Mi Zhu listed three strategies and asked Tao Qian to join the alliance, but Cao Bao used Zang Ba as a reason to ask Tao Qian to take charge of Xuzhou.
Mi Zhu's words are indeed reasonable, but Cao Bao's words are not just fabricated.
Zang Ba is from Huajun, Taishan, and a native of Xuzhou. When he was young, his father was convicted and arrested. Zang Ba led about ten people and rescued his father completely, which is quite famous in the masterpiece "Water Margin".
'The energy and courage of the heroes of Zhongliang Mountain who robbed the execution ground.
The gangster brother is usually made like this.
Good things don't go out, and bad things spread thousands of miles. Zang Ba became famous because of his deeds of escaping prison to save his father, and the limelight was unparalleled in Xuzhou. Every father in every household would use Zang Ba as an example to teach his children at night... learn from others how to be a good person.
son!
After Tao Qian took control of Xuzhou, he admired Zang Ba's reputation and recruited him to serve as an official. He then paid homage to the Cavalry Commander and ordered him to break the Xuzhou Yellow Turban.
If it were an ordinary person, he would get an official position for nothing, and he would still be so happy that he wouldn't be happy... The problem is that Zang Ba is not an ordinary person!
Come to think of it, those who rob the law field generally don't want to be recruited.
After Zang Ba helped Tao Qian defeat the Yellow Turban, he took advantage of Tao Qian's unsettled foothold in Xuzhou to clean up the internal affairs. He took the opportunity to station troops in Kaiyang, joined forces with the Taishan thieves, and formed his own faction. He opened up territory and became independent.
Tao Qian became a powerful force in Xuzhou.
From an exiled prisoner, it took less than two years to become a powerful man who restrained the governor of Xuzhou. He attracted a lot of attention wherever he went. Zang Ba was ranked as the number one Internet celebrity in Xuzhou at that time.
With such people in Xuzhou, Tao Qian wanted to go on a western expedition, but he really couldn't stop going.
"Yes, Zang Ba didn't listen to me. He stationed troops to open up the Yangtze, but he didn't fight, and he refused to surrender. He could only suppress me... It's really difficult for me to march to the west." Tao Qian seemed to be talking to himself silently, but also seemed to be telling everyone.
.
Mi Zhu said: "Your Majesty, if this is the case, are we not afraid that Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu will take this opportunity to attack Xuzhou in the future? In my lord's heart, are the two Yuans easier to deal with than a mere Zang Ba?"
"Sigh" Tao Qian has a headache. Mi Zhu's words are true. Now it's neither advancement nor retreat. It doesn't matter if we fight hard or not. Even though God has not killed me, God is trying to push me to death.
Is this me?
"Don't drive, is there any good way to break this deadlock?" Tao Qian couldn't count on anyone else at this time, so he had to count on Mi Zhu.
Mi Zhu said hurriedly: "What General Cao said just now is very reasonable. It is indeed not suitable for both Shijun and General Cao to leave Xuzhou. In this case, how about entrusting someone who can represent Shijun to participate in the alliance?"
After hearing this, Tao Qian nodded. After today's analysis, Tao Qian has somewhat understood the situation of this expedition. Although there are various shortcomings, what Mi Zhu and Wang Lang said is a mature theory of country planning.
No matter what difficulties there are, Xuzhou must fight and sit on the sidelines to maximize its interests, but Xuzhou's future development is more important, so Xuzhou must contribute and show sincerity to the people of the world and the princes.
"By the way, who should be sent to represent me?"
Mi Zhu cupped her hands and said, "It must be the eldest son."
Tao Qian's expression did not change, but the pottery merchant sitting aside was surprised.
Wait a minute! What's going on here? I offered a plan to let the cheap daddy send troops to fight against Dong, but I didn't say I wanted to go myself? That's a war, just kidding!
Shouldn’t my responsibility be to make plans thousands of miles away? I shouldn’t be responsible for keeping my head in my belt, right? A typical cheating son!
As soon as Mi Zhu said these words, everyone in the hall whispered. Cao Bao even showed a noncommittal, slightly sarcastic smile.
It's no wonder that only Tao Qian and Mi Zhu are known about the changes in Tao Shang. In the minds of others, this eldest son is still a dull and incompetent young master.
Mi Zhu regarded everyone's discussion as if it was nothing, and said: "The envoy and General Cao have to stay in Xuzhou and cannot march eastward. If others are sent to go, I'm afraid Yuan Yuan will not see my sincerity in Xuzhou and plot against my future in Xuzhou."
To be honest, after looking at everyone, only the eldest son is the lord's biological son and the legitimate eldest son. He is so qualified to go to the alliance for the lord, so it will not be true. Moreover, the eldest son will be seventeen years old and has already been crowned.
My lord is getting older, but he works hard every day. The father works while the son is idle, which is not the way to be filial... For the future and for Xuzhou, it is time to let the eldest son experience and practice, so that the lord can share his worries."
The potter's eyes twitched a little. This old boy Mi Zhu... didn't discuss it beforehand... Could he be taking revenge on me for asking him to borrow money?
"Hmm... Well... Father, this arrangement does not seem to comply with the etiquette system, right? I have never led an army, and I have never held any position. Suddenly I lead an army by myself. I'm afraid it will be difficult to convince the public.
"
Mi Zhu said with a smile: "According to the usual practice, there is indeed no precedent, but the current situation is special, and in today's world, things are unpredictable and cannot be treated with common sense. It doesn't matter that the young master has never led an army. You can send other good generals to lead the army. Young Master can use
The duty of supervising the army and supervising the army can be guaranteed."
Hearing this, Tao Shang felt a little relieved. He had never even killed a chicken in his previous life, so it was a joke for him to suddenly lead troops into battle...
It would be somewhat better if he was a supervisor. At worst, he would just hide behind him. If something really happened, he could just mount his horse and leave.
Ancient people were not stupid. Generals who lead troops every day, you modern people can beat the shit out of them as soon as they come back to lead troops? Their experience in leading troops has been wasted? Everyone eats whole grains, and no one is better than others.
.
Tao Qian touched his beard, pondered for a long time, and said slowly: "Let me think about this matter for now... You all can go back for the time being, and each of you can take care of your duties. It won't be too late to make a decision after I think about it clearly."
Seeing that Tao Qian could not make up his mind for a moment, everyone stood up and retreated one by one. The potter and Tao, who must be the last generation, stayed at the end. When they were about to leave, they heard Tao Qian shouting.
"You two stay."
The potter had just guessed that Tao Qian would keep the two of them here, but Tao Ying looked confused and confused.
"Did you hear clearly what was said at the court meeting?"
The potter and Tao Ying stood in front of Tao Qian, looking at each other in silence for a long time.
But Tao Qian suddenly showed a warm smile and said: "Actually, after listening to so much, I also understand that it is the best idea to send troops to participate in the alliance. However, Cao Bao did not want me to send troops because Zang Ba was a close friend of Xuzhou. Mi Zhu
I also advise you, Shang'er, to go to the alliance meeting instead of me. Regarding this... what do you two think?"
Tao Ying still looked dull and shook his head: "Return to father, I have no idea."
Tao Qian sighed, his expression very helpless: "It's so straightforward... but you are honest."
After saying that, the old man turned his head to the pottery merchant and said, "What about you? What do you think of Mi Zhu recommending you to form an alliance? What is Mi Zhu's intention?"
The potter lowered his head and quickly curled his lips in a blind spot where Tao Qian couldn't see.
Although Leng Buding was a little surprised when he heard Mi Zhu recommend him just now, after such a short period of time, he had roughly figured out the key to it.
"Family Feud."
Tao Qian perked up and hurriedly pointed to the couch where he was lying on his knees: "Sit down and talk."
Tao Shang's knees were numb from sitting all morning, and he really didn't want to kneel anymore... I don't know what kind of abnormal psychology the Han Dynasty people had. If you have a butt, you don't have to kneel with your legs...
"This is the place for court discussions. Children don't dare to overstep in front of their father. Just stand."
Tao Qian didn't understand why sitting down would be considered trespassing, but he didn't care: "You can stand if you want, and tell me what you think?"
Tao Shang considered the words and said: "Although my son rarely participates in political affairs, through his daily understanding and Shicai's observation, he roughly understands that the father's main reliance in order to control Xuzhou is Mi Zhu, Cao Bao, and Zhao Yu
, Wang Lang, among them Mi Zhu is in charge of grain, Cao Bao is in charge of troops, Zhao Yu is in charge of registration, and Wang Lang is in charge of officials. The four of them each have their own duties and balance each other, but in fact, no one obeys the other, and they all want to gain more benefits for their family.
and power, now the world has changed. Once the princes attack Dong Zhuo, once they launch troops, it will inevitably affect the balance of interests of the four major families in Xuzhou. Cao Bao is unwilling to send troops, not because of Zang Ba, but because of the deployment of troops once he goes out.
The current situation in China is changing rapidly, and important positions in the army can easily be taken by people from other families, so Cao Bao's bargaining chip to gain a foothold in Xuzhou will be relatively weakened."
Tao Qian let out a long sigh. When he and his eldest son privately discussed the issue of the alliance against Dong, he felt that this child was different from before and had far-reaching ideas. However, he still had some doubts about his son's talents. However,
After asking today, Tao Qian discovered...this child may have really grown up!
Tao Qian stroked his long beard and looked at the pottery merchant seriously for a while, his eyes full of approval and relief.
"Okay, okay! Then tell me, what is the purpose of Mi Zhu recommending you to go on an expedition?"
Tao Shang thought for a moment and said, "It's not hard to guess what Mi Zhu was thinking. Cao Bao was unwilling to send troops, so he took advantage of his plan and recommended me to join an alliance for my father to fight against Dong. He also asked me to be the supervisor of the army, but the supervisor of the army was not unified.
After all, there must be a general who can lead the army. Cao Bao had already finished his words at the court meeting and blocked his own mouth. I am afraid that he will not be able to participate in the post of commander of the army. Mi Zhu will definitely recommend it to his father.
One of his own led the troops to march westward, and the Mi family, which has been responsible for managing money and food, even if it puts its hands into the army, judging from this alone, Mi Zhu is more powerful than Cao Bao."
Tao Qian nodded and said: "This is what I am worried about. I am not afraid of Mi Zhu sending people to interfere with the military. But if I agree to Mi Zhu's request, I am afraid that I will offend Cao Bao. This is not what I want... My child,
As the leader of a state, I must not offend the families under my command, only balance is the best policy."
Tao Qian's words made the pottery merchant very dissatisfied. According to common sense, Tao Qian was right. There is a balance between left and right. However, if he was afraid of offending others, the Xuzhou governor would be too cowardly. It would feel like being restricted by others.
It's not that comfortable after all.
In terms of IQ, Tao Qian has no problem, but what he lacks is his character... This old man is somewhat of a softie.
"Father, there is nothing wrong with the balance, but it does not necessarily mean appeasing these families. Sometimes my father tries to sow discord among them and mediates between them. Perhaps he can do it more easily."
Tao Qian's white eyebrows raised slightly: "What does my son mean by this?"
"Mi Zhu wants to put his hand into the army. My father might as well agree to it. He can also find Cao Bao later and arrange for the Cao family to manage political affairs and help allocate the money, food and logistics for the Western Expedition. This will mean that the Mi family is in charge of the Cao family's soldiers.
, but at the same time, the people of the Cao family also put their hands on the food of the Mi family. In this way, they are restraining each other. Over time, they must not see eye to eye. If the two families are incompatible, they will inevitably compete to flatter you, father, hoping to gain your favor.
Support, when the time comes you watch the two families quarrel, and then mediate and act as peacemaker, wouldn’t it be more comfortable than trying to appease them back and forth?”
Tao Qian didn't say anything when he heard this. He just opened his mouth in surprise and looked at Tao Shang blankly, his eyes full of surprise.
I have worked hard all my life, but the older I get, the more powerless I feel. God bless my Tao family, and I just realized today that the Tao family finally has a successor!