Huanlang's farm was almost completely destroyed by the white camel soldiers.
More than half of the house was burned, and nearly a hundred people were injured. Huan Lang was so angry that he impeached Cao Peng in the court the next day. Unexpectedly, no one in the civil and military circles of the court stood up to respond.
On the contrary, someone stood up and accused Huan Lang of being domineering in Yecheng.
One piece after another, pieces of evidence were placed in front of Huan Lang. Cao Hong said grimly: "If you didn't look at the name, you would have thought it was Dong Zhuo who was resurrected. You are so majestic, do you think this Yedu is your own backyard?"
"
If these words come from someone else's mouth, they won't mean anything.
But Cao Hong was different. He was Lao Cao's confidant. These words were so heartbreaking that Huan Lang broke out in a cold sweat.
On the same day, Cao Cao issued an edict to dismiss Huan Lang, Zuo Zhonglang, and ordered him to live in seclusion in Xudu and not stay in Yecheng. This was equivalent to driving Huanlang out of the center of power. It would be very difficult to return to Yecheng in the future.
.
With Huan Lang dismissed from office, the matter came to an end.
On the same day, Cao Peng went to the capital to pay a visit to Madam Bian, and under Madam Bian's introduction, he appointed Qin Lang as the imperial minister of the General's Office. There are still many vacancies in Cao Peng's team, so it would be inappropriate to place Qin Lang there.
It’s not a big deal. Also for Mrs. Bian, it feels quite honorable...
Time passes day by day.
Before I knew it, it was fifteen.
Cao Ji will return to Xudu, and Cao Nan will also go to Bingzhou to join Deng Ji.
Before leaving, Cao Nan entrusted his youngest son Deng Wang to Cai Yan and others, asking them to take good care of him. It was bitterly cold in Shuobei, and Deng Wang was still young, so he might not be suitable. However, Guo Yu did not accompany him, but stayed in Ye.
city.
She was pregnant again and returned this time just to give birth.
Therefore, although Cao Nan left, Guo Yu and Deng Quan's mother and son stayed in Yedu. In any case, Guo Huan is Guo Yu's biological sister, so staying in Yedu is convenient for taking care of her. Cai Yan and others naturally
Will not object.
On the twenty-first day of the first lunar month, the old lady decided to return to Xingyang.
Accompanying him were Xia Houzhen, Bu Luan, and Zhen Mi...
The old lady misses the farm in Xingyang, and she doesn't like the atmosphere in Yedu.
Speaking of prosperity, Yedu is prosperous, not as good as Xudu, nor as good as Chang'an and Luoyang; but the atmosphere is a bit depressing, and many things happen every day, which makes people feel nervous. The old lady has heard that when Yedu was destroyed,
Cao Cao once ordered the massacre of the city and the bloodbath of the capital of Ye. More than 40,000 people died at the hands of Fei Fei.
Of course the old lady felt uncomfortable in such a city.
So after her repeated requests, Cao Peng could only agree...
Fortunately, Xingyang is not far from Ye and also very close to Xudu. It is convenient for both Cao Peng and Cao Ji to travel.
But Cao Peng still felt a little lost after his mother passed away.
After he begged Cao Cao, he sent the old lady across the Yellow River and landed in Yanjin before returning to Yedu.
When leaving, he told Xia Houzhen and the others to take good care of the old lady.
"Your Majesty, why has your Majesty not made arrangements since he resigned as Sili Xiaowei? Are you saying that you want to stay in Yecheng?"
When Cao Peng was boarding the ship, Xia Houzhen suddenly asked softly.
"I'm afraid not!"
Cao Peng thought for a while and replied: "I once asked Fengxiao, but there was no answer. But from his words, it seems that the king has an important mission for me. It is estimated that he will issue an edict and appoint him some time later.
I would rather stay in Yecheng, but I guess the king may not agree.
As for where they will be sent, it is hard to say at the moment... I have heard some rumors that the king is planning to implement the government military system in Liangzhou, Bingzhou, Youzhou and Caozhou. If this is true, I am afraid that this appointment and
This matter is related. Let’s take a look. It won’t take too long before we can have accurate information.”
"Junhou..."
"Um?"
"I have something to discuss with you."
"Ma'am, just say it."
Xia Houzhen blushed, hesitated for a moment, and said softly: "My eldest brother doesn't want to stay in Yedu. He hopes to go to the frontier to establish his achievements. If the king is vacant, can you let my eldest brother go with him? But if it's difficult, forget it.
...I just saw that my eldest brother seemed depressed all day long, so I wanted to help him."
Xia Houzhen's parents died young and he only had one older brother, Xia Houchang.
Now Xia Houshang is the Sima of Wei County, and he cooperates with the soldiers to defend Yedu. But in his heart, Xia Houshang still longs to establish his achievements, but has never had the chance. Xia Houzhen and Xia Houshang have a good relationship, so they ask Cao Peng for help.
.
Cao Peng thought for a while, then nodded and said, "Don't worry about this matter. If the eldest brother is willing to accompany you, I will have no objection."
Xia Houzhen was relieved.
Another ten days passed, and it was already February.
The weather is getting warmer and everything is recovering.
Cao Cao personally cultivated his land in Yedu and encouraged the people to reclaim wasteland and farm. Then on the eighth day of the second lunar month, he issued a meritocracy order for the third time. From the twelfth year of Jian'an to the fifteenth year of Jian'an, he issued a meritocracy order three times in three years.
The order shocked the world. Countless scholars from poor families could not help but be moved by it and responded one after another.
However, the decision-making process was based on talent alone, without asking about moral character, only talent, which also caused some troubles.
On this day, Cao Peng and Cai Yan and others were making wine with green plums in the back garden and admiring the spring scenery in the courtyard, when they suddenly heard that a retainer came to report that Guo Jia, the general of the military division, had come to visit.
Cao Peng hurriedly went out to welcome him, only to see Guo Jia, Liu Ye, Dong Zhao and others arriving.
After welcoming him into the study, Cao Peng ordered people to put out drinks, and then asked in confusion: "Why do you all come to visit me together today?"
Guo Jia looked worried and said softly: "Your Majesty has issued meritocracy orders three times. Does your friend Xue know?"
"certainly!"
"Your Majesty is very thirsty for talents, and we naturally understand in our hearts.
However, there are some problems behind this meritocracy order. Since the first meritocracy order was issued, the king has indeed recruited a lot of talents. However, there have also been a lot of troubles."
Guo Jia said, took out a stack of letters and handed them to Cao Peng.
Cao Peng took it and opened it. They were all reports about officials from various places.
There are many reports saying that some officials are corrupt, bending the law, amassing money, colluding with local powerful people, and committing evil acts.
Dong Zhao said in a deep voice: "It is good to have friends and scholars, and to practice meritocracy, but the good and the bad are mixed, and it is inevitable that some people will cause trouble.
Talent is of course important.
But if there is no strict restraint by virtue, the greater the talent, the greater the harm caused...
This memorial sent by Chen Jiao accuses local officials of violating the law. And that person is the one who came to serve after the first elitist order was issued. This person has the talent, but his morals are lacking. If he is
Being an auxiliary officer is just that, and you can still have some restraints. But now as a county magistrate, you are really making the people miserable."
It can be seen that Dong Zhao is quite resistant to meritocracy.
Guo Jia and others were also worried about this matter.
After pondering for a moment, Cao Peng said: "What do you mean..."
"Youxue, we are going to submit a joint petition to explain this matter to the king.
Talent is important, but we cannot blindly focus on talent and ignore virtue. As everyone knows, having virtue without talent is harmful, and having talent without virtue is also very harmful. You cannot be careless about this matter."
As soon as Cao Cao issued the third meritocracy order, Guo Jia and others wrote a letter to refute, which was a bit of a slap in the face.
Cao Peng frowned, and after a while he asked, "Does Shangshu Xun have any ideas?"
"Wen Ruo also feels that this matter must be prevented, otherwise the harm will be great."
"So, do you have a plan?"
"this……"
Guo Jia smiled bitterly and shook his head, "If there is a plan, why is it so difficult?"
Meritocracy!
This sounds simple, but it's actually a hassle.
It is probably difficult to say clearly which one is better, those who are talented but not virtuous, or those who are virtuous but not talented. Cao Peng knew that in addition to this aspect, there is another thing that is the worry of those wealthy families. A large number of poor families are employed.
It will inevitably cause the loss of interests of the wealthy family. The relationship between Cao Cao and the family is very delicate. They need to take advantage of each other but also be wary of each other, so they are entangled and have a lot of trouble.
Cao Peng said: "It's best to be cautious about this matter.
Your Majesty has just issued an edict on meritocracy, but you have to submit a memorial to the Majesty to cancel it. Wouldn’t it be that the edict was changed overnight, which would make people dissatisfied? It is as disgraceful as the Majesty’s face. It is best to wait for some time and figure out a proper solution at the same time.
, Otherwise, don’t rush to publish a letter, otherwise it will be counterproductive and will only lead to unfavorable results.”
Guo Jiayi frowned, "What should these officials do?"
“Until there is a proper solution, I think the best policy is to deal with the situation rather than the person.
Strengthen supervision. If you encounter people who harm the village, take bribes, bend the law, and abuse the people, they should be punished with torture. Although it may not be completely eradicated, it can also restrain them... Sirs, what do you think of this?"
Guo Jia and others came to Cao Peng out of helplessness.
They also know that if they submit a letter rashly, they may not achieve the desired results.
Especially since Cao Cao ascended to the position of King of Wei, he was even more protective of his own face. This was a move based on his talent, and then he wrote a letter to ban it. Isn’t it a slap in the face? Cao Peng’s idea is indeed that of a mature person.
The way to build a country. After Guo Jia and Dong Zhao looked at each other, they nodded and agreed.
"In addition, regarding supervisory officials, laws should be established as soon as possible to facilitate action.
As for how to operate it, please take your time. I am not familiar with this, so I will not participate in this matter."
"Well, that's the only way it can be."
In fact, five words appeared in Cao Peng's mind at this time: Ninth Grade Zhongzheng System!
This system, which was entirely designed to protect the interests of the family, in the early stages of its implementation, solved to a certain extent the phenomenon of uneven quality that emerged after meritocracy. At the same time, it also safeguarded the interests of the family to a large extent. But in the later period,
The nine-grade Zhongzheng system has become a plaything of the aristocratic clans... The so-called high-grade no-hanshi clan and the low-grade no-shi clan are also derived from this system to a large extent.
The person who established the nine-level Zhongzheng system was Chen Qun.
And Chen Qun himself is from a high-ranking family, so what he has to consider is naturally the interests of the family.
But now, it is still ten years since Chen Qun proposed the nine-level Zhongzheng system.
The people who participated in the formulation included elites from aristocratic families and poor families. It is expected that this problem can be solved to a large extent. Guo Jia, Jia Xu, these are representatives of poor families, while Xun Yu and Dong Zhao belong to the high class.
An outstanding person from a large family. Nowadays, the conflict between the poor family and the high family is not particularly serious. For example, Guo Jia and Xun Yu are very good friends, which can explain some situations...
It is not impossible for both parties to cooperate and work together to formulate a system that safeguards the interests of both parties and achieves the goal at the same time.
Cao Peng wanted to participate in it, but after thinking about it, although he knew the concept of the Nine-Rank Zhongzheng System, he could not understand its content. Furthermore, he did not understand the laws of the Han Dynasty, so it would be better to let those professionals do it.
It would be better for him to just sit back and watch.
There is another way to resolve the conflict between poor scholars and high-ranking men, which is the imperial examination!
But Cao Peng knew very well that in today's society, the conditions for the imperial examination are not mature... There are always only a small number of scholars who cannot meet the conditions for the imperial examination. The best way is to increase the construction of academies and cultivate
More talents will be cultivated gradually and the conditions will mature.
However, this requires a process and cannot be achieved in a short period of time.
Fuxishan Academy was an attempt by Cao Peng.
Next, he will implement it one by one in Hexi, Nanyang, and Xuzhou, slowly creating an imperial examination environment.
Maybe ten years, maybe 20, 30, or even longer.
As long as you continue, you will eventually achieve your ultimate goal one day.
Guo Jia and others chatted with Cao Peng for a long time, until it was almost night, before they said goodbye and left.
Before leaving, Guo Jia deliberately lagged a few steps behind, took Cao Peng's hand, and whispered: "Ah Fu, I have something to ask of you."
"What?"
"Xiao Yi has completed his studies and graduated from Fuxishan Academy. Now he has no arrangements at home.
Wen Ruo said that he could be allowed to work in the Shangshu Mansion, and the king also said that he could go to the Thirteenth Cao to gain experience. But I think that it would be of no benefit to Xiao Yi to contact the center too early. He has no experience at all, and he hastily joined the center.
It will be counterproductive. So, I want him to come to your school for training, is that possible?"
Guo Jia is talking about his precious son Guo Yi!
Historically, Guo Jia had only one son, Guo Yi.
But now, as his health improved, he had two more children, a boy and a girl. The boy's name was Guo Zhao, and his daughter's name was Guo Xiang. As for the name Guo Xiang, it was Cao Peng's idea. When Guo Jia's daughter was born,
He was not with his wife, and was rushing to Xiangyang, preparing to persuade Cao Cao to stop his expedition to Jiangdong.
When he got the good news, Cao Peng happened to be there, so he smiled and said: Why not call her Guo Xiang?
It was originally a joke, but Guo Jia took it seriously.
He even forced Cao Peng to become Guo Xiang's adopted father... Of course, this adopted father came at a price! Guo Jiasheng also snatched 5% of the shares of Fu Zhi Lou from Cao Peng, claiming that Cao Peng was
A gift for my goddaughter.
Cao Peng was helpless and secretly rejoiced.
Fortunately, he didn't say the name Guo Fu at that time, otherwise I don't know what would have happened...
"If Xiaoyi is willing to come, I will certainly welcome you.
However, is there any news about Brother Fengxiao? Does your Majesty intend to send me out?"
"Hey, I'll know in a few days!"
Guo Jia put on a weak smile, got on the carriage and left.
Cao Peng patted his forehead and watched Guo Jia's vehicle disappear before turning around and walking into the mansion.
"Shiyuan, what are you discussing?"
From a distance, Cao Peng saw Pang Tong, Fa Zheng, Wang Qi and others together, having a heated discussion.
So I walked forward and found that there was a giant sand table in the pavilion, showing the topography of Xichuan.
The Battle of Xichuan will break out sooner or later.
As Cao Peng's masterminds, Pang Tong and Fa Zheng also attached great importance to this matter.
Although Cao Peng left Guanzhong, their deduction of the Xichuan War never stopped.
Seeing Cao Peng coming, the two of them quickly bowed their hands and saluted.
Pang Tong smiled and said: "We are discussing how to use troops in Xichuan."
"Well?"
Cao Peng was very interested and stood aside.
"Xichuan is very mountainous, making it difficult for large armies to move... Its terrain is quite similar to Jingnan, so you cannot be careless.
Both Zijun and Bolong believed that a capable army was needed to capture Xichuan.
This army and horses must be good at fighting in the mountains... Previously, the young master was in Jingnan, so Wei Yan trained mountain soldiers, which is the most suitable. But to capture Xichuan, it is best to train an elite mountain army."
Mountain soldiers, mountain soldiers again!
As the war in the north ends, the war will tilt south.
The northern infantry and cavalry, which could dominate Akagi before, will be weakened in power and their role will gradually decrease. Instead, the three arms of navy, sword and shield soldiers and mountain soldiers will surely shine.
Now that the naval force is trained by the governors Gan Ning and Du Ji, and Zhou Cang Kanze of Dongling Island is in charge, the problem should not be too big.
As for the sword and shield soldiers, Cao Cao also began to practice.
Starting last year, the Heyi Workshop stopped making spears and spears, and focused on the production of horizontal knives and large shields. Cao Ji became the chief agricultural officer and stayed in Xudu. On the one hand, it was because spring plowing was about to begin, and on the other hand, Cao Cao also had generals.
The smelting supervision was transferred to Da Sinong Mansion, and Cao Ji was in charge. Cao Ji was a master smelter himself, and he was assisted by Pu Yuan, the master of smithing (who was also Cao Ji's nephew).
At the same time, Zheng Hun, the general craftsman, and Ma Jun, the chief agricultural officer, were both proficient in this area of affairs.
Heyi Workshop can be regarded as a workshop supported by the Cao family. Guo Yong, the supervisor of Zhuye, is also a disciple of the Cao family. Cao Cao secretly builds swords and shields and trains swords and shield soldiers, just for the future battle in Jiangdong.
.
As for mountain soldiers, Wei Yan's mountain soldiers are more similar to the prototype of sword and shield soldiers, and there are still some shortcomings in mountain combat.
Therefore, what Cao Wei currently lacks most is mountain soldiers, a mountain army in the true sense.
This mountain troop is difficult to form and the requirements are very high.
Being physically strong and strong are the basic requirements; you must be familiar with the environment in the mountains and understand how to fight in the mountains. Being flexible and not too bulky is also one of the requirements.
In short, it is not easy to become a mountain soldier.
The right time, right place and right people are all indispensable, so up to now, it has always been an idea.
"Sir, it's actually not hard to find soldiers."
"how do I say this?"
Wang Qiping hesitated for a moment and said in a deep voice: "In the early years, Ma Xiang in Yizhou rebelled, claiming to be the emperor, and gathered more than 100,000 people to attack Bajun. Later, General Jia Long from the state commanded hundreds of troops to fight with Jianwei, and broke Ma.
It was only then that Liu Yan entered Xichuan. At that time, General Jia Long’s troops were all Nanzhong barbarians, the mountain soldiers that the young master said. Ping had heard his grandfather talk about this matter, and his grandfather was Jia Long at that time.
The general's subordinates also knew his combat methods, and later all of them were taught by Yu Ping..."
"Zi Jun, do you know how to fight in the mountains?"
"Know a thing or two."
Cao Peng was suddenly pleasantly surprised.
Cao Peng didn't pay much attention to Wang Qiping at first.
In other words, Wang Qiping was not valued as much as Ma Su and Xiang Chong. In his opinion, Wang Qiping was just lucky, his talent was only above average, and he could not be considered a general. However, he did not expect that this guy actually knew the mountain combat mode.
Who is Jia Long?
Cao Peng didn't know.
But from Wang Qiping's introduction, it seems that he is also a great person.
Unfortunately, he died at the hands of Liu Yan as early as the second year of Chuping...
"How to find the soldiers?"
Wang Qiping smiled and said: "Sir, General Jia Long's soldiers and horses were recruited from the Nanzhong barbarians back then. Now that you have General Samoko, why don't you send people to Wuxi Barbarians to recruit soldiers and horses? Although Wuxi Barbarians are not in Xichuan
, but I also live in the mountains, so I am naturally no stranger to the mountain environment."
"Hold on!"
Cao Peng was overjoyed when he heard this and nodded his head in praise.
He hurriedly waved his hand and asked Sun Shao to come over, "Bowen, go find Shasha and tell him that I have something important to tell him."
"Here!"
Sun Shao hurriedly turned around and left. After a while, he saw Shamoke running over with a bruised nose and a swollen face.
"Shasha, what's wrong with you?"
"Hehe, it's okay... I was sparring with Zilong just now, and I was accidentally hit by him...
But don’t worry, young master, he didn’t get any benefits either. We gave him a few hard punches, and he’s probably in pain right now.”
Cao Peng clearly saw Sun Shao pouting at the side!
It was obvious that there was a lot of water in Samoko's words, and it was probably Zhao Yuyun who was trying to deal with him.
However, Cao Peng didn't take it seriously. He called Shamoke not to ask him about the outcome of the battle with Zhao Jinyun.
"Shasha, among the Wuxi barbarians, do you have anyone who is good at fighting in the mountains?"
Shamoko was startled, then grinned and said: "Young master, don't be joking, I, a Wuxi barbarian, grew up in the mountains, and everyone can fight in the mountains. Not to mention men, even women should not be underestimated.
"
"I want three thousand elite soldiers, can you recruit them for me?"
"ah?"
Shamoko was stunned for a moment, but immediately nodded, "Don't say three thousand, just five, six, or even ten thousand."
"I don't want ten thousand, nor five or six thousand, only three thousand is enough.
However, I will be extremely strict in this selection... After being selected, you will be the captain of the school and command the troops. I will ask Zijun to accompany you back to Wuxi Man. After recruiting you, Zijun will be responsible for the training.
Are you willing?"
"Am I the captain?"
Shamoko was extremely surprised and nodded repeatedly.
"Then prepare immediately and set off early tomorrow morning at the latest.
After arriving in Wuling, you will contact Prefect Deng and General Pan. After the troops are gathered together, they will train with the local people. When can they be trained and when can they report to me again, do you understand?"
"You will finally understand!"
Cao Peng has always been quick to cut through the mess and do what he says.
Since we want to train mountain infantry, the best environment is in Wuling.
Although Hanzhong is not bad, it is not suitable to continue to station troops and horses at this time, so as not to make Liu Zhang nervous.
With Deng Fan and Pan Zhang in Wuling, and Shamoko commanding the troops, Wang Qiping could avoid a lot of unnecessary troubles and train his troops with all his strength.
"Sir, since we have formed an army, I wonder what we should call it?"
Cao Peng thought for a while and suddenly laughed and said: "Wudang, let's call it Wudang Feijun. What do you think?"