Chapter 2798 Its hard to comment on past merits and demerits, but its a hymn to present gains and losses.
The eighth year of Taixing.
Under the first month.
After bidding farewell to Fei Qian, Zhang Liao and his party hurried westward and soon arrived in Lianshui.
As dusk approached, Zhang Liao camped by the Lishui River.
This time when he went to the Western Regions, Zhang Liao did not bring all his troops, but still brought his more than 200 men.
Traveling with Zhang Liao for the time being was another Xiliang native, Jia Xu.
Jia Xu was preparing to go to Jincheng, and "by chance" met Zhang Liao, so they started traveling together.
The setting sun shines in the evening, reflecting the blood-red color of the water.
Zhang Liao stood on the edge of the Lishui River, looking slightly dazed.
Jia Xu walked over slowly, his slender eyes glanced at Zhang Liao, and then he also turned his gaze to Lianshui.
Not far from Lianshui River is the ancient pass of Chencang.
This was not only the battlefield where Liu Bang, the King of Han Dynasty, marched, but also the battleground for many subsequent battles. The most recent battle was the Xiqiang Rebellion during the period of Emperor Ling of the Han Dynasty.
In the ten years before and after the Xiqiang Rebellion, there were three major turning points, two of which were related to Chencang. The last time the kingdom led a large army to besiege Chencang for more than eighty days, which led to the final collapse of the Xiqiang coalition forces.
In this small area, it seems that we can still hear the cries of death, the sound of horse hooves, the cry for help, the sound of swordsmanship, and we can still see the smoke and dust covering the sky, the dim sunlight, and those
The bright red color is splashed and flowing freely.
"In the past, there was a place over there..." Jia Xu pointed out the direction, "In the past, in a battle, dust rose up and flooded the surrounding areas. Soldiers and horses fought in chaos, front and rear lost their positions, shouts shook the sky, weapons were raised, and flags blocked the sun...
…』
"A certain person has also been here..." Zhang Liao nodded, "The Geng clan, the governor of the old Liangzhou, summoned soldiers from six counties... A certain person traveled around the world and was also in the army, serving as a small school..."
Jia Xu glanced at Zhang Liao with some surprise, "General Wen Yuan and a certain person have gone to the same place... I think at the time, the Geng family was a sect of 19 nobles... I don't know what General Wen Yuan thought, but this Geng family... at that time...
What should we do?』
Zhang Liao was silent, then took a breath and slowly shook his head.
Jia Xu glanced at Zhang Liao and saw that he was deep in thought and silent, so he didn't say anything more.
At this moment, Zhang Liao's heart was churning. He understood why Jia Xu mentioned the Geng family. On the one hand, it was because Geng Bi, the governor of Liangzhou at that time, was the commander-in-chief of the six counties at that time. On the other hand, this Geng Bi,
He has great ambitions but little talent, but he trusts the villain...
Zhang Liao still knew something about this Geng Bi situation.
Geng Bi was born in the Geng family, and if one were to select the family that contributed most to the founding of the Eastern Han Dynasty, Geng's election would be uncontroversial.
Ever since Emperor Guangwu Liu Xiu set foot in Hebei, Geng Kuang, the prefect of Shanggu, has always supported Liu Xiu. Before Geng Kuang chose Liu Xiu, his eldest son Geng Yan followed Liu Xiu in the early days and later became the founder of the Eastern Han Dynasty.
The fourth of the twenty-eight generals in Taiwan. Geng Kuang had six sons. In addition to the eldest son Geng Yan, his second son Geng Shu and third son Geng Guo were all trusted by Emperor Guangwu Liu Xiu because of their military exploits.
The first generation of the Geng family, Geng Kuang, was granted the title of Yu Mihou, the second generation, Geng Yan, was granted the title of Hao Jiehou, Geng Shu was granted the title of Mouping Marquis, and Geng Ba was granted the title of Yu Mihou. In the third generation, two more marquises were added.
Two sons, Geng Bing was granted the title of Marquis of Meiyang, and Geng Gu was granted the title of Marquis of Suyi. In the third generation, one of Geng Shu's grandsons inherited the estate of his mother, Princess Longlu, and was granted the title of Marquis of Longlu.
After Guangwu ascended the throne, the Geng family was unparalleled for a while. A total of nineteen people were granted the title of marquis, including two generals and nine generals. In addition, there were three children, Princess Shang, and later a daughter married Liu Qing, the king of Qinghe, as his concubine.
The aunt of Emperor An of the Han Dynasty.
A family as noble as the Geng family was very rare in the Eastern Han Dynasty.
Although Geng Shu's granddaughter Geng Ji is the aunt's mother-in-law, she cannot be the empress dowager because of this. Emperor Han'an was the concubine of Liu Qing, King of Qinghe, and his biological mother was Zuo Xiao'e. He inherited the throne of his uncle Han He as a vassal.
The empress of Emperor He of the Han Dynasty was Deng Sui, the granddaughter of Deng Yu. According to legal principles, after Emperor An of the Han Dynasty ascended the throne, he must respect Deng Sui as the empress dowager, while Geng Ji could only stay in the position of Princess Qinghe. This is the peak of the Geng family.
The closest distance.
Then, it was gone.
Later came the rise of the Dou family.
Because the Geng family was so arrogant for a while, there were naturally some arrogant people in the family who were hated, and they would definitely receive suppression and restrictions from all aspects. In addition, the Geng family was still involved in complex political struggles and was detained several times.
Wrong treasure.
As the years went by, the Dou family advanced in waves, while the Geng family declined all the way. Gradually, the descendants of the Geng family became supporting actors in the political arena. In order to make up for this shortcoming, they had to choose to rely on the core forces. To put it bluntly,
It's almost like gambling.
The first person to make the wrong bet was Geng Bing's younger brother Geng Bing. Unlike Geng Bing who was exploited, Geng Bing, who was still junior, placed his bet on Dou Xian. After following Dou Xian twice in succession, he conquered the Northern Huns.
After achieving military exploits, Geng He was granted the title of Marquis of Suyi. After Emperor An of the Han Dynasty came to the throne, Dou Xian was liquidated, and Geng He was implicated, beaten to the bottom, and deprived of his title at the same time.
The second person who pressed the wrong treasure was Geng Shu's grandson Geng Bao. Geng Bao was Geng Ji's brother. After Emperor Han'an came to the throne, he became the general as "Uncle Yuan". He was the Geng family after Geng Yan.
Geng Bao, the second general of the family, actually knew very well that his uncle actually had a lot of empty space. In order to consolidate his position, he colluded with Li Run, Fan Feng and others, while trying his best to seek refuge with Queen Yan and her family. Geng Bao
The most despicable thing is that he killed Taiwei Yang Zhen by false accusation.
However, Geng Bao made a wrong bet with the wrong person. In order to dominate the government for a long time, the Yan family ordered foreign courts to impeach Geng Bao for colluding with eunuchs, spying on palace secrets, and deposing Geng Bao for serious injustice. Geng Bao, who had lost his power, knew it.
Unable to escape the liquidation, he committed suicide.
Geng Bi, the governor of Xiliang, was the last swan song of the Geng family.
Being the governor of Liangzhou was not a good job at the time. He was faced with the turmoil in Liangzhou as soon as he took office. Between the first year of Zhongping and the fourth year of Zhongping, the governor of Liangzhou went through a revolving door and changed five people in succession.
Before Geng Bi, there were Liang Hu, Zuo Chang, Song Xiao, and Yang Yong. Some people here embezzled huge amounts of property and were recalled to face charges. Some people advocated letting the people of Liangzhou study the "Book of Filial Piety" and were recalled to face charges. Anyway,
There are weird things every year, especially in the feudal dynasty, there are countless of them. In fact, this is just because they have been aloof for too long, so that these masters... Bah, these governors are separated from the people.
In the fourth year of Zhongping, Geng Bi organized troops from six counties to attack Han Sui. It was also at this time that Zhang Liao acted as a small school among the troops from the six counties. Although Geng Bi may have good intentions, he was eager for success.
Not only did he not listen to the dissuasion of Fu Xie, then the governor of Hanyang, who told him not to be too aggressive, he even failed to listen to the suggestion of training his soldiers first.
In addition, the most important point is that Geng Bi trusted his subordinate Cheng Qiu in Liangzhou Zhongzhong. This Cheng Qiu was not a good thing. During his tenure as Zhongzhong, he was ruthless in making money. His greed for property caused many officials and people to be angry.
He was dissatisfied. So Geng Bi took the soldiers and horses from six counties hastily gathered to quell the rebellion. As soon as they reached Didao County, the soldiers mutinied. Not only did they kill the hated Cheng Qiu, but Geng Bi was also killed.
(Notes on this chapter)
It was also during this rebellion that Ma Teng changed his stance and changed sides.
Zhang Liao, on the other hand, didn't even get Mao's military exploits. In addition, Bingzhou was invaded by barbarians again, so he returned to Bingzhou...
At this point, the Eastern Han Dynasty completely lost control of Liangzhou. It was not until the kingdom surrounded Chencang and was completely defeated that Dong Zhuo emerged.
If one general is incompetent, the whole army will be exhausted!
Zhang Liao understood what Jia Xu meant, and also knew the purpose of Jia Xu's "walking" with him all the way. He even knew that as long as he left Longyou, Jia Xu would definitely deploy soldiers and troops in the Longyou area...
"In the past, I saw a tile-roofed house with rotten beams and pillars, and beetles on the door hinges. People were living in it, and it was in danger of being attacked by wind and rain. I wanted to destroy it and burned it with fire, thinking that I could clear away the beetles and rotten things..." Jia
Xu said slowly, "After meeting my lord, I realized that it is easy to destroy a house, but it is difficult to build a house. The rot of beams and pillars and the beetles of door hinges are not the fault of the bricks, tiles, and soil. How can they be destroyed together? Wen Yuan said this
OK, if you live in a dangerous house, you have to be more careful..."
Zhang Liao sighed softly, and then thanked Jia Xu, "Liao will bear in mind what you said."
Jia Xu stared at Zhang Liao for a moment, then nodded without saying anything more.
To be honest, it is quite good for Jia Xu to stand here and vaguely say a few words to Zhang Liao.
Maybe it's because Jia Xu is also from Xiliang and doesn't want to see the people of Xiliang falling apart and killing each other again. Maybe it's because Jia Xu has some feelings about Zhang Liao's behavior like a moth to the flame. In addition, Zhang Liao
He also had some friendship with General Fei Qian of the Hussars, so he would go out of his way to "walk" with Zhang Liao and look for opportunities to teach him something.
Otherwise, according to Jia Xu’s usual habits...
Along the way, from a certain perspective, Zhang Liao was like Geng Bi, placing a heavy bet.
What's at stake is Zhang Liao's own life, and what's on the other side is what Jia Xu just said was the "bricks and mortar"...
The setting sun reflected on Zhang Liao's face and body, making his whole body look like it was stained with blood.
Zhang Liao stood on the side of the Qishui River and reached out to touch a brocade bag in his arms.
Although Fei Qian asked the guards of the General's Mansion to bring the tip bag to him before he left, it was not a so-called "cunning plan", nor did Fei Qian want to do micro-management for thousands of miles, but just provided Zhang Liao with an idea, or perhaps
A small chip.
As for how to use this bargaining chip and whether it can weigh on the balance at the critical moment, it can only depend on Zhang Liao himself.
Of course, it was not just Zhang Liao who also placed heavy bets, but also Lu Bu.
Western Region.
Xihai City.
Today's Xihai City is like a faded gilt vessel. Not only is it no longer as bright as before, but it also looks particularly ugly after fading.
Even the dullest people in Guizhou, both inside and outside the city, can feel the difference. Although the city wall is still the same city wall and the streets in the city are still the same streets, the spirit in them is gone.
Shops of all sizes in Xihai City are almost closed. Because the army needs it, all supplies are distributed to the front line. There is no merchandise to sell, so naturally the shops are closed.
Shops can be closed, but people cannot be left without food and drink.
Especially those who were engaged in business before, their heads were as big as a bucket and they were very distressed.
Near the East Gate of Xihai City, there is a small courtyard.
A man was wearing a Hu robe, sitting slumped under the patio of the courtyard, his eyes dull. On the table next to him, there was a bowl of milk skin. It had obviously not been moved for a long time and was gone.
A little bit of heat.
The surrounding servants did not dare to walk into the courtyard at all, and they were cautious even when they did something, for fear of making any noise that would dissatisfy the person in the courtyard, and then become the target of venting their anger.
He was originally a big businessman in Xihai City, Fatty Qian, but now he is sitting here slumped, like an overcooked dough, with an aura of decadence exuding from all the pores in his body.
A servant led a se-eyed man to the front of the courtyard, but he didn't dare to go forward. The se-eyed man seemed not to notice Fatty An's dejected look, and walked straight in, "Fat An, the merchants outside are all in a hurry."
Crazy, why are you still here?"
Fatty An raised his head slightly and snorted, "Old man, what are you doing here? Are you here to see my joke?"
The old man with seductive eyes stepped forward and picked up the milk on the table, took a sip, and spat it out with a pop, "It's so damn sour! Okay, you're not the only one who's in trouble right now, don't let it go."
, get up and discuss some ideas! If you don’t want to come up with any ideas, we will all stay here!』
Only then did Fatty An raise his eyebrows, and growled in a low voice with a sad face: "I have thought of all the ways I can think of, and I have also found the connections I am looking for... I have paid a lot of money, but the goods are gone! None of them are fucking gone."
It's gone! Those damn guys took it away, and they just gave me a bunch of IOUs! What I want is the goods, not the damn IOUs!"
Lao De sneered, "It's as if you are the only one who has received the IOU... Guess how many goods I have been robbed by those damn guys? Do you want me to cry with you?"
Fatty An glanced sideways at Lao De, the fat on his face shook a few times, and snorted, "If crying helps."
"Yes, if sitting here is useful." Lao De put the sour milk on the table, then turned to face the courtyard and shouted, "Damn it, I didn't see your master entertaining guests.
What? If you don’t have anything to eat, bring some water! Do you still want me to kick your butts one by one?!」
The servant stretched his head outside the yard to look at Fatty An.
Fatty An waved his hand in confusion.
Immediately, many servants came out from every corner of the yard, including table cleaners, bowl setters, and water pourers, like butterflies wearing flowers, and then they retreated after a fuss.
"You have to eat when you should, you still have to drink when you have to drink..." Old De said pointedly, "Without food and drink, no matter you, me, or anyone else, we will go crazy..."
Fatty An was originally paralyzed, but after hearing this, he slowly sat up, then stared at Lao De, and then asked after a while: "What do you mean?"
Lao De picked up the bowl and drank some water, "I don't mean anything... Do you remember that we donated a Han official some time ago?"
Fatty An curled his lips, "Then spend money to buy stability!"
"No, no no! My friend, it would be a pity if you really think so!" Lao De opened his arms and gestured in the air, "This is a very special identity, very special... you
Can you understand?』
"Stop talking nonsense, just tell me, what do you want to do?" Fatty An said through gritted teeth, "I just want my money and goods! Damn it, my heart hurts when I think about my money and goods.
ah!"
Lao De nodded, "I am also heartbroken, my friend. However, you can regard those money and goods as an early investment... and now, it is time for us to start reaping the benefits of these special identities!"
"Harvest?" As soon as he heard "harvest", the fat man became energetic and his little eyes smacked with light. "What is the harvest? Please tell me in detail."
Lao Degu said to him, "Hey, I've been running outside all day and I'm hungry. But the only cold water I can drink here is that even my nipples are sour..."
"Hey! If you want to explain this harvest well, I...I'll treat you to barbecue! Roast leg of lamb!" Fatty An said, "And wine! Rose peach wine! But first you have to make it clear!"
"No, my friend, you have to eat first before you have the strength to speak." Lao De said with a smile.
"Firstly."
"Eat first."
The two stared at each other for a while, and Fatty An said helplessly: "I'll let someone prepare it, you tell me!"
Lao De laughed, and after Fatty An ordered his men to prepare food, he said softly: "The Han guard wants to fight, so he wants food, grass, supplies, and a lot of things, but there are also some things... that are not needed for the war.
Up……"
"Nonsense! I know that!" Fatty An waved his hands, obviously dissatisfied with the information that Lao De said, "If the damn Han people weren't going to war, how could my goods be confiscated by the Han people?! Oh, think of my things
Lovely goods...my heart hurts...』
"Now the Han people are out of stock again, but all the goods in the large and small chambers of commerce and shops in this city have been confiscated," Lao De shrugged, "So, now is the time to find those cute little guys of yours...
The Han people want food and grass, but they don't know where to find it, so they are going crazy for a while! At this time, whoever can bring food and grass to the Han people can get the greatest benefits! And those Han people's utensils
, cloth, tea, as long as they have nothing to do with the war and are not used in the war, they will be the cheapest... I say this, do you understand? 』
Fatty An's little eyes glowed with greed, "I understand, find food and exchange it with these Han people! Things that are not needed for the war! But... this war, food and grass are in short supply everywhere, where can I get cheap goods?"
?』
Lao De chuckled, "That's why I came to see you... Aren't those good friends of yours just in use?"
Fatty An was stunned for a moment, then waved his hands and his expression changed a little, "What did you say? I don't understand."
"Fat An, don't worry, you don't have to pretend to be stupid. What are the identities of the two of us now? If we can find food and grass, believe it or not, we can walk sideways in Xihai City?" Lao De waved his arm, "We can also give it to those people by the way.
Good friends find an identity... This is war, damn war! You know? I just like this damn war! Otherwise, how could we have the chance to plunder in the name of justice? As long as we can get food and grass
, these stupid Han people will feed us! They don’t care whether the food and grass are bought or obtained in other ways... How about? Contact your good friends and let us praise this together.
Damn war!"
"Haha, okay, praise war! This damn war!"
"The owl was troubled by many rebels, so he said to Xun: "Liangzhou has few academics, so it often leads to rebellion and violence. Now I want to write more "The Classic of Filial Piety" so that every family can learn from it, and the common people may know the righteousness." - "
"Book of the Later Han·Biography of Gai Xun"
"When we get to Didao, if someone rebels, we kill Cheng Qiu first, and then we harm the villain. Then the thieves attack Hanyang" - "Book of the Later Han Dynasty·Fu Xie Biography"
"In the fourth month of summer, Geng Bi, the governor of Liangzhou, attacked the Jincheng thief Han Sui. His troops were defeated, and he invaded Hanyang. Fu Xie, the prefect of Hanyang, was killed in the battle. Fufeng's Ma Teng, the Hanyang people and the kingdom rebelled, and they defeated Sanfu" - "Book of the Later Han Dynasty, Emperor Ling"
discipline"
"Prefect Li Xiangru rebelled, made peace with Suilian, and jointly killed Geng Bi, the governor of Liangzhou" - "Book of the Later Han·Biography of Dong Zhuo"
"In the fourth year of Zhongping, Bi led troops from six counties to attack the bandit kingdom of Jincheng, Han Sui and others. Xie knew that Bi had lost the crowd and was bound to be defeated, so he admonished him: "The rule of the king will be reduced, and the number of people will be unknown. Confucius said: "Don't teach people.
Fighting means abandoning them." Now, if you lead people who are not accustomed to it, the greater the resistance of Long, you will be in danger. When the thieves hear that the army is coming, they will be united. There are many brave soldiers on the frontier, and it is difficult to take the lead, and the new
If the united people are not harmonious at the top and bottom, if there is an internal change, even if there is an internal change, there will be no regrets. If we do not stop the army and cultivate virtue, we will be rewarded and punished. If the thieves are lenient, they will say that I am cowardly, and the group will fight for power, so they must leave.
Then lead the people who have taught you to fight against the thieves who have left. You can wait and see. Now it is not a blessing, but a disaster. Stealing it will prevent you from taking it." I refused to obey. I went to Didao.
, If there is a rebel, kill Cheng Qiu first, then harm the villain, and then the thieves will attack Hanyang." - "Book of the Later Han Dynasty, Volume 58, Biography of Yu Fu Gaizang"
