Chapter 18 Must believe that there is authenticity in people's hearts
The world was in turmoil and people's hearts were uncertain. General Gongsun Xun returned north all the way, causing a lot of waves.
First of all, his departure made his old subordinates somewhat uneasy. Fortunately, Gongsun Xun sent many letters to him when he was at the foot of Wangwu Mountain, so as to appease everyone and allow them to go about their duties.
Secondly, there is some confusion and uncertainty regarding the high-level personnel in Luozhong.
It must be understood that Gongsun Xun abandoned his post and took over the throne like this. This was not a sign of filial piety, nor was he demoted, but he was taking advantage of the window of appointment to make a choice... In any case, it is somewhat unjustifiable to still hang on to the rank of general. But.
It seems a bit unjustifiable to take away the general's seal and ribbon that someone has earned through military exploits for no reason, because compared to positions and titles, something like a general that is not permanent is somewhat unclear in itself.
The so-called does not count as a position, does not count as a rank, does not count as a title... and the concept of military rank, which was derived from later generations, has not yet been formed at this time, so it is simply a confusing account.
Of course, no matter how unclear the account is, it is not impossible as long as the emperor accepts it, because the general was originally invented by Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty.
However, just a few days after Gongsun Xun set off, an accident suddenly happened, which made things that were unclear and confusing suddenly take a turn for the worse - the right cavalry general Zhu Jun suddenly lost his mother, and then invited himself to return home.
.
He was a serious filial piety person and could not hold any official position. After the imperial court took back the seal and ribbon of General Zhu Jun's Right Chariot and Cavalry, they could not avoid the topic of Gongsun Xun. So, after some discussion in the center, the emperor returned to the throne.
He sent envoys again, and finally caught up with Gongsun Xun in Zhao State, and gave him the empty responsibility of quelling the bandits in Youzhou, and continued to hold the seal and ribbon of General Wei in charge of conquests.
To be honest, at this time, Gongsun Xun really had no choice but to hand over the seal and ribbon of his general guard... There was no way, this was a political gesture. If he accepted this responsibility, even if he didn't pay the money, it would be fake.
If you live in seclusion and are not recognized by the world, the previous drama will be in vain.
However, it seems that no one can be blamed for this. At least Zhu Jun’s mother definitely didn’t mean it when she died.
You can only consider yourself unlucky.
The chain reaction of this incident was not over yet. Huangfusong saw two former comrades handing over the general's seal for various reasons. He was extremely helpless. In addition, he really had no shame to continue to stay in Jizhou, so he stepped up his efforts.
Activities in Luozhong.
Immediately, as the situation in Liangzhou further deteriorated, and some rebels even attacked the Fufeng area directly under Sili (the county west of Chang'an, in the Longxi area, where Emperor Maoling of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty is located), the central government finally followed the trend and eliminated Huangfu.
Song Jizhou Mu's duties, and asked the half-disgraced and half-helpless General Zuo Cheqi to lead 20,000 troops out of Guanxi to defend the Chang'an Mausoleum.
As for the post of Jizhou governor, it was replaced by Wang Fen, a former party member and one of the Eight Chefs. At the same time, Yilang Dong Zhuo was worshiped as Zhonglang General and accompanied Huangfu Song out of Guanxi.
However, this move did not have a direct effect on the situation. By May, the situation in the world completely collapsed.
On the one hand, as Huangfu Song led his 20,000 elites to leave Jizhou, the whole of Jizhou was in chaos, and bandits from all over the place became more active, such as purple mountain bandits, black mountain bandits, old Yellow Turban tribes, yellow dragons, white birds, thunder gongs, and bitter grasshoppers.
It immediately expanded like a pot!
Most of Hebei is immediately out of order. It is said that there are millions of thieves alone, and the situation even has a tendency to spread to the Central Plains... There is no way, this is the inevitable result when destructiveness outweighs constructiveness, everything is like a snowball.
It usually gets worse the more you do it.
On the other hand, the Liangzhou rebels continued to grow in size, and five or six counties responded. The Han army could only barely hold on to several fortified cities in Liangzhou to deal with it. Even Huangfu Song and Dong Zhuo could only barely maintain a defensive position on Fufeng.
That's all.
At this time, some idiots in the Central Committee began to discuss the issue of abandoning Liangzhou... Especially Cui Lie and other Hebei scholars. They generally supported abandoning Liangzhou and recognized the independence of the Liangzhou rebels. The purpose was
Mobilize elites in time to stabilize Hebei, which is already in disarray.
However, Cui Lie, the leader of the first-class family in Hebei and a celebrity in Youji, was destined to be used as a stepping stone. After being sprayed by Gongsun Xun once at the ferry, this time he was sprayed by Gongsun Xun's little one again at the great court meeting.
Junior brother Fu Xie and Fu Nanrong, please behead him directly to bring peace to the world!
Fu Nanrong was impassioned and refuted the ridiculousness of abandoning Liangzhou. After all, the emperor was not a fool. How could he go wrong in such a major matter that related to his own life and death? In the end, the emperor made a decision on the spot.
Determined to let Huangfu Song and Dong Zhuo continue to defend Fufeng County directly under the Si in the front, at the same time, they devoted all their efforts in Luoyang to prepare for organizing a massive western expedition in order to completely regain Liangzhou.
Another little episode happened here - someone suggested that Gongsun Xun could recruit Wuhuan soldiers and horses in Youzhou and turn around to participate in the Western Expedition plan, but it was immediately rejected because the distance was too far and the gains outweighed the losses.
.
Correspondingly, someone proposed to recruit Xianbei soldiers. The reason was that since the death of Tan Shihuai, the Xianbei people had split into multiple tribes and had long lost the concept of a political entity of a country thousands of miles away, which could be used. However, after some discussion, the center
On the contrary, you think that Xianbei also needs to be careful and cannot lead barbarians into Han territory casually.
Then, at this time, someone proposed that the title of General Gongsun Xunwei should be retained. At least he would be in Youzhou and could intimidate the Xianbei and Wuhuan people.
The emperor followed his good deeds, so he sent an envoy to chase Gongsun Xun for the second time, and then he still caught up with him in Zhao State to return General Wei's seal and ribbon seal to him.
However, Gongsun Xun still refused. The reason was that even if he was idle at home, he would definitely try his best to keep his hometown safe and there was no need for this general's seal.
The messenger returned angrily.
However, as soon as he returned, the emperor sent a new envoy with General Wei Yinshou to pursue Gongsun Xun for the third time... The reason was simple. There were too many thieves in Hebei, and it happened that at this time, the Zishan thief Zhang Yan took the initiative to surrender.
He said he was willing to guard the mountains of Hebei for the Han Dynasty. But after thinking about it, the central government had no choice but to accept the other party's request to surrender. He was prepared to pardon him and make him a general in trouble, allow him to promote filial piety and integrity, and send planners to the court to report every year.
Condition.
At this time, because Zhang Yan was once a subordinate of Gongsun Xun, someone else suggested that Gongsun Xun should be allowed to join the guard general Yinshou to recruit and appease the other party... Of course, there must be something he has not said yet, that is, even Zhang Yan
This kind of person can magically transform from a county magistrate to a bandit and then to a lieutenant general in a few months. Why does Gongsun Xun, a general of the Wei who is ready to return to his hometown, have to follow any rules? When did this happen?!
Actually, when things have reached this stage, everyone can see that the authority of the Han Dynasty has been greatly reduced. Except that the central government can still maintain the superficial structure, when it comes to local and military issues, there are no systems and no rules.
.
In other words, the world has really begun to fall into chaos!
While a group of state ministers were sighing, Shang Shulang Zhong Yao, who was leaving with integrity, once again caught up with Gongsun Xun in Zhao State.
That's right, it's the State of Zhao again, Gongsun Xun is still in the State of Zhao!
It's not that he didn't want to leave, but that he couldn't leave... He had just entered Zhao State in late April, and that was when the imperial envoy first caught up with him and took back General Wei's seal. At that time, Huangfu Song was still pastoring in Jizhou.
When he took office, the situation in Jizhou was not out of control. But when he arrived at Xiangguo County of Zhao State, Huangfusong was hastily transferred away. Then by the time he arrived at Bairen County in the northernmost part of Zhao State, the entire Jizhou Province had been completely destroyed.
Out of control!
Some people went to the northern section of the Taihang Mountains to defect to the Zishan bandit Zhang Yan, some went to the southern section of the Taihang Mountains to defect to the Black Mountain bandit Yu Du, and some people pulled up their own poles to raise troops... The roads and fields were full of refugees and small groups of bandits, and they formed groups.
There was an endless stream of people dragging their families with them, robbing others, conquering cities and territories, and annexing each other, while they themselves were always under the threat of hunger and disease.
Gongsun Xun brought his family, including several children who were only a few years old, so they could only move forward slowly, so they really did not dare to leave the city easily.
After all, once they set off, there will inevitably be a battle, and Gongsun Xun really doesn't want his heavily armed cavalry Yi Cong to attack these people who are half bandits and half refugees... Not only does he pity them, but he is talking about the situation in front of him.
Considering the situation, if we really kill each other, when will the end be achieved? What’s the point of killing?
It happened to be May and the weather was hot, so Gongsun Xun stopped at Bairen and prepared to wait for a while, citing concerns about the epidemic.
And this time, the third wave of imperial envoys came, that is, Zhong Yao and Yuanchang who came from Zhijie.
"Is it safe on the way to Yuan Chang?" In the hot summer, Gongsun Xun, who was still the county prince with purple ribbon and golden seal, stood on the hot head of Bairen County to receive the decree. After understanding the decree, Gongsun Xun
He did not express his position directly, but instead exchanged pleasantries with Zhong Yao, whom he had not seen for a long time.
"Reporting to you, starting from the northernmost part of Hanoi, things are not very good." Under the dazzling afternoon sun, Zhong Yao respectfully saluted on the city wall in reply. "The Black Mountain bandit Yu Du in the northernmost part of Hanoi has been particularly rampant recently, and countless refugees have
To surrender to him, if Chao Ge ordered Guan Yu and Guan Yunchang to lead troops to escort him across the border, we would hardly dare to leave..."
"How could it not be like this?" Gongsun Xun raised his head and sighed. "My way to the front was also blocked by the bandits who defected to Chu... Zhang Yan. I heard that the bandits here in Hebei had gathered millions of people, so I had no choice but to do so.
Stop and wait for the situation to improve before going on the road."
"So it's time to appease." Zhong Yao also hurriedly responded. "The world is in danger and bandits are everywhere, but things have to be prioritized. For example, here in Hebei, there are mostly bandits that naturally form when refugees are confused. They have no intention of rebellion.
But Liangzhou has directly threatened Sili's safety... Therefore, a choice must be made."
"If I had known this, why did I do it in the first place?" Gongsun Xun looked at the camp where the five hundred Yi Cong were stationed outside the city and couldn't help but sneer, because it was originally a good land for young crops, but now it has been trampled by the refugees and bandits.
.
Zhong Yao shut up immediately.
"That's alright." Gongsun Xun sighed with his hands behind his hands. "You are right. Hebei is empty now, and there are so many bandits and refugees that there is no way to deal with it, so even if it is just to appease him for a while, he should go and appease him... Zhang Yan took the initiative to ask for surrender.
?”
"Not bad." Zhong Yao breathed a sigh of relief.
"That's easy to handle." Gongsun Xun said nonchalantly. "I'll ask Yi Gong to accompany you, and then take some officials and wealthy families with whom he got along well when he was an official in Zhao State, and go to the purple mountain in the north.
On one trip, give him the seal and ribbon of the general who was in trouble. In fact, it is not only Zhang Yan, but also the bandit leaders in the mountains. They are either powerful or civilians, and they are not people with any big ideas. You act like an angel.
If you put on airs, they will be happy to accept it."
Zhong Yao became more and more relaxed.
but……
"But Junhou, where is the seal and ribbon of General Wei?" Qian Yuanchang finally couldn't help but continue to ask. "Would you... take it?"
"Forget it, Lord." At this moment, Xi Zhong, who had been avoiding the angel's guard of honor before, suddenly interjected from the shade under the city wall. "The seal of General Wei, this center has taken it away, taken it away,
It's like teasing people... If I take it today, what if Brother Yuanchang comes to take it away tomorrow? Wouldn't that make the world laugh at you?"
"Well said." Gongsun Xun smiled at the voice where no one could be seen. "Won't Zhicai come up and meet your old friend from the county?"
"What's there to see?" The dramatist was still hiding in the shade under the city and kept joking. "Yuan Changfu became a minister as soon as he entered the court, and his future was bright. But I am a prodigal. So far, I have served as a general in the shogunate, and I was also dismissed.
I'm sorry, but if we meet, wouldn't it be embarrassing? It would be better not to meet at all!"
Zhong Yao and Xi Zhong had known each other for a long time, so they didn't know about each other's dissipation and narrow-mindedness, so they just kept silent and allowed him to talk nonsense.
"I don't think it is necessary for you to receive this seal." Lou Zibo, who was hiding in the shade with Xi Zhong, spoke seriously, but as soon as he opened his mouth, Quan Yuanchang's back became slightly sticky. "Jun.
When you return home this time, you can appease your hometown with your virtues, so why should you care about a general's seal? Besides, the world is in chaos now, and people like Han Sui and Zhang Yan can rise to the wind, so why should you care about your reputation if you want to do something?
What about the points?"
A gust of wind suddenly blew, and Zhong Yao felt a chill on his back under the bright sun, but he could only stop talking.
"What about Ziheng and Shuzhi?" Under the scorching sun, Gongsun Xun turned around and asked. "Do you two think I should receive this seal?"
"I think it's okay." Lu Fan, who was standing behind Gongsun Xun, was straightforward. "If the name is not correct, the words will not be correct. The world is in such chaos, even at home, you have to do things."
"Uncle." Gongsun Xun urged.
"I don't know." Wang Xiu shook his head helplessly. "As Brother Zi Heng said, when the world is in such chaos, even if you are just studying in the countryside, you should appease your hometown; but as Brother Zi Bo said, the king
Since you are returning home, no matter what you do, you can do it with your own might and family's strength, and you don't need to care about a general's seal... Therefore, the general can do whatever he wants."
"You should still accept it." Chang Bohuai had no scruples as always, and directly offered his advice without waiting for Gongsun Xun to ask. "The world is in turmoil. It may get better soon, but it may continue to get worse. The king is in the countryside.
, you need to be prepared for big things! With the seal of General Wei in your hand, at least the officials in Youzhou will not be too overwhelmed."
Gongsun Xun nodded slowly and looked at Zhong Yao who was sweating profusely: "Did Yuan Chang hear it? The words of my five wise counselors are actually different."
"I heard it." Zhong Yao became more and more nervous.
"Two of them think it is not necessary to accept, two think that it is necessary to accept, and one person thinks that it is a choice between accepting and not accepting, and the others like Yi Gong and others are not good at this, so I won't ask." Gongsun Xun stared at it.
Zhong Yao spoke slowly. "Yuan Chang, you and I are old friends. I don't need to say much about my appreciation for you... and when things have come to a point, I am also very embarrassed. Why don't you make a decision for me!"
Zhong Yao immediately started sweating profusely: "I am a messenger, how can I..."
"But you are also my old friend." Gongsun Xun didn't care at all. "Haosheng thought about it for me, whether I should accept this seal or not... If you say you should accept it, I will accept it. If you say I shouldn't accept it, then I won't.
Take it! After thinking about it, come to the pavilion in the city to find me. The weather is hot and I want to go back and take care of the children!"
After saying that, the Jihou who lived in a city of 6,000 households actually walked away directly, leaving Zhong Yao, a group of attendants from Luozhong and the scepter representing the emperor's authority on the top of the Bairen city under the direct sunlight of the afternoon.
.
Zhong Yao, who had just been a minister for half a month, instinctively followed the opponent for a few steps, but found that following the silent Han Dang's order, several warriors with swords suddenly appeared on the stairs of the lower city.
He couldn't help but sweatdropped. When he turned around and saw the hundreds of white horse cavalry stationed just outside the city, he was even more speechless.
At this time, Zhong Yao didn't understand. It was clearly because Gongsun Xun couldn't figure out the attitude of the court towards him, so he was hesitant. Then he must have known Zhong Zhicai very well. He ignored his feelings and directly offered him such a gift.
A vicious strategy to force himself to make an explanation... However, although he understood, Qian Yuanchang was helpless. He sighed, sweating profusely and asked for a pen, ink, paper and inkstone from the samurai under the imperial city, plus
A pot of cold water.
He drank a pot of cold boiled water, drank half of the pot, and ground the ink in the other half. Then he poured ink on the city wall and started writing in great numbers. After finally finishing the writing, he took out a flint and burned what he had written.
Literary, then please see Gongsun Xun.
"In my opinion, the thing about seizing the seal last time was probably someone in the court intending to take action against the monarch." In the pavilion, Quan Yuanchang, who asked for a private audience, bowed his head in the corridor of the courtyard.
He sat down and spoke calmly, but straight to the point... I don't know why he was so energetic when he was drinking water, finishing words and burning paper in the city under the scorching sun. "I really don't know who this person is. But when it comes to generals,
Regarding the seal, I still think that you should accept it."
"Why?" Gongsun Xun, who was sitting cross-legged on the porch but turned to look at his children playing in the courtyard, looked disapproving.
"Under the general trend, it is difficult to determine the recurrence. People living in it are like a boat sailing on the lake and the sea. Today is smooth, and tomorrow is bad. At this time, the king should not care about the opinions of outsiders and the actions of some villains in Luo Zhong.
Because their actions will also be shaken by the general trend, and they may even be self-defeating." At this point, Qian Yuanchang bowed and bowed again. "The only thing the monarch should do at this time is to calm down and get on his ship.
Put a few more ballast stones...Although this general's seal is superficial, it still has some weight when it is hung on the monarch."
"That's good!" Gongsun Xun should have helped him up personally or called him to stand up, but at this time he just stood up and turned around to look into the courtyard. "During the days I stayed in Bairen,
In fact, I have a lot of feelings... To be honest with Yuan Chang, I had guessed that the world was going to be in chaos, otherwise I wouldn't have abandoned my job and returned home. But I really didn't expect that the chaos would happen so quickly. But it was precisely because of seeing this
After this kind of chaos, I finally understood a little bit. The foundation of the world lies in the place. The place is broken. Even if Luozhong can barely maintain the situation, it is just a tall building on the sand and a high platform on the mud. It has a false name... This is a name
When it comes to the question of reality, if I have to choose between name and reality, I have to choose reality.”
"What the Lord and Lord said is true." Zhong Yao looked up at the figure of the other party and said. "Compared with the Lord and Lord, those who rely on playing power in Luoyang are inferior."
"That's very well said." Gongsun Xun did not look at Zhong Yao, but continued to say with emotion to the courtyard with his hands behind his hands. "However, the relationship between name and reality is not that simple. It is true that one can establish a name with reality, but one can also have a name.
It may not be true. You still need to pay more attention to Luoyang, otherwise you may be harmed without even knowing it... Yuan Chang, are you right?"
Zhong Yao leaned over and faced him, sweating again.
But Gongsun Xun just looked at his children in the courtyard with his hands behind his hands, without any intention of calling them up.
"Yao, Yao... Yao is willing to pay attention to the changes in the name and reality of Luozhong for the sake of the king." Zhong Yao didn't know how he said this sentence, but after saying this sentence a year later, he actually felt a little relaxed
It seemed that the sweat gradually dissipated with the evening breeze.
"Yuan Chang, please get up." Gongsun Xun immediately smiled and immediately went up to help him up. "I will rely on you a lot for the future!"
Zhong Yao was exhausted and could only take a long breath.
"The person who dealt with me last time was Yuan Benchu." Gongsun Xun let go and continued to speak calmly. "Someone has already told me about this matter. You are not my two clan brothers, and you are not taken seriously by him.
I just happened to pay attention to his actions..."
When Zhong Yao heard this, he felt that there was too much information in it, and his feet gave way, but at least he stopped.
"Let's go!" Gongsun Xun was still smiling at Yan Yan. "Bring me the seal and ribbon of my general guard!"
Qian Yuanchang bowed and retreated.
Zhong Yao turned around to leave, but a short and fat man suddenly appeared from across the eaves of the pavilion corridor. He spared the four siblings Gongsun Li, Gongsun Ding, Gongsun Ping and Gongsun Zhen who were playing in the courtyard, and came directly to the corridor.
He cupped his hands in front of Gongsun Xun and said, "You are a good ruler!"
"Forcing people onto a pirate ship...didn't I learn this trick from you, Dong Gongren?" Gongsun Xun half-smiled.
"I already regret it." Lieutenant Dong Zhao of the Zhao State sighed. "I never thought that Zhang Yan could gather millions of people in just a few months. Can I really threaten him calmly at this time?"
"It may not be possible at this time, but if there is a general situation at hand, we can still force him to submit." Gongsun Xun still faced each other with his hands behind his back. "Just like this Qian Yuanchang, I don't really expect to win his heart, but if one day in the future the mountain will be overwhelming.
, the person must have made a decision."
"What the Lord said is true." Dong Gong bowed his head and said.
"Having said that." Gongsun Xun suddenly took a step forward and spoke condescendingly, relying on his height. "But Gongren, you need to understand that the reason why I don't blame you for taking your own initiative is not because your strategy will be remedied in the future.
This place is due to a strange combination of circumstances. With Zhang Yan as the leader of the Zishan bandit who is willing to surrender, the people of Jizhou can survive a little longer... Gongren's treacherous strategy is not impossible, but it is not feasible.
Before you think about it again, you should at least test me before doing anything, do you understand?"
"Have Xu Ziyuan's family left?" Gongsun Xun continued to ask.
"Already sent away." Dong Zhao nodded quickly, but couldn't help asking. "Do you really want to give him the hundred pounds of gold he wants? It's just Yuan Benchu's attitude. We will know it sooner or later. And besides, just like what happened just now
As Zhong Yao said, the world is turbulent and the general situation is changing. Yuan Benchu himself can't hold his own, and he still wants to suppress the princes, but I'm afraid it's just wishful thinking."
"No matter what, since you have merit, you must be rewarded." Gongsun Xun patted the other party on the shoulder, but he was actually a little sad. "I am a boy from the border county. If I can't even do this, how can I compete with others?
What about people fighting against each other? The only sad thing is that the place has collapsed to this point, but the nobles in the court still think about these things... Why bother?"
Dong Zhao bowed to face each other, not knowing what he was thinking in his heart.
In the second year of Zhongping, the summer was at its peak. Suddenly the world was in chaos, and people's hearts were also uncertain. However, facing the current situation, Gongsun Xun was not the only one who felt emotional.
In the pavilion outside the old city of Weixiang, Dongjun, Cao Mengde, who had been serving as Prime Minister of Jinan and was preparing to go to Luozhong to accept his new appointment, although the heat was unbearable, still continued to study in the courtyard of the pavilion under the summer sunshine. However,
The good times didn't last long, as there was a huge noise suddenly outside the pavilion. He was already upset and simply threw the new Amway book he just bought in Puyang in his hand:
"What's going on outside? It's just daytime, but why is there so much chaos in the evening?"
"There is no need to worry, Meng De." Xiahou Dun ran into the courtyard from outside the house, sweating profusely. "There are bandits attacking on the road outside, and Le Wenqian has already led his companions to deal with them."
Cao Cao fell silent immediately.
"Mengde." Xiahou Dun couldn't help but asked curiously when he saw this. "The imperial court asked you to join the imperial court as a minister, and then you were transferred to the prefect of another county... This can be regarded as a resume in a classic place, and you were promoted to a prominent position.
It’s the only way to go, why are you so unhappy along the way?”
"Yuan Rang." Cao Cao shook his head for a moment, but he leaned over and picked up the scroll from the ground. "In front of you, I don't have to hide it... To be honest, I feel uneasy during this trip!"
"But because I heard that Gongsun Xun voluntarily gave up and returned home, are you worried about the serious situation in Luozhong?" Xiahou Dun asked seriously.
"A few," Cao Cao replied frankly. "But I, Cao Mengde, will not be swayed by what others do. It is really overwhelming what I have seen along the way."
Xiahou Dun reacted immediately and let out a long sigh: "There was indeed a lot of trouble along the way...especially in Dongjun, which suffered a military disaster last year. Since entering the country, I have only felt that there are bandits and refugees everywhere. Sometimes there are bandits and refugees at all.
I can't tell. However, there is nothing we can do about it. Although the emperor has suspended the money for building the palace, he still has to step up the collection of taxes and corvees from various places to settle Liangzhou. So many people have died here before, and there are so many
After seeing the power of swords and weapons, can people not be in chaos?"
"This is the problem." Cao Cao held the scroll and sat down on the horse in the courtyard. "This time the emperor wants to ping Liangzhou, it is a serious matter. From the overall situation, it is understandable that money and food are needed. But the place
It’s really too hard to go to Luozhong now. If I can go to a peaceful place to serve as a prefect, that would be fine. But if I am still wandering around in the Central Plains, what do you think I should do? When I was in office, I forced the people to take cold medicine.
What about the state's corvee, or not to force it? Should it collect taxes, or not? Besides, after all, the money for building the palace is only suspended. If there are calls for payment during my term, what should I do?"
Xiahou Dun was also speechless and could only try to comfort him: "It's not a good place to go!"
Cao Cao still shook his head: "Where can there be a good place in this world today? I'm just deceiving myself. I just hope it's not a place like Dongjun."
Xiahou Dun immediately shut up.
Suddenly, as the sun set, there was a sudden burst of cheers outside the hall, as if Le Jin had led Cao Cao's bodyguards to easily clear up the bandits who were fighting on the road, and returned victoriously.
"Cao Jun!" Le Jin rushed back from the turmoil outside. As soon as he entered the courtyard, he couldn't help but speak out. "What a coincidence, I actually rescued your family in Luozhong from those two thieves. He
He said that he came from Luozhong specifically to look for you, Mr. Cao, on the orders of Mr. Cao and your father."
Cao Cao and Xiahou Dun were both confused, but they couldn't help but burst out laughing after seeing the person Le Jin brought in, because they were really close family members of Cao Song's side... What a coincidence.
"What are you doing here?" Xiahou Dun knew that Cao Cao and Cao Song had a bad relationship, so he took the initiative to speak out for Cao Cao. "The place is in such chaos, how can you dare to go alone?"
"I really didn't expect that there were so many thieves in East County, and I thought I would meet you two in Chenliu." The family member collapsed on the ground and explained helplessly. "But no matter what, seeing Shaojun, after all, it is not
This trip is humiliating... The old master sent me to send a message to the young master, saying that he has already arranged your whereabouts for you, and it is a first-class and large county close to home."
"Is it Chen Liu? It can't be Dongjun, right?" Cao Cao felt bad after hearing this.
"It's Dongjun." The family replied hastily, but they also felt helpless. "But the old master didn't know that there were so many bandits in Dongjun when he was in Luozhong. Or maybe he felt that with Shaojun's ability, he should
East County can be pacified easily!"
"It's so easy!" Cao Cao shouted coldly, his squinted eyes widened, and the whole courtyard immediately became cold.
But at this moment, the outside of the pavilion suddenly became lively again.
"Cao Jun!" Le Jin came to report excitedly. "The people in Weixiang saw that we defeated the bandits, and heard that Cao Jun, the cavalry captain who used to stabilize the local area, was here. He was led by three local elders and came forward one after another.
Come and see me!"
"Hold them off for a quarter of an hour for me!" After hearing this, Cao Cao did not hesitate anymore, stood up with a roar and gave an inexplicable order to Le Jin.
Although Le Jin didn't understand why, he still hurried out.
"Mengde." Xiahou Dun asked helplessly. "So, what can be done about it?"
"I won't do it anymore!" Cao Cao tightened his belt, threw down the seal ribbon in his arms, then ignored his family members on the ground and walked towards the wall next to the horse gallery in the courtyard of the pavilion.
"What do you mean you quit?" Xiahou Dun picked up the seal and asked helplessly.
"If you quit, you just want to follow Gongsun Xun's example and go home to study!" Cao Cao suddenly turned around and pointed at Xiahou Dun and said angrily. "Yuan Rang, tell me, was it right for me and Gongsun Xun to pacify Dongjun together during the Yellow Turban Rebellion last year?
?However, in the past, Gongsun Xun requested an order to exempt Dongjun from one year of money and grain. Today, I am going to be the governor of Dongjun to collect the corvee, collect money and grain, and maybe increase the tax?" At this point, Cao Cao pointed directly at the family and shouted sternly.
He said, "Give him the seal and ribbon and ask him to go back and tell my father that he can afford to be embarrassed as a father, but I, Cao Aman, cannot afford to be embarrassed!"
After saying that, Cao Cao first threw the book over the wall, then climbed up again. Looking at his posture, it seemed that he didn't want to face the group of local Dongjun villagers outside, so he actually wanted to climb over the wall and leave.
However, the man was short in stature and could not climb over. However, Xiahou Dun had no choice but to throw down the seal and the stunned Cao Teng cronies, and then went over to pick him up, allowing Cao Mengde to rush into the stable next door.
As the sun set, Yilang Cao Mengde and Xiahou Dun, who were originally appointed as the prefects of Dongjun, rode side by side, but they actually left for Luohuang, their hometown of Qiao County, Peiguo on the way to be appointed officials!
——————I am the dividing line between people’s chaos——————
"Since Taizu abandoned his post and left, he left the general's seal and ribbon in Luo. Emperor Ling discussed it and sent envoys to pursue him. After three times, he accepted it." - "Jiu Yan Shu". Volume 1. Taizu Wu
The Emperor's Chronicle
PS: This is from the evening... I had something to do tonight... I stayed up late to code it. I sent it out in advance, and I hope you can forgive me.
