Outside the Zhicheng Gate of Chang'an, next to Taiye Pond.
Some noblemen held a banquet here.
Eating and drinking may not necessarily solve the problem, but it is indeed the first problem in life.
If you don't invite guests, no one will come.
To put it simply, it's like getting eggs for free.
Of course the banquet here is not as good as the Zuixian Tower in the city, but the Zuixian Tower is expensive...
Chen Xu sat among them, with some hesitation in his expression.
This banquet was hosted by Chen Xu.
The banquet is not a feast of delicacies, nor is it luxurious, but it is a flowing table with a large basin of soup cakes, which can be cooked at any time.
Braised pork is also served in a basin, so you can eat as much as you want.
Plus a plate of braised pork slices and a jug of water and wine for each person.
There were quite a lot of people participating, and most of them were the same down-and-out kids from Shandong.
The oldest one didn't laugh at the second one, and they all had similar unlucky experiences, so the more they ate, drank, and chatted, the more they comforted each other and licked each other's wounds. The atmosphere was not bad, it was very lively.
Logically speaking, the scientific examination standards set by Fei Qian are not difficult. At least compared to the college entrance examination of later generations, they are simplified to the point of being unable to be simplified. However, even so, some Shandong students still cannot pass.
As time goes by, these people will inevitably become destitute as they run out of money they carry.
This is what Chen Xu is like.
Because he is not used to it.
There are differences between Shandong Classics and Guanzhong Classics, but this is not completely denied, but the main difference lies in prophecies.
In other words, as long as we don't engage in those ridiculous things, we are still good comrades.
But the problem is that Chen Xu is used to prophecies...
In other words, it is the right to freely interpret certain scriptures, just like the smallest, tiniest, most vague, and most inconspicuous line under certain clauses.
The key is that even if Chen Xu wanted to change it, he couldn't change it for a while.
After all, he is a little older, and his memory is not as good as when he was a child. If he is asked to memorize the Guanzhong standard scripture books in Qinglong Temple again, he will not be able to memorize them.
At the beginning of the banquet, everyone was still normal, but after eating and drinking, and drinking some wine, someone started to talk about some depression at some unknown time, and then it was like opening up a chat box, murmuring.
Just pop out.
Most of the people came from various counties in Shandong. They were not particularly famous people in Shandong. Most of them were from the side branches. Many of them came to Guanzhong to try their luck because they couldn't make it in Shandong.
What I didn't expect was that life was still bleak after arriving in Guanzhong.
Not only are many people unable to live the good life they imagined, they also owe a lot of foreign debt...
Speaking of these foreign debts, everyone couldn't help but wonder if Chen Xu had attached himself to some noble person. After all, he wanted to host such a banquet. Even if the food, water and wine were not too expensive, it would still be a big sum when there were more people. This Chen Xu
How can Xu get the money?
It's just that everyone has a greedy mentality, and these children of the Shandong gentry may not all be able to live happily in Chang'an. If they can eat and drink for free, it doesn't matter what they do. Let's live a happy life first.
Of course, some people are wondering who is the financial backer behind Chen Xu?
Even if you can't hold it on your lap, you can still eat two mouthfuls of soft rice.
It's all about having a meal, there's no shame in it.
After all, there is nothing else of value to throw away...
After eating and drinking for a certain period of time, the person sitting behind Chen Xu secretly poked Chen Xu.
Chen Xu trembled and stood up subconsciously.
When everyone saw Chen Xu standing up, they showed respect for the dishes and drinks, so they gradually stopped talking and looked at Chen Xu.
Perhaps it was because of the crowd's gaze that Chen Xu finally made up his mind. He trembled a little, coughed, and then said: "Everyone! Dear brothers and fellow countrymen, there is no big fish or meat in today's banquet. I'll wait for you."
!I just hope that you can eat enough, I will be satisfied!』
"Thank you, Brother Chen, for the hospitality!"
"Brother Chen is so awesome!"
Everyone gave random answers.
Chen Xu was talking nonsense again, and no one understood what he was talking about, but for the sake of a meal, they still gave him some face.
The person sitting behind Chen Xu seemed to have a discomfort in his throat and coughed several times.
Chen Xu's body trembled slightly, and the smile on his face became stiffer...
That's right, Chen Xu has sold his dignity.
I can betray myself once.
You can betray it a second time.
Then the third time...
Although Chen Xu knew that once he said this, there would be problems in the future, but...
Just take care of the meal before you!
Chen Xu stopped laughing and said with a bit of anger, "We are drinking here, don't forget that there are people who are being unfairly accused and are being punished!"
Originally, the atmosphere during the banquet was quite lively, but as soon as Chen Xu said these words, it suddenly became completely quiet.
"Chen, Brother Chen, what do you want to do? Making trouble will not work!"
Someone asked, obviously a little scared.
Just a meal of soup cakes, what is it worth?!
Well, even if there is wine and meat, it won’t work!
Chen Xu waved his hands, "It's not a big deal! I just want to find a leader to explain it to us!"
"Explanation?" After hearing this, everyone calmed down somewhat.
Oh, you're not going to rebel, that's fine.
However, there are still people who are worried, "Brother Chen, it is also a serious crime to surround and coax officials..."
Chen Xu smiled and said, "Don't worry, I'm not stupid either. I won't go to either Chang'an Yin's mansion or the Qiaoqi mansion!"
"Oh..." Everyone was completely relieved.
Asking for an explanation often occurred in the feudal era when laws were not yet complete. For example, whichever village used more water in the canal would have a group of villagers ask for an explanation, so everyone was familiar with this matter, as long as they did not go to Piao.
If it's troublesome to ride, everyone thinks it's no big deal.
This is also common in Shandong...
"Brother Chen, don't worry! Count me in for this statement!"
"That's right! Brother Chen is a real person at first glance. This must be Brother Chen's account!"
"We people in Shandong are like duckweeds in Guanzhong, we must unite and help each other!"
"In the middle!"
"..."
Everyone expressed their opinions in a flurry. Many people thought that it was just like asking for an explanation like in Shandong. What could be the big deal? If you help Chen Xu go like this, if something happens to you in the future, you can do the same thing.
Find some people to ask for explanation?
There is strength in numbers!
Chen Xugong cupped his hands and said, "Thank you all for your righteousness! But we, outsiders, can't do it alone! Nowadays, the people of Shandong are being bullied in Guanzhong. If we really want to have an explanation, we should ask a few great scholars from Guanzhong, who are well-educated and upright people, to speak for us."
Redress the grievance and make it right!』
When everyone heard this, they agreed more and more. After all, he was not the one in the lead. Even if there was trouble in the future, it would just fall on others. So there was no need to hesitate, so they all started shouting and clapping their hands.
Those who patted their thighs patted their thighs, and those who patted their desks all felt that Chen Xu's words made sense.
Taking advantage of the drunkenness, everyone walked together and suddenly felt courageous.
Amid the cheers of the crowd, Chen Xu walked at the front.
For a moment, Chen Xu felt as if he had returned to Shandong...
In the land of Shandong at that time, the nobles were so tyrannical. They rode horses and drove cars to cause trouble. The unlucky man deserved to be injured. Even if he was killed, what would happen? Just pay some money and that would be the end of the matter. There was no way he would bite back.
One mouthful means that the family members of the deceased are only interested in extorting money and their character is despicable!
So, Webster's "waiting" wind finally came.
"Thank you for your support!"
Wei Duan stood on the steps, smiling broadly and bowing his hands in courtesy.
"Everyone, everyone, listen to something!"
"The earth is the vastness of the universe! Human beings are the spiritual beings between heaven and earth! Since ancient times, the wilderness has been divided, and the nine states have split the earth, and they have their own countries. However, in all the counties in the world, the land does not distinguish between north and south, and people do not distinguish between east and west.
Han Chinese!"
"In the past, Emperor Gao, the ancestor of the Han Dynasty, rose from the land of abundance, swept away the filth of Liuhe, united the territory of the four seas, built the great cause of the Nine Cauldrons, and opened up the territory of the Eight Wastelands. From then on, China was unified, and the descendants of Yan and Huang, whether it was the Hanhai in the north or the South in the south,
Reaching Pearl Cliff, crossing the quicksand to the west, and facing the blue sea to the east, we all consider ourselves Han, and together we will enjoy a prosperous and peaceful age!"
"Looking to the north, the people of Yan and Zhao, drinking horses from the Yellow River, have great ambitions, swallowing the mountains and rivers with their energy, and their ambitions are as good as the stars. Looking again to the south, the people of Chu and Wu are plowing and weaving the Yangtze River, their love is as deep as water, their elegance is unparalleled, and their meanings are long.
Although the regions are very different and the customs are different, they are all countries with a loyal heart and abiding by etiquette."
"Therefore, the land is not divided into north and south, and people are not divided into east and west! How can we violate the great achievements of the Han ancestors and destroy the legacy of the sages?"
"Nowadays, there are narrow-minded people who divide China from north to south and east to west, and they subjugate the people's will. Aren't they trying to destroy the unity of China and cut off the great cause of the Husband? We are not talented at this time. With the help of you, we are determined to avoid such narrow-mindedness.
See!』
"May I be a great man forever!"
"May the great cause of Hussar be long-lasting!"
Wei Duan was impassioned and raised his arms.
"Someone heard something!"
"Now that the hussars have temporarily left the pass, there are petty officials who appear to be loyal and good, but are treacherous in their hearts. They steal secretly, are greedy by nature, enrich the people, and exploit them day and night. They act like rats and dogs, but their hearts are like jackals, tigers, and leopards."
The people are complaining, but the petty officials are shameless and think they have a plan!"
"Of course, the heavenly net is vast, sparse and not leaking! A righteous man is brave and loyal, and cannot bear the suffering of the people. Therefore, he closely observes his feelings, carefully examines his appearance, and reports his behavior. His intentions are good. If he is right, he will correct his mistakes.
, there is no greater virtue than encouragement."
"But it is unimaginable that the officials protect each other and the people are arrested secretly to block the road and harm the husband's career! If this lasts for a long time, I dare to ask how Xijing will be clean and how the people will live in peace?"
"Even though Duan is not talented, I am willing to use the suffering of the people to enlighten the people below and understand right from wrong!"
"Hushi once said that governing the people is based on trust!"
"I am willing to ask for the trust of the people!"
"If it is right, then its name will be right!"
"If it becomes corrupt, punish it by force!"
After everyone heard this, they all praised Wei Duan for being a man as his name suggests and extremely upright.
Wei Duan smiled.
At this moment, he got the "right of representation". He said that he represented the people...
Do the "people" have any objections?
Because he represented the people, he brought legitimacy and legitimacy to himself, even though the people did not let him represent him at all.
Among the people at the bottom of the steps, Chen Xu was also smiling.
The two people seemed to have met their eyes, but they also seemed like strangers.
The wind is getting stronger and stronger, but who can ride on the wind next, and who is a pig without wings, we have to wait and see...
…
…
Jizhou.
On top of the south gate city wall of Liyang.
A military general is patrolling the city.
It doesn't sound like he is a general, because not only was he not wearing armor, he was not even wearing a military uniform. Instead, he was wearing a Confucian scholar's robe and a crown. Because it was windy at night, he was also wrapped in a layer of fox fur.
.Not only is the skin on her face tender and delicate, but her hands are also white, without even a trace of calluses from dancing with guns and sticks. Not only that, she also wears two gold rings on her fingers, with huge jade stones inlaid on the surface of the rings.
Under the light of the torch, it shines brightly, and the wealth is compelling.
If it weren't for a group of military academy soldiers following behind him, nodding and bowing, no one would have thought that this man, who looked to be in his twenties or thirties, looked like a scholar with a thin beard, slender eyebrows and handsome eyes, and was extremely handsome.
This handsome and suave guy is regarded as a military general of a county!
However, in Jizhou, this phenomenon is very common.
In Jizhou and Yuzhou, one must first become a scholar before he can hold certain positions.
It is not important at all whether this position is something that this nobleman is good at, or whether he originally understands the knowledge and skills required for the position. Therefore, a person who has just learned some scriptures and speaks his mind can not only serve as a general
, you can also engage in water conservancy work, or even serve as the leader of a place!
Looking from left to right, this figure doesn't look like a general in any way, but he is the land of Liyang, an out-and-out general who commands the army!
No reason, just because this person’s surname is Cao.
Unlike the land of Guanzhong, where Wei Duan had to try his best to gain some say, in Shandong, sometimes a surname can decide everything. Of course, there are also higher and lower surnames. Originally Cao Ying was just a branch of the Cao family, but
Unexpectedly, he attached himself to Cao Pi, and gradually the tide rose and all boats were lifted.
Cao Ying was an ordinary scholar before. If it were left to later generations, Dingtian would be nothing more than a bachelor's degree in Chinese language. However, he was able to take on important tasks. As an inspection envoy to inspect the surrounding areas of Jizhou, after walking around,
After no problems were found, he ended up getting a good relationship. A group of gentry bureaucrats said that Cao Ying was a good comrade and should be added to the burden. So it was logical that he took over Li Yang's military responsibilities and became the highest in the area.
military commander.
The speed of promotion is unparalleled.
Anyway, as long as there is Cao Pi as an endorsement and he is a member of the Cao family, then the relevant appointment assessment system originally formulated by the Han Dynasty will be like a fart. Apart from having a smell when it is released, it has no other effect.
To the south of Liyang is Baimajin. Therefore, the military general here is not only responsible for the defense around the county, but also controls the military stronghold of Baimajin. Although he is only a county lieutenant, he is dispatched above and has military control.
In terms of actual power, he is a very important general.
At the same time, because Liyang is located at a strategic location, there are not only traders and pedestrians coming and going, but also a huge demand for the transportation of military supplies...
Logically speaking, a qualified general should be assigned to such an important location. However, this general, Cao Ying, had never practiced martial arts for a day since he was a child, let alone read a book on the Art of War, or
After spending a day in the military camp, I really don't smell like a soldier at all.
Of course, for people from Shandong, having a military atmosphere may not necessarily be a favorable comment.
Warrior!
Be brave and aggressive!
It is better to be a scholar, gentle and reasonable, not only pleasing to the eye, but also nice to speak...
Cao Ying was originally a side branch, and his family was naturally poor. Now that he has taken power, in addition to daily defense, arresting bandits, etc., the most important thing is to buy a family fortune for himself and his family.
Come.
Therefore, using authority to acquire some good land, collect some taxes, open a few stores, attract merchants, and then use free soldier labor to build some houses for rent are all normal and basic operations.
In addition, Cao Ying also has a deep understanding of city repair techniques and military equipment maintenance techniques, which can achieve maximum results at the minimum cost...
For example, if some old weapons are replaced with new ones, not only will it cost a lot more money, but it will also make it impossible to replace them in the coming year. Everyone knows that water conservancy construction, of course, must be done every year, such as road and city wall repairs
Well, it also needs to be repaired every year, so how can the weapons and armor not break all year round without replacing them?
Therefore, wouldn’t it be nice to paint some unnecessary weapons and armor with wood?
As for what is "unnecessary", that's a matter of opinion.
As a result, there are all kinds of things, big and small, even if Cao Ying has only been here for a short time, the clothes he wears naturally become noble...
As for alert and defense, there is no need to mention it at all.
Anyway, in the land of Liyang, everyone is our own people, so what’s the problem?
However, on this day, Cao Ying could hardly get to the top of the city to patrol.
Cao Ying, who had not come to patrol the city since he took office, suddenly came today. He immediately frightened the military academy and other people on duty on the city. They quickly followed behind, not knowing what was inside Cao Ying's gourd.
What kind of medicine is being sold?
Cao Ying was also impatient. After inspecting a circle, he stood still, pointed to the west, and asked: "Have you heard about Chaoge? It is said that the hussars crossed Taihang and attacked Chaoge! You say,
Is this true or false?』
"This..." The military officers following Cao Ying looked at each other in confusion.
What should I say about this matter?
The military officers murmured for a long time, and then said with low eyebrows: "We are all vulgar people, how can we know this... Please give me some advice from the county captain..."
Cao Ying snorted and said proudly: "Taihang, you are so majestic!"
The military academies couldn't help but shrink their heads and swallowed a mouthful of saliva, but they seemed to have heard some fairy voice, and showed a happy and attentive look.
"The Taihang Mountain stands tall and majestic, like a screen between heaven and earth. Its peak reaches the clouds, like a dragon soaring into the sky; its veins cross the territory, like a tiger looking across the wilderness. Since ancient times, there are many heroes who want to reach the top of it, but they can't do it all.
also."
"I once wore the stars and the moon, overcoming dangers and hardships in order to catch a glimpse of the majestic appearance. When I walked to the mountainside, I looked back in all directions. All the mountains were small, but Taihang was so majestic and the sea of clouds soared across, it was like a fairyland."
"However, Taihang is so high that it is unusually easy to climb. On the way, you may encounter steep cliffs or dense forests and deep valleys. If you are not careful, you will be shattered to pieces. The thieves from the Black Mountains in the past have been in Taihang for many years and are familiar with the geography. They only live in the valleys and cannot
Fighting across domains, let alone hussars?"
"Are you aware of this?"
Cao Ying scanned the surrounding military schools with disdain.
He was indeed a little unhappy.
It had only been a few comfortable days in Liyang when he received news that the Hussars had broken through Taihang, which would have made Cao Ying laugh out loud!
Just like what Cao Ying discussed with Manager Ren of the Jizhou Granary near Huangze, is Taihang so easy to travel?
Otherwise, General Le Jin would not have been defeated at Hu Pass!
If Cao Ying had not held this important military position, it would have been fine. He might not have understood the meaning behind it, but now as a lieutenant in Liyang County, Cao Ying really knew the secret!
This is probably because Chaoge's defenders were so greedy that they couldn't even defeat the bandits in the Taihang Mountains!
That's right, Cao Ying believes that the so-called hussars and horses are just the remaining bandits in the Taihang Mountains!
Because the deficit was so severe that it was not evened out when the accounts were audited, they took advantage of the bandits to write off the old accounts...
Cao Ying was very familiar with this technique.
So today he specially came to the city to gather the military academies under his command. On the one hand, he exposed the matter to show his wisdom, and on the other hand, he also warned the military academies under his command not to go too far.
, in the end he couldn't do the accounting, he couldn't even get past the inspection, it wouldn't be nice if he was implicated.
All the military academies were suddenly enlightened, and they repeatedly clapped their chests and assured them that they were all professionals and could definitely pay the bills!
The accounts were all done by the descendants of the gentry in Jizhou. Everyone knew each other. As long as they looked at the secret notes, they would know whose relatives and children had done the accounts. They would all take good care of them and would never give them to Cao Cao. Should cause no trouble at all!
Cao Ying nodded slowly and said with a smile: "With everyone's concerted efforts, we can naturally ensure that the people of Liyang are safe and sound! I feel so relieved, so relieved!"
The military academies sent me another wave of free flattery.
While they were having fun, suddenly a soldier on duty at the top of the city shouted out, which startled Cao Ying and all the military schools!
Before Cao Ying and the military academy could get angry, the soldier quickly pointed his finger and said, "Over there, there is a fire over there! If there is a fire, come here!"
Everyone couldn't help but turn their heads and lay on the battlements to look. They saw faint lights on the road in the distance, which became more and more obvious in the gradually gloomy night...
