Chen Jiao was delighted, this was the second time he had asked this question.
However, Chen Qian did not immediately come up with a solution, but mentioned another matter: "Sir, the most controversial thing in the Wei Kingdom today is the attack on Shu."
"Your Majesty is determined to conquer Shu, but all the important ministers in the court are refusing to say so. Among them, the one who is most determined to oppose your Majesty's wishes is none other than General Yang Ji, the leader of the army. Are you right, my boy?"
Chen Jiao nodded, "Not bad."
The dispute between the DPRK and China has been going on for many days, and this matter cannot be hidden from others.
What's more, as a minister, Chen Jiao also wrote a brief statement called "Shangyan Bei Shu", which said:
"In the past, the thieves hid in caves, but they were still frightened. In the past, they led an army of 100,000 people out of Qishan Mountain, beating drums and hanging on the sides. Zhang He was defeated. From this, thieves cannot be ignored."
I hope this can remind Your Majesty that the Shu army is not weak and cannot be defeated in a single battle.
It's a pity that His Majesty couldn't listen.
Naturally, his two sons know this matter best.
"Then Liu Ye is respected by His Majesty, but he doesn't know whether he supports His Majesty's conquest of Shu or opposes it?"
Chen Qian asked again.
Chen Jiao frowned: "Liu Ye never publicly expressed his attitude towards this matter in court. However, according to what General Yang Ji said, Liu Ye often opposed the invasion of Shu in private."
Chen Qian sneered: "My child also heard that His Majesty also publicly declared in the court that Liu Ye was supporting the conquest of Shu when he made a speech in private."
Chen Jiao had a look of disgust on his face: "You're just a clever talker!"
In this battle over the conquest of Shu, Yang Ji said that Liu Ye opposed the conquest of Shu, and His Majesty said that Liu Ye supported the conquest of Shu. However, Liu Ye did not say a word in the court, which made many people see the clues.
Although he didn't know how Liu Ye managed to please His Majesty and Yang Ji at the same time, Chen Jiao clearly looked down on Liu Ye's behavior.
Chen Qian then asked: "Does Liu Ye support the conquest of Shu or opposes the conquest of Shu?"
"Who can know this? But in my opinion, he is mostly trying to please His Majesty."
Before Chen Jiao finished speaking, Chen Qian chuckled: "If you really mean to flatter me, that would be the best."
Chen Jiao's heart moved and he quickly asked: "What should I say?"
Chen Qian's eyes flashed coldly:
"Liu Ye wanted to please both His Majesty and his important ministers, so he hesitated at both ends. Ordinary people would feel disgusted when they see this."
"What's more, your Majesty is impatient and the master. If you know that Liu Ye has deceived him in this way, how do you think your Majesty will react?"
Chen Jiao was happy at first, and then sighed when he thought of the current situation:
"Liu Ye was able to handle a major event like conquering Shu in front of His Majesty. How easy would it be to expose him in front of Your Majesty?"
Chen Qian disagreed with his master's statement:
"Sir, Liu Ye was able to please both sides in the conquest of Shu because he knew the intentions of Your Majesty and General Yang. What if he didn't know your Majesty's intentions?"
"How to say?"
Chen Jiao asked.
"Others may not be as valued by your majesty as him, and they may be angry but do nothing; or they may be deceived by him, thinking that he is loyal to the country, so they cannot prove Liu Ye's hypocrisy in front of your majesty."
"But Lian Zhao is different. He is a close confidant of His Majesty, and he has the desire to compete with Liu Ye for favor. If he is allowed to do this, it may not be impossible."
Chen Qian raised a smile on his lips: "As long as Lian Zhao can persuade His Majesty to test Liu Ye, then Liu Ye's hypocrisy will be exposed in front of Your Majesty."
"As long as your majesty knows Liu Ye's hypocrisy, then his frame-up will be solved, and your majesty will even have more trust in you."
"In addition, we have helped Lian Zhao fulfill his wish, so you don't have to worry about him being harmful to you in the future."
Chen Qian originally wanted to say that Lian Zhao must be related to General Hussar, so it would be best if your Excellency could agree with the matter of General Hussar's younger brother becoming an official.
But after thinking about my lord's character, it is already rare for him to remain silent on this matter.
Hearing his son's solution, Chen Jiao was very happy: "Da Lang is simple and simple, Er Lang is resourceful. It seems that our Chen family has hope for prosperity!"
The eldest son Chen Ben, who had been watching the fishing, looked a little embarrassed when he heard this.
In fact, he loved reading and had many contacts with young talents in Luoyang, especially Xia Houxuan.
He was almost implicated in the still-unsolved flashy crony case.
When he heard the adults talking about him like this, he naturally felt a little ashamed, thinking that he was not as good as his younger brother.
A few days later, Wei Emperor Cao Rui wanted to visit Chang'an again in person because the attack on Shu was related to the fate of the country.
As soon as this proposal was put forward in the court, it met with fierce opposition from almost all important ministers.
Among them, there were those who spoke sincerely. They pulled Cao Rui's clothes and begged:
"In the past, when His Majesty personally visited Chang'an, rumors spread in Luoyang that His Majesty was killed in the defeated army. Some people even suggested that King Dong'a (Cao Zhi) should return to Luoyang to prevent unforeseen events."
"Longshan is difficult to cross, Hanzhong is difficult to enter, and the Shu captives are fierce and cunning. Your Majesty puts a body of thousands of gold in danger. What will happen to the world?"
Cao Rui refused to listen and went straight into the palace. The officials wanted to see him but could not, so they could only sigh outside the palace gate.
After a while, the yellow gate of the palace came out to send a message, asking Liu Ye to enter the palace to see him.
Yang Ji was the most familiar with Liu Ye. He hurried forward and grabbed Liu Ye:
"Zi Yang, Your Majesty values you the most. This time when I enter the palace, I must find a way to persuade Your Majesty and not make the same mistakes as in the past."
"What the Wei Dynasty should do most now is to guard the borders externally, implement virtuous governance internally, and wait for the right time. If we advance rashly and encounter another big defeat, there will be worries about instability in China."
Liu Ye nodded: "I'll take note of what you said first."
After saying that, he motioned to Huangmen to lead the way, and under the watch of everyone, he entered the palace to see Cao Rui.
Before he saw the emperor, he heard Cao Rui's roar from a distance:
"Am I the emperor or are they the emperor? When I originally wanted to build a palace, they said it would waste people and money."
"A few days ago, I wanted to attack Shu, but neither of them agreed. They all said that military affairs are a major matter for the country and should not be acted upon rashly."
"Since it is a major national event, what's wrong with me personally going to supervise the battle? Emperor Wu personally visited Shiya and spent his life as a soldier. Emperor Wen led the army to conquer Soochow several times."
"Now I just go to Chang'an to supervise the battle, and I don't personally lead the troops into battle. Isn't this okay?"
…
The weather was still a bit hot, so Cao Rui had already taken off his formal court clothes and hat, and did not wear a formal crown on his head. He even wore only a blue-white half-sleeved silk coat to keep cool.
Wearing such clothes to meet ministers was inherently rude, but Liu Ye didn't look away, his eyes drooped, and he saluted Cao Rui: "See your majesty."
"Get up, come and offer a seat."
Cao Rui waved his hand.
Before Liu Ye could sit down, Cao Rui couldn't hold back his anger and asked: "Mr. Liu, let me ask you, is it really inappropriate for me to come to Chang'an to supervise the war in person?"
Liu Ye had long known that Cao Rui would ask such a question, so he smiled slightly and said, "There is nothing wrong with it."
When Cao Rui heard this, he turned from anger to joy:
"I knew that Mr. Liu knew my heart. Just now in the court, all the ministers said no, and repeatedly gave reasons. It was difficult for me to refute. I wonder how Mr. Liu could teach me?"
"What your Majesty just said about Emperor Wu and Emperor Wen is enough!"
Liu Ye replied.
There was a look of embarrassment on Cao Rui's face. He had just compared himself with Emperor Wu and Emperor Wen. If he really wanted to spread the word, he was afraid that others would say that he was arrogant and disrespectful of his ancestors.
Unexpectedly, Liu Ye said seriously:
"Our leaders in the three dynasties of the Wei Dynasty are all heroes. Your Majesty has Qin Shihuang and Han Xiaowu. He also supports the righteousness of the world and drives hundreds of thousands of elite soldiers to attack the Shu people. What danger is there?"
When Cao Rui heard this, he smiled broadly: "You are the only one who agrees with me in the whole court."
Liu Ye quickly made a panicked look: "How dare I compare with Your Majesty's wisdom?"
Seeing the joy on Cao Rui's face, Liu Ye quickly took the opportunity to advise:
"However, if your Majesty is to inspect Chang'an westward, and the Wu invaders hear about it, they may take action, so please pay attention to your Majesty."
Cao Rui nodded: "I have already prepared for this matter. Liu Gong does not need to worry."
"It turns out that His Majesty has already made arrangements. It seems that the old minister is overly worried."
Liu Ye said with admiration, "Your Majesty, although Sun Quan has now moved to Jianye, so Hefei is a key defensive place, but Lu Xun is still in Wuchang, Jingzhou must also be guarded!"
"Now that your Majesty has asked General Hussar to lead the army up the Han River, the Wu invaders will most likely take the opportunity to capture Xiangyang. If Xiangyang falls into the hands of the Wu invaders, Jingzhou will no longer be in the possession of the Wei Dynasty."
Cao Rui listened and nodded in agreement:
"With Hefei in the east and Xiangyang in the south, Sun Quan would not be able to move an inch to the north and would have to be trapped in Jiangdong, while we, the Wei Dynasty, could march south at any time. These two places are really important areas."
Having said this, his face showed regret again.
"Originally, if we could secure Qi Mountain to the west, the Wei Dynasty would have no worries. Unfortunately, Zhuge was cunning and Feng Yong was fierce. He first occupied Qi Mountain and then cut off Long Pass."
"We, the Wei Dynasty, have to station hundreds of thousands of elite troops in Guanzhong, which consumes a lot of money and food, although the current national treasury can still support it."
"But if this continues for many years, I'm afraid I will end up like the late emperor, who abolished coins in order to collect food..."
Although Cao Rui's words were a bit vague, Liu Ye understood.
Why did the late emperor abolish the five-baht coin?
It’s not because food prices are too high.
After the Battle of Wu and Shu, the two countries became enemies. Didn't the late emperor know that it was a good time for the Wei Dynasty to unify the world?
However, in the first year of Huangchu (that is, the year before the Battle of Yiling), there was a severe drought in the Central Plains, and there was also a locust plague. The people were starving, so how could they get food and grass to march south?
In the second year of Huangchu (the year of the Battle of Yiling), the late emperor wanted to restore the five-baht coin to consolidate his imperial power. However, within a few months, the price of food was too high and he had to abolish the five-baht coin again.
In the third year of Huangchu's reign, Jizhou encountered a locust plague again.
At that time, the Wei Dynasty suffered from famine for three consecutive years and had no food in its treasury. How could it conquer the south?
It was not until the fourth year of Huangchu that enough military rations were collected to conquer Wu.
But at that time, Wu and Shu had already reunited with each other, and the best opportunity for the southern expedition had been missed. What could God do?
After all, it was because the imperial court did not have enough food.
What to do if there is no food?
We can only compromise with the wealthy families, let them provide money and food, and let them help appease the place...
Although they know that this is a poison that can only temporarily quench thirst, when given the choice between dying of thirst immediately or being poisoned later, everyone will choose the latter.
Being able to survive is just a temporary thing, maybe an antidote can be found later?
Liu Ye didn't take up the topic of Cao Rui, and he didn't dare to take it up either.
Although he has been through three dynasties, he is even among the first group of people to take refuge with Emperor Wu.
But now the official position is no more than that of Shizhong, the title is no more than that of Guannei Marquis, and he has not even been able to get a hereditary title.
From the time Emperor Wen ascended the throne to the present, his official position has not changed.
It can be seen from this that although the emperor of the new dynasty valued his strategy, they were wary of him because he was a direct descendant of Emperor Guangwu.
As long as the Wei Dynasty did not unify the world, or as long as the Shu Han existed for one day, his identity would only remain so embarrassing.
"The people will be in chaos if they don't have food, and the army will disperse if they don't have food. This matter of food and grain is indeed a big problem."
Liu Ye avoided the important point and said lightly, "Your Majesty, Guanzhong is fertile. If the expedition to Shu is blocked, it is better to increase the intensity of farming in Guanzhong to prepare for the future."
Cao Rui nodded: "I also have this intention, but I wonder if Liu Gong knows anyone who is good at farming?"
"Since Emperor Wu, many farms in various places have been corrupted. If there is no manpower available for a while, Your Majesty can issue an edict and ask the states and counties to recommend them."
"good."
After discussing the matter, Cao Rui asked Liu Ye to be sent out of the palace.
Seeing Liu Ye's figure disappearing around the corner of the palace wall, Cao Rui's face darkened.
Lian Zhao came out of the hiding place and called softly: "Your Majesty."
Cao Rui looked at Lian Zhao, with a cold light in his eyes, and gritted his teeth and said: "Liu Pifu is really as you said, how dare you keep trying to figure out my heart in order to cater to my wishes!"
Lian Zhao gently poured another cup of hot tea for Cao Rui and said warmly:
"Liu Ye is a loyal traitor, not a loyal minister. How can such a villain deserve your Majesty's anger? Excessive anger is harmful to the liver, so your Majesty should take care of yourself."
"And it's a blessing that Your Majesty has discovered this person's character now. You won't have to be deceived by him in the future. You should be happy."
Cao Rui picked up the teacup and took a sip, closed his eyes, exhaled a long breath, and said slowly:
"The important ministers of the Manchu Dynasty usually advise me. Although they are against my ears, their true intentions are always what the court wants. I have never blamed them."
"Liu Ye is the only one who always obeys my wishes. I thought he knew my heart, but I didn't expect him to be so cunning!"
Although he spoke slowly, Lian Zhao knew that his Majesty was the most impatient, and he was afraid that he had already developed hatred for Liu Ye.
"Go and announce the decree to Chen Jiao and Xu Xuan at the Chancellor's Desk, and they will come to the palace to see you tomorrow."
Chen Jiao was the minister, and Xu Xuan was Zuo Pushe, the deputy of the minister.
At this sensitive moment when preparations are being made to conquer Shu, allowing important officials of the court to enter the palace continuously in one day will only give rise to bad associations.
"promise."
When Chen Jiao learned that the emperor was going to meet him tomorrow, he felt a little uneasy and didn't know whether it was a blessing or a curse.
Throughout the whole day, he was absent-minded even when he was on duty. When it was time to get off duty, he hurriedly went back home and called his two sons to discuss it.
When Chen Qian learned that His Majesty wanted to see his master tomorrow, he clapped his hands and laughed on the spot:
"These days, ministers who want to see Your Majesty in private are unable to do so. Now that Your Majesty can come to the palace to see you, I'm afraid Your Majesty has already let go of Your Majesty!"
Chen Jiao was still a little confused: "There will also be Zuo Pushe who will enter the palace tomorrow. I'm afraid your majesty is doing it for official business..."
"Whether it is yes or no, won't your Excellency know when you enter the palace tomorrow?"
On the second day, Chen Jiao and Xu Xuan entered the palace, and Cao Rui announced to them:
He moved the general Cao Zhen to the rank of Grand Sima, who commanded all military affairs in Chang'an, and then moved the Hussar General Sima Yi to the rank of Grand General, and joined forces with the Grand Sima to attack Shu.
At the same time, in order to prevent Soochow from taking the opportunity to go north, he decided to patrol Xuchang. The minister ordered Chen Jiao to go with him, while Zuo Pushe stayed in Luoyang and took care of other affairs.
"Your Majesty does not want to go to Chang'an in the west, but wants to go to Xuchang in the east?"