It never rained in the first month of spring, but as soon as February entered, it snowed heavily for several days.
When we entered late spring in March, the weather suddenly cleared up.
This sudden cold and sudden warm weather is a kind of torture for any elderly person.
This was the case with General Wei Zhao Yun.
Even though he could still lead the army on an expedition last year, he has been bedridden since the spring of this year.
It has been delayed for two months on and off, but there is still no sign of improvement.
The doctor tried every means, even the imperial doctor from Chengdu was summoned by Prime Minister Zhuge Liang, but in the end he was still helpless. He just said in a very vague way: "Life is a destiny and cannot be controlled by anyone."
As a result, although everyone is mentally prepared, they are still sad.
As the person involved, Zhao Yun is very tolerant.
They also comforted Zhao Tong, who had been ordered to come to Hanzhong by Emperor Liu Chan and Prime Minister Zhuge Liang. Zhao Guang's second son said, "When people get old, there will always be such a day."
When the words fell, there was also regret in my heart.
Everyone will experience such a day, but few people are prepared for it.
For example, he has not seen the Han army enter Guanzhong and become the king of the past who can dominate the world.
Alas~~~
Zhao Yun lost a lot of weight on the hospital bed.
The cheekbones are slightly raised, making the cheeks deeply sunken, making the beard look particularly messy and long.
He was covered with a thick quilt and wrapped in many animal furs. There were also many braziers in the room. The bright red charcoal fire could not keep his fire alive, but it made his face glow red and he could sit up.
Everyone present shed tears again and couldn't bear to watch.
They all knew what the red light on Zhao Yun's face meant.
He himself also knew what he was about to face.
So I smiled.
Looking at his descendants on the bedside, he slowly spoke out his final instructions.
For example, to Zhao Tong, the eldest son who is about to become the head of the Zhao family, he exhorts the responsibilities of the family and the responsibilities of the clan leader.
For example, Zhao Guang, the second son who had been serving as a cavalry supervisor in the army, was told that it was difficult to have both loyalty and filial piety; on the grounds that Zhao Tong could attend the funeral, he was ordered to only observe filial piety for a hundred days, and not to forget the imperial court's contribution to the Northern Expedition due to personal matters.
For example, he gave gentle encouragement to the young grandchildren brought by Zhao Tong from Chengdu, asking them to study diligently and become self-reliant and be virtuous.
Yes, Zhao Yun already has grandchildren.
Among the earliest batch of Yuan Dynasties, the late Emperor Liu Bei, only Zhao Yun was considered to have lived a long life and could see his grandchildren.
Although he died of old age in bed, rather than returning to the heroic battlefield wrapped in horse leather, he served in Hanzhong County, the gate of the country, until the last moment, which was a kind of relief that he "lived up to the kindness of the late emperor and the kindness of the court."
Therefore, after he finished taking care of his family affairs, he said goodbye to Prime Minister Zhuge Liang who came after hearing the news.
"Prime Minister, I'll take the first step."
At this moment, the red light on Zhao Yun's face had dissipated a lot, and he lay down on the couch again without any support. He grabbed the prime minister's hand and said intermittently, "The Northern Expedition has not been completed, and the late emperor's wishes have not been fulfilled. Everything will be done by the prime minister."
Already."
His voice was calm and his words were unwilling.
It also made the Prime Minister burst into tears.
When the late Emperor Liu Bei was still young, he followed the entrepreneurial veterans who traveled north and south. Now Zhao Yun is the only one.
There will soon be no one left.
Clenching his hands, the Prime Minister suppressed the sadness in his heart, tried his best to squeeze out a smile, and said word by word, "Okay, Zilong, don't worry, I will live up to the late emperor's wishes!"
"Heh~~~"
Zhao Yun, who heard this clearly, grinned and smiled happily, and with some difficulty squeezed out one word, "kindness."
Then, he slowly closed his eyes.
It was the tenth year of Jianxing, AD 232, late spring and March.
It's a pity that Zhao Zilong was a brave man, but he also left behind regrets in the ruthless years.
Summer is April, early.
On the Qishan Road, Zheng Pu and Zhang Bao galloped back to Hanzhong County.
Condolences.
According to Zhao Yun's wishes, the cemetery was chosen in Hanzhong County.
In his words, he couldn't see the Han Dynasty taking over Guanzhong, so he would be buried in Hanzhong County and wait for that day to come.
The Emperor Liu Chan, who was far away in Chengdu, obeyed the Prime Minister's wish after receiving his request.
After going to pay homage to the late emperor Huiling, Zhao Yun also sent imperial guards to escort the eight-year-old emperor Liu Xuan to Hanzhong to pay his respects in recognition of Zhao Yun's role as the savior in the Battle of Dangyang.
For military generals who are in various places in Longyou and cannot be separated from their duties, they should not send their assistants or family members to pay condolences or send condolences.
Zheng Pu and Zhang Bao, who are currently stationed in the army to rest and recuperate, naturally came to pay their respects.
He is not a worldly person, but admires General Zhao with a sincere heart.
When the funeral was over, Zhao Tong and Zhao Guang responded to the ceremony.
Zheng Pu looked at the two haggard people and opened his mouth, wanting to say something comforting, but found that he didn't seem to have anything to say.
If you are used to seeing men in the army of life and death, you will become taciturn.
Because I know how feeble words are.
He sighed, patted Zhao Guang on the shoulder, and said softly to Zhao Tong, "Master Wang will set the Central Plains Day in the north. Don't forget to inform your lord during family sacrifices."
Unexpectedly, these words made the two of them's eyes moisten slightly again.
Perhaps, they never thought that Zheng Pu also knew Zhao Yun's regrets before his death.
Zhao Tong, who had a little friendship with him, solemnly bowed and thanked him.
Zhao Guang, who had been with him through life and death for a long time, nodded gently and replied in a hoarse voice, "Conquer the Central Plains, and I am willing to work with Zijin to encourage him."
Alas, the dead have passed away, and so should the living.
Living well, walking the unfinished road for the deceased, and fulfilling the long-cherished wishes that have not been fulfilled are the best comfort for the deceased.
Three days later, Zheng Pu and Zhang Bao set out on their way home.
The Prime Minister is strict in running the army, and all generals are not allowed to leave the camp for a long time without orders.
Although both of them have no business now, the journey to and from Hanzhong consumes a lot of time. If they return later, they may give false information to others and be criticized.
There are some things that should be avoided if possible.
And within three days, they could meet everyone they wanted to see.
Needless to say, Zhang Bao has been surrounding Liu Xuan, the eldest son of the emperor, for the past few days.
Empress Zhang has always been childless, and Liu Xuan's biological mother was the empress's attendant and was the first to be married off from the Zhang Mansion.
After all, the Zhang family is also Liu Xuan's uncle's family.
Therefore, Empress Zhang always treated him as her own son.
In other words, for the best interests of both parties, Liu Xuan must recognize the Zhang family as her uncle's family.
In the past few days, Zheng Pu stayed with Zhao Guang all night with his courtesy; on the second day, Dai Zhoutai went to see if his family members were in need; on the third day, he stayed with his disciple Fu Qian who came after hearing the news.
Talking about the long separation between master and apprentice, etc., nothing else happened.
As for the Prime Minister, he did not go to see him.
The Prime Minister has many affairs on weekdays. If there is anything to ask for, he will naturally send someone to summon him. If not, don't take the initiative to disturb him.
Otherwise, if there is no war between the imperial court and Wei Wei, and there are so many officials and ministers coming to Hanzhong to mourn, and everyone goes to see the prime minister, how can the prime minister have time to do things?
With this thought in mind, he and Zhang Bao, covered with morning glow, rode towards Longyou.
But unexpectedly, when they arrived at Mianyang County, they found that Fu Qian, who stayed with the Prime Minister as a reporter, had been waiting on the official road for a long time.
It's not a farewell.
Instead, he was sent by the Prime Minister and summoned Zheng Pu to see him at a separate office in the city.
Why is the Prime Minister looking for me?
Feeling a little surprised, Zheng Pu asked Zhang Bao to lead the other retinues slowly, and he quickly drove his horse towards the city.
After entering the other office, Zheng Pu discovered that the prime minister, whom he had not seen for half a year, had no crown on his head, his hair was already black and white, and his cheeks were slightly sunken, which further showed the deep nasolabial folds.
Suddenly he looked much older.
I also felt a lot haggard.
Perhaps he was sad about the death of General Zhao, and was distracted by the recent dispute over the governor of Xiping.
"Pu, meet the Prime Minister."
Zheng Pu lowered his head and saluted respectfully.
"No need to be polite, sit down."
The Prime Minister's voice was still as gentle as ever, but with a hint of fatigue.
"promise."
In response, Zheng Pu walked to the side seat and sat down.
As soon as he knelt down and sat down, the Prime Minister's voice came over and asked, "I asked the court officials to recommend the prefect of Xiping, why didn't Zijin come to speak up?"
Um?
With the Prime Minister's wisdom, why do you still ask questions when you already know?
Hearing this, Zheng Pu raised his head in surprise.
He was stunned for a moment before he came to his senses and answered with his hands raised, "Return to Prime Minister, I have been leading troops on expeditions all year round. I don't know how to govern the herdsmen, nor do I know the quality of other staff, so I dare not speak nonsense."
"Um"
The prime minister listened and made a slight nasal noise.
Without commenting, he closed his eyes and thought for a moment, but then urged, "Although I don't know the merits of others, Zijin has been in office for many years and is familiar with other officials. Let's try it out and recommend one person."
Uh~~~
This time, Zheng Pu was stunned.
He didn't know why the prime minister insisted on his recommendation.
It’s even more unclear. Could it be that he had no selfish motives and wanted to stay out of the matter, but couldn’t the Prime Minister see it?
When the Prime Minister saw that he was speechless, he couldn't help but relax his eyebrows, waved his hands, and said comfortingly, "Zi Jin can safely say that I have the right to consult for details, so there is no need to worry too much. Well, there are three people recommended by the ministers today, and I think it must be Zi Jin."
I know. Let me tell you, which of the three is more suitable? Or is there another choice?"
If it's just for reference, I can say it bluntly.
"promise."
He handed over his hand again. Zheng Pu thought for a while and then slowly replied, "Returning to the prime minister, Pu secretly thought that there are many Qiang tribes in the Huangshui River Valley, and they are all troubled and disturbed; and the West Sea is the habitat of Shaodang Qiang.
The land is currently a vassal of our Han Dynasty. If the people who lead the county are not virtuous and have high prestige, only if they continue to act fairly can long-term peace and stability be achieved. Therefore, Pu believes that General Liao should be the best among the officials recommended. However, if not
Sticking to these three things, Pu thinks Xue Maochang can be appointed."
"Xue Maochang?"
Suddenly, a strange color flashed in the Prime Minister's eyes.
After repeating one sentence, he gently stroked his hair and thought for himself.
Xue Maochang is Xue Yong.
He was born in Peiguoxiang County, Yuzhou. His father, Xue Lan, once served in Yanzhou Biejia and was a general under Wenhou Lu Bu. However, when he was stationed in Juye, he was attacked and killed by Cao Cao.
Therefore, after losing his father, he followed the late emperor Liu Bei.
He can be regarded as Yuan Cong, and his qualifications are similar to those of Wei Yan, Chen Dao and others.
In the past, he used to lead troops as a general, but after his son Liu Chan came to the throne today, he turned to a herdsman.
For example, in the past, in order to show the kindness of the Han Dynasty to the people of Liangzhou, the prime minister treated Yu Chu kindly, moved his family to Shu, and granted him the title of prefect of Shu County, which was the successor to Xue Yong's position.
In other words, what Zheng Pu cited can be regarded as filling the gap where no one recommends the Yuan Cong system.
Moreover, Xue Yong had a gentle temperament and was fair in deciding matters, making Li Shu yearn for the kindness of the court, so he was considered a good choice.
Of course, there are also shortcomings.
His military ability is not very good.
Xiping County is a border county, and there is no shortage of wars. If he is to be the governor, he must be assisted by a long history who knows the army; or he must be led by a general to station in the local area and guard the border of Rong Town.
This is the cleverness of Zheng Pu's recommendation.
Since the Silk Road trade is involved and all parties want to take advantage of it, why not divide the power here into two.
Yuan Cong, who was most loyal to the Han Dynasty, was appointed as the prefect to assume great power and ensure the stability of Xiping County. Then, in the form of a round town, generals who guard the army were selected from the other three factions and the profits were evenly divided.
"I know the reason why Zijin mentioned it."
After a while, the prime minister nodded happily and sighed slightly, "However, Mao Chang is a bit old. He has followed the late emperor for a long time and worked hard. If he uses it, he may be ridiculed by others for being incompetent.
The benevolence of veterans."
"I forgive Pu for not taking what the Prime Minister said."
Zheng Pu grinned and said, "When Pu was in Shu, he heard praises from the scholars, saying that Xue Yifu, the son of Xue Maochang, has the father's style and can be his successor."
His son Xue Qi?
Is this the plan to use his son to inherit his father's duties in the future and let Xue Yong serve the family wholeheartedly?
Ha, sure enough.
The art of planning covers a wide range of areas, not just military warfare.
Perhaps this was the reason why he did not participate in the selection of candidates for the governor of Xiping and wanted to stay out of the matter.
Unable to help it, the Prime Minister thought for a moment and nodded gently, "Well, I will consider the selection of the prefect and discuss it with others. Zijin's army is on the right side of Longyou and cannot be away for a long time. Please go back."
"Nuo Pu resigned."
Hearing this, Zheng Pu quickly stood up and said goodbye.
After leaving his post, he climbed on his horse and caught up with Zhang Bao who had gone ahead. He didn't even understand the prime minister's intention of looking for him.
It is impossible for the prime minister to ask him to recommend a candidate for the prefect without any reason.
But if you want to see if he has any selfish motives, it doesn't make sense. His failure to support the people chosen by the Yizhou scholars is a manifestation of his unintentional intention to seek personal gain.
Is it really just that you want him to know more about it?
However, many important ministers in the court are in Hanzhong and Longyou. They have served longer and are more familiar with the merits and demerits of other ministers. Why should they ask me for detailed information?
How strange!
Zheng Pu, who was puzzled, simply gave up thinking about it.
Anyway, he just wants to lead the army in the expedition, and that's not all. As for other things, the prime minister said that he should refer to the details.
What he didn't know was that the prime minister's reference to the candidate for the post of Xiping Prefect was actually to "refer to" whether he was good at checking and balancing power.
Zhao Yun's death made the Prime Minister suddenly realize that he was at an age where he was used to being helpless among others in life and death.
The late Emperor once said, "A man at fifty cannot be called a virgin."
He was already over fifty, and he had seen along the way that many of his former colleagues had withered before they reached fifty. Especially recently, he began to have symptoms of uneven stomach and loss of appetite similar to those before the Southern Expedition.
But the Northern Expedition had only begun four years ago.
Although the military campaign was fruitful, it was still too slow compared to his age.
The Northern Expedition has not been completed, and the wishes of the late emperor have not been fulfilled.
Before Zhao Yun died, he could still say that "all the prime ministers worked for him", but if he came to "take the first step", who could he say?
Time waits for no one, but the future will take its course.
This is the reason why the Prime Minister wanted to know more about Zheng Pu.
