Note: Xu Yun's wife, Ruan's daughter, is one of the four most ugly women in history. She is as famous as Huangdi's wife, Aimu, King Xuan of Qi's queen, Zhong Wuyan, and Liang Hong's wife, Meng Guang (the one who raised eyebrows).
The four ugly women are either of extraordinary character or intelligence, and their fate or marriage is much better than that of the four beauties.
The Ruan daughter, who had the worst fate, could have predicted that her husband would be in danger of death due to political struggles in his later years.
But she saved Xu Yun's two sons under the eyes of Master Sima and Zhong Hui. It is said in history that Zhong Hui was inferior to this woman in terms of talent.
The following is the text:
Ruan's daughter believed that the two auxiliary ministers of the Wei Dynasty were fighting, and the general would be inferior to the Taifu, so she suggested that Xu Yun join Sima Taifu in advance.
It would be false to say that Xu Yun was not moved at all.
In fact, when Taifu Sima's second son Sima Zhao was in Luoyang, because the Xu family was from a Hebei family, he also visited the Xu family...
But now the emperor and the general are together in Xuchang. To put it bluntly, the emperor of Wei is under the control of the general.
The Taifu only controlled a nominal Wei capital in the name of assisting the government when he was free.
No matter how you look at it, the general has the upper hand now.
The so-called human heart is actually a bit too vague and elusive. The so-called human heart is unpredictable, but that's all.
Besides, who knows what Taifu Sima did in Luoyang?
What if what he did was similar to that of the general?
It was precisely because he had too many worries that Xu Yun could not make up his mind immediately.
Just when Xu Yun was worried about gains and losses, a big event happened in Xuchang.
Yang Yi, a descendant of the Han Dynasty, revealed the secrets lurking within the Wei Dynasty.
For a time, Xuchang was full of assassins and traitors, arresting Han people for their spies.
Within half a month, more than ten people were executed.
Almost every day, people are beheaded on the streets of Xuchang.
More than ten families were implicated in this incident and had their homes ransacked.
Among them were not only ordinary people, but also officials, and even military lieutenant colonels.
For a time, everyone in Xuchang was in danger.
At this time, Tingwei Gao Rou couldn't stand it anymore and stood up directly to persuade Cao Shuang:
"The purpose of eliminating Xizuo is to make everyone feel more at ease. However, the current move to eliminate Xizuo has caused panic among the people in the city. This is not the original intention of eradicating evil."
"Moreover, some people take advantage of the opportunity to seek personal gain, do not hesitate to expand the charges, and convict and execute the prisoners on their own without going through the court officials. This is an act that disrupts the court's laws."
When Gao Rou first followed Cao Cao, he served as the assassination commander and was a veteran of the Four Dynasties.
He has been serving as a Tingwei since the time of Cao Pi. He not only understands the legal principles, but also adheres to his principles. It has been fifteen years now.
At that time, Cao Pi had an old grudge against the censor, Bao Xun, and wanted to pervert the law and kill him for a minor mistake. Gao Rou argued hard and refused.
In the end, Cao Pi had to transfer Gao Rou away, took the opportunity to kill Bao Xun, and then transferred Gao Rou back again.
At this time, Gao Rou saw that not only the rape was being abused, but even the right of the Tingwei to convict the prisoners was deprived by Cao Shuang's cronies, and he felt very angry.
Not to mention the late emperor, even Emperor Wen, if he wants to kill someone, he has to transfer me away in order to do so.
You juniors are so bold and arrogant. You are really bullying others!
It was the time for Cao Shuang to win people's hearts. No matter how stupid he was, he knew that at this time, he could not openly offend a veteran minister with a high reputation like Gao Rou.
So he accepted Gao Rou's advice and apologized: "I didn't pay attention, but fortunately Gao Tingwei reminded me."
The turmoil in Xuchang finally stopped.
It's just that Xuchang's detailed arrests have been completed, but there are still some people in the list provided by Yang Yi who have not been identified.
These fish that slipped through the net are not in Xuchang, but in Luoyang.
One of them was personally sent by the late prime minister of the Han Dynasty. His surname was Guo Mingmo. He has now reached the rank of military officer and is serving in the army under Sima Taifu.
In order to show his ability and at the same time to show off his achievements, Cao Shuang wanted to send people to Luoyang and specifically informed Sima Taifu about this.
It’s just that now, many discerning people in the court have noticed:
Taifu Sima of Luoyang and General Cao of Xuchang seem to be inseparable from each other.
When people cannot clearly see the situation, most people will naturally try to stay away from possible disputes between the two.
As for the people sent to Luoyang, their status should not be too low, and it is best if they have a certain reputation.
Famous people are the ones Cao Shuang wants to attract, so it's not good to be too forceful.
Cao Shuang's loyal confidants, such as the Three Dogs of Taichung, were regarded by him as his right and left arms and he was unwilling to let them stay away.
If you get to Luoyang and be detained by Sima Taifu, it will be a great pleasure.
Therefore, when it came to going to Luoyang, I couldn't find a suitable candidate for a while.
Just when Cao Shuang was thinking about candidates, Xu Yun saw the opportunity and took the initiative to step forward.
At this time, Xu Yun was Cao Lang selected by the minister. He was from a wealthy family in Hebei and was famous in Jizhou at a young age.
It can be said that the status is neither high nor low, and the reputation is not bad, so it is most suitable.
More importantly, Xu Yun was not considered a close confidant of Cao Shuang, but he once offered a plan to let Huan Fan, a fellow countryman of Cao Shuang, go to Jizhou.
In Cao Shuang's eyes, Xu Yun is considered a trustworthy person.
So he immediately agreed to Xu Yun's request.
After Xu Yun accepted the mission, he returned to his home without any delay, told his wife about the matter, and set off for Luoyang the next day.
Xuchang is nearly 400 miles away from Luoyang. If we go by land, even by horseback, it will take at least eight or nine days.
Fortunately, Xuchang is one of the five capitals of the Wei Kingdom (i.e., Xuchang, Yecheng, Luoyang, Chang'an and Qiao).
Emperor Wen and the late emperor often traveled between Luoyang and Xuchang.
Therefore, not only was there a smooth official road between the two places, but the Yingshui River connecting the two places was opened into a canal and used as a navigation channel for ships.
With this waterway, traveling between the two places is much more convenient.
When Xu Yun arrived outside Luoyang City with several followers, there was already a car waiting for him.
Someone came up from a distance and greeted warmly: "Xu Jun, long time no see."
Xu Yun took a look and found that this person was Sima Zishang, the second son of the Grand Tutor who had visited his house in Xuchangli.
"I have met Sima Langjun."
Xu Yun saw Sima Zhao coming and bowed quickly, "What a coincidence that I met Sima Langjun here."
Sima Zhao laughed:
"Of course it's a coincidence, because I've been here to serve Mr. Xu for a long time."
When Xu Yun heard this, he was greatly surprised:
"Sima Langjun is waiting for me here?"
"Of course." Sima Zhao took Xu Yun's hand and said affectionately, "When I learned that Xu Jun was coming, I was sent to wait for you early."
"Although I visited Xu Jun before in Xuchang, I was unable to have an in-depth conversation. Now that Xu Jun has come to Luoyang, I would like to stay for a few more days, so that I can show my friendship as a landlord."
Hearing Sima Zhao's words, Xu Yun couldn't help but feel a little flattered.
Taifu Sima actually sent his son to greet him outside the city.
Recalling that when Sima Zhao visited his mansion in Xuchang, he only had a general chat with him. He didn't expect that he would be so enthusiastic when he came to Luoyang.
"The master has really broken his promise."
"Xu Jun, don't be polite, please."
Sima Zhao led Xu Yun into the city until they came to the gate of Taifu's mansion. He looked up and found another person waiting outside the gate of the mansion.
"Sir, is this Mr. Xu?"
"Exactly."
Master Sima walked down the steps and bowed to Xu Yun repeatedly:
"Oh, Mr. Xu, you are finally here. The adults have been waiting for you."
Xu Yun quickly returned the gift.
Under the enthusiastic support of the two brothers of the Sima family, Xu Yun knew that this might be a deliberate act of courtesy by Taifu Sima.
But I am afraid of comparison in everything.
Thinking of Cao Shuang's various actions in Xuchang, it seemed that he was trying to win people's hearts.
But what is bought is just the hearts and minds of close confidants.
Xu Yun couldn't help but sigh secretly.
Thinking of his Xijun's suggestion again, Xu Yun felt even more shaken.
Walking all the way into the Taifu's Mansion, Xu Yun discovered that although the Taifu controlled the entire Luoyang City, the Taifu's Mansion was not as luxurious as the General's Mansion.
On the contrary, I did not see too many slaves and maids, and it seemed that the house was quiet and quiet, quite like taking a break from the hustle and bustle of Luoyang Street.
Coming to the living room, after meeting Sima Yi and sitting down separately as host and guest, Sima Taifu's first sentence was to ask:
"I wonder if the emperor is still well?"
Xu Yun quickly stood up again: "Thank you for your concern, Taifu. The emperor is well."
Seeing this, Sima Yi stretched out his hand and pressed it, signaling:
"Sitting, sitting, sitting, I heard from Zishang that when he was in Xuchang, when he went to visit people in the mansion, he was often turned away. It's rare to see people like Mr. Xu who welcomed him into the mansion."
"I'm here. Thank you very much, Mr. Xu, for taking care of him."
"Don't dare!" Xu Yun said quickly, "Master, you should call me Shizong. Erlangjun is in Xuchangli, and he is not actually taken care of by Yun. Yun doesn't dare to take credit."
"Shi Zong is truly a sincere gentleman."
After the pleasantries passed, Xu Yun told Sima Yi the purpose of his trip.
After hearing what Xu Yun said, Sima Yi had a calm expression on his face, as if he had already expected this.
But he nodded:
"I already know this. The general is really putting his heart into assisting the emperor."
When Xu Yun heard this, the corner of his mouth twitched.
Does the general assist the emperor with all his heart?
maybe.
In the first two or three months, I was really attentive.
It's just... alas!
"Since Yun was in the city, I saw that the officials in the city lived in peace, the people were happy and prosperous, and the city was as prosperous as in the past. The Taifu was sitting in Luoyang, so he was really serious."
Hearing Xu Yun's words, Sima Yi's eyes seemed to flash with a faint light.
As an old fox, he escaped Cao Cao's suspicion and became Cao Pi's most trusted minister.
Finally, under the attack of the Han Prime Minister and Feng Gui Wang, he successfully led the army back to Luoyang.
At the same time, he seized the almost impossible opportunity and became the actual controller of Luoyang under Cao Rui's eyes.
The flaw in Xu Yun's words, or the thoughts exposed by the words, were immediately detected by Sima Yi.
When he came on behalf of Xuchang, the other party heard that he praised the general. Instead of answering, he praised his effectiveness in governing Luoyang.
What does this mean?
At least in Xu Yun's mind, Cao Shuang seemed to be inferior to himself in governing Xuchang?
Thinking of this, Sima Yi sighed:
"Shizong has been praised too much. Do I still need these false words in front of my own people? Nowadays, the Shu soldiers in the west are very powerful, and Luoyang is much less lively than before!"
"On the contrary, I heard that in Xuchang, the general boldly eliminated the old disadvantages and appointed celebrities in an unusual way, which is quite a new trend."
Xu Yun sighed:
"The general's intention is good, and he really wants to create a new atmosphere for the new dynasty. Unfortunately, he was too hasty and inevitably used too much force, which made some veterans in the dynasty doubtful."
A smile broke out on Sima Yi's face and he comforted:
"I have heard a little bit about the general's approach, but it is understandable that the general is young and energetic, and his approach is a bit hasty."
Xu Yun looked at Sima Yi and tried to pick him with words:
"According to what Yun sees, at this time, the old ministers in the court should give more guidance, instead of allowing the general to be deceived by villains and disrupt the court's laws."
When Sima Yi heard this, a smile appeared on his face:
"After all, the general is the auxiliary minister entrusted by the late emperor. Now the time is short, let's take a look first. If Shizong is interested, he can ask the old officials in the court what they think after returning to Xuchang."
Xu Yun's heart beat a little loudly.
He took a deep breath and tried hard to stabilize his emotions: "What the Master said is true."
Although it was not stated explicitly, the friendship between the two was still superficial, and for this reason, it was enough.
Someone sent Xu Yun down to rest, and two brothers, Sima Master Sima Zhao, came in.
"Sir, I didn't expect that the secrets of the Shu captives were hidden so deeply, especially that Guo Mo. Do you want to immediately order this person to be arrested and tortured?"
"Torture? Torture him for what?"
Sima Yi looked at Sima Zhao strangely and asked.
"Of course I'm going to torture him about the situation with the Shu captives."
Sima Yi smiled strangely:
"If I remember correctly, this Guo Mo was the one who joined the Wei Dynasty in the first year of Taihe's reign. It has been ten years now!"
"He has been in the Wei army for so many years. I'm afraid he doesn't understand the situation of the Shu captives as well as we do. Do you still want to get news about the Shu captives from his mouth?"
When Sima Zhao heard this, he realized that he was a little too impatient, and he couldn't help but have a sneer on his face.
On the other hand, Master Sima is much more stable than Sima Zhao:
"Sir, we should control this person first."
Sima Yi nodded.
Then he suddenly shook his head: "Zi Yuan, go to the army and bring this person to see me. Remember, don't disturb too many people."
"Sir, these are the remaining people, go and arrest them all."
"promise."
Compared with Xuchang's frantic and violent actions, Luoyang's meticulous arrests seemed a bit calm.
In just one day, the results were already there.
"Sir, most of the craftsmen Xuchang mentioned had fled Luoyang more than two months ago."
Sima Yi seemed to have expected this situation:
"How could the people of Shu be unprepared for the fact that Yang Yi came to surrender? I'm afraid they had already received the news about these meticulous works. How could they stay in Luoyang and wait to die?"
"Then Xuchang..."
"Xuchang said they caught a lot of Xizao, but what kind of confessions did they get from Xizao?"
Sima Yi said in a deep tone: "This is just someone taking the opportunity to make things worse."
"In that case, Guo Mo may have also escaped?"
"Don't worry, he can't escape. Guo Mo is a member of the army. He is an ordinary and meticulous worker. How can he infiltrate into the army and inform him?"
Sure enough, Master Sima brought Guo Mo back in the evening.
Guo Mo didn't seem to realize what was happening. This was the second time he saw Sima Yi.
The first time was when he first came to Wei State, he told the then Wei Xing prefect that Meng Da wanted to rebel. After Sima Yi learned about it, he summoned him in person.
"I'm down to Guo Mo to pay my respects to the Grand Tutor."