a year.

Chai Rong glanced at Zhu Xiu and seemed to be hesitating. After a long while, he shook his head and said, "I will entrust you with other important tasks. I already have a suitable candidate in mind for this disaster relief."

The ministers looked at the emperor, wondering who he was talking about.

Chai Rong said in a deep voice: "Li Gu, the military commander of the Huai Army in Suzhou Town, reported last month that he would go to Yanzhou and Yizhou to supervise the construction of warships. Right now, Li Gu is in Yanzhou and Yizhou. If he is allowed to

If we go to provide disaster relief, we can arrive at the disaster area in a few days. I am determined to let Li Gu take on this important task!"

Fan Zhi, Wang Pu and others discussed in a low voice for a few words, and they all felt that Li Gu was a good candidate.

Zhu Xiu smiled bitterly, and after going around in a circle, this errand still fell on Li Gu.

It was Li Gu who stepped in to quell the floods at the same time in history.

Wei Renpu said: "Li Gu is going here. He will not be able to rush back to Suzhou within three to five months. Where is the Huai army? I wonder if your majesty plans to transfer anyone to temporarily take charge?"

Chai Rong pondered for a moment and looked at Zhu Xiu: "You will also serve as the governor of the Suppressing Huai Army, succeed Li Gu, and continue to intensify the training of the Suppressing Huai Army!"

Zhu Xiu was stunned. He had no idea that Chai Rong would transfer him to take over as the governor of the Huai Army.

The Huai Suppression Army was built by him and Li Chongjin, and then handed over to Li Gu. Now it is back in his hands again. It is really unpredictable~

Zhu Xiu hesitated for a moment, then raised his hands and said, "May I ask Your Majesty, do you want me to temporarily take charge of the affairs of the Huai Army during Li Gu's disaster relief period, or do you want me to formally succeed him as the Jiedushi?"

Chai Rong said: "After Li Gu provides disaster relief, I plan to transfer him back to serve in the court. You will be in full charge of suppressing the Huai army."

Zhu Xiu said hurriedly: "I obey the order!"

Chai Rong looked around at everyone and said in a serious tone: "My lords, I have decided to use troops against Meng and Shu at the beginning of next spring. The goal is to recapture Qin, Feng, and Jie, form four states, and compress the Shu army's defense line so that they can no longer disperse.

Guan invades Jingzhao and ensures peace in Guanzhong!"

This was the first time that Chai Rong officially expressed his intention to use troops against Meng Shu. Everyone was a little surprised, but after thinking about it, they thought it was reasonable.

After all, the emperor had summoned his ministers more than once to discuss the north-south strategy for the coming year.

First go to the four states of Qin and Feng to cut off the chokepoint connecting Shuzhong to Guanzhong and ensure the stability of Jingyuan and Guanzhong areas.

After that, they marched into Huainan and tried their best to seize this sacred land and take a solid step towards unifying the world for the Zhou Dynasty.

This has long been a strategic plan known to everyone, and it has now entered the implementation stage.

Chai Rong paused for a moment to give everyone time to react. Seeing that his close ministers were calm, he smiled and said: "If the war goes well, after next summer's harvest, I will personally lead the troops to march to Huainan!"

Chai Rong looked at Zhu Xiu: "When the time comes, the Huai Army in Suzhou Town under your command will be the bridgehead and attack the enemy. It has a heavy responsibility!"

Zhu Xiu said hurriedly: "Your Majesty, don't worry, I and the officers and soldiers of the Huai Army will never let down your Majesty's trust!"

After discussing some disaster relief matters, everyone retired, and Chai Rong left Zhu Xiu alone.

The charcoal in the charcoal basin turned dark red. The monarch and his ministers sat around, warming themselves in silence for a long time.

Zhu Xiu saw Chai Rong frowning and said softly: "Your Majesty asked me to stay because you have other important matters to explain?"

Chai Rong said in a low voice: "I asked you to take over Li Gu and go to Suzhou. Do you understand the deep meaning?"

Zhu Xiu was silent. He could naturally guess Chai Rong's intention.

But he would rather not get involved in this matter, and he didn't want to know the so-called deeper meaning.

Seeing that he didn't speak, Chai Rong was a little angry: "You can guess it, but you don't want to say it? Really?"

Zhu Xiu glanced at him, then lowered his head and said, "I can't guess anything. I only know that Your Majesty asked me to go to Suzhou to practice naval training..."

Chai Rong laughed angrily, pointed at him and scolded: "You kid, stop pretending to be stupid with me! The military and the country are important matters, and you cannot be allowed to be emotional!"

Zhu Xiu drooped his head and remained silent.

Chai Rong sighed softly and said in a low voice: "Li Chongjin is in charge of the German army and is guarding Bozhou and Songzhou. They are only more than four hundred miles away from Kaifeng. You know what I am worried about!"

Zhu Xiu couldn't help but said: "Your Majesty, don't worry, Li Chongjin will not make the same mistake again! He is sincere to Your Majesty and to Great Zhou, and I can guarantee it!"

】

Chai Rong asked coldly: "I also believe that Li Chongjin is loyal, courageous and sincere, but can you guarantee that his group of arrogant and powerful generals are as loyal as him?

Don’t forget, there has already been a Zhai Shouxun beside him, and I don’t want to see another one!”

Zhu Xiu lowered his head and remained silent, while Chai Rong softened his tone and sighed: "Sometimes, the situation is stronger than the person. I trust Zhongjin and believe that he will not do anything rebellious.

But who can guarantee that there will be no careerists among his subordinates?

Last year he was able to escape all the way to Suzhou safe and sound. How many people were secretly helping him? How many people wanted him to take this seat?

After all, he was very popular in the court back then. Which general from the Yedu faction didn't want him to succeed to the throne?

What I am wary of is not Chongjin, but the people around him who harbor evil intentions!"

Zhu Xiu raised his head and saw Chai Rong's bloodshot eyes full of tiredness, and said softly: "So your Majesty asked me to go to Suzhou to take charge of the Huai Army. Is it because you are worried that Zhai Shouxun and his like will appear around Li Chongjin again and instigate him to plot a rebellion?"

Chai Rong said in a deep voice: "The states in Huaibei are all places with sufficient money, food and taxes. They have always had many soldiers and generals. This time the imperial army has been greatly changed. I am considering using troops in Huainan in the coming year. I will rely on the military towns in Huaibei to contribute, so I have not sent troops from Huaibei."

Wait for the deployment of sergeants.

When the imperial court uses troops in Shannan, the rear must ensure stability.

Hebei has King Wei and Shi Yanchao stationed there, and there are Wang Yanchao, Bai Chongzan, Li Jun and others in the river. Huaibei relies on you to help me be more careful.

I grant you the right to do things at your own convenience. Once the situation becomes urgent, you can handle major military and political affairs in the Huaibei states according to your will!"

Chai Rong opened the lid of a brocade box on the royal eucalyptus, took out a book that had been prepared, wrapped it in jade-inlaid brocade, and handed it to Zhu Xiu.

Holding the light edict in his hand, Zhu Xiu felt it was as heavy as a thousand catties.

With this order, he is the highest military and political official in the Huaibei region. In the event of an emergency, he can rely on this order to mobilize the troops of the Huaibei states, and nominally has the power of life and death over any officials and generals in the Huaibei region.

It's just that this is a secret order and cannot be revealed until absolutely necessary.

Zhu Xiu quickly knelt on the ground and kowtowed: "Your Majesty has placed great trust in me. I will always keep it in mind and never forget it! I dare to guarantee with my life that if I stay in Suzhou for one day, I will never cause any trouble to any young person!"
To be continued...