Chapter 52 The five kings of the world smile to the sky
Most of the eighteen princes were gone in the blink of an eye.
Sun Jian, Cao Cao, Bao Xin and Gongsun Zan are all left.
Among these people, Sun Jian and Cao Cao are indeed brave enough to fight.
The Kwantung Allied Forces were afraid to move forward, but the two of them moved forward bravely, although they were defeated by Xu Rong one after another.
But this also proves that compared with Yuan Shao, Yuan Shu and other princes, Sun Jian and Cao Cao's situation is much higher than them.
Among them, Bao Xin and Gongsun Zan are two outliers. Gongsun Zan did it for Liu Bei's sake, while Bao Xin was a close friend of Cao Cao.
It is still unclear whether Gongsun Zan and Bao Xin would have left without Liu Bei and Cao Cao.
Looking at the few people in the palace, Liu Bei was filled with emotion. At present, the Kwantung Allied Forces only have this little foundation left.
What touched Liu Bei the most was that Cao Cao and Sun Jian never left each other, which made him very happy.
Horsepower can only be known by the distance, and true love can only be seen in adversity.
Yuan Shao and others took away most of the troops. Cao Cao, Sun Jian, and Bao Xin were obviously not strong, but they still persisted, which finally made Liu Bei feel a little more comfortable.
He glanced around the hall, slowly got down from the chief chair, and said to the attendants beside him: "Take off my mat and spread it in this hall."
"Alliance leader?"
Cao Cao was puzzled and stood up and asked, "What does this mean?"
Liu Bei shook his head: "Only when the Han Dynasty is in the most critical situation can we see who is the loyal minister of the Han Dynasty. It was not easy for Emperor Gaozu to create a foundation, and it took many years of hard work to build the country of the Han Dynasty today. Later, Wang Mang usurped the Han Dynasty, and Emperor Shi Zuwu worked hard.
, and finally gained more than a hundred years of peace."
"Now that Dong Zhuo has usurped the throne, he will bring disaster to the world just like Wang Mang. I, Liu Bei, was favored by the late emperor and stole the position of a prince from a commoner. Without mentioning my clan identity, I am the late emperor's legacy minister.
It is also the responsibility of guarding the country."
"Yuan Benchu, Yuan Jiujiu, the fourth and third prince, received the emperor's favor in his life. Moreover, the Tai Fu Yuan Kui, the Imperial Servant Yuan Ji and hundreds of members of the Yuan family were all killed at the hands of Dong Zhuo. They should have revolted against the national traitors, but they all had ulterior motives.
It is chilling, but you are the only ones who are the pillars of the Han Dynasty and the pillars of the country. Please accept Liu Bei's respect!"
After saying that, he looked around and bowed his hands to Cao Cao, Sun Jian, Bao Xin, Gong Sun Zan and others.
Everyone hurriedly said: "I can't do it, I can't do it. The leader of the alliance is working hard for the world, and he is also the main force in attacking Dong. We are just attached as wings, waving the flag and shouting. Why does the leader of the alliance need to be so generous?"
Liu Bei smiled and said: "As the saying goes, a lonely tree cannot make a forest, and a drop of water cannot make a sea. Without the help of everyone, how could Dong Zhuo be forced to retreat to Hangu Pass? Since Yuan Shao, Yuan Shu and others are so unfaithful and unjust, they will
Ignore them, everyone, I want to form an alliance with you, please sit down and talk."
This is the intention to give up the covenant made in Suanzao in early February and make a new one.
A great man once evaluated Liu Bei, saying that Liu Bei's greatest advantage was that he was good at employing people and uniting all forces to fight against powerful enemies.
At this point, the great man's evaluation is absolutely correct.
After discovering that Yuan Shao, Yuan Shu and others had evil intentions and could not be reused, they immediately gave up on them and began to unite the forces of Cao Cao, Bao Xin, Sun Jian, Gongsun Zan.
Moreover, Liu Bei did not look down on them at all because he was a member of the clan, a rural marquis requested by the late emperor, and a Qingzhou pastor.
Simply invite a few of them to sit on the two mats put together in the middle to talk about national affairs.
You should know that there is not much age difference among the people here. The oldest is Bao Xin, who was born in the first year of Yuanjia (151) and is 40 years old this year. The youngest is Liu Bei, who was born in the fourth year of Yanxi (161) and is 30 years old.
Cao Cao and Sun Jian were both born in the first year of Yongshou (155), and were 36 years old. Gongsun Zan was born in the third year of Yanxi (160), and was 31 years old.
The ancients paid attention to the virtual age, so the actual age was always one year younger.
But no matter what, even among the eighteen princes combined, in terms of official position and status, Liu Bei is the highest.
One state is a state pastor, and the other is a rural lord. The late Emperor Xiaokang of the Han Dynasty personally entered the clan and granted him a title.
In the whole world, only the Sangong, Jiuqing, General and others have a higher status than Liu Bei.
Therefore, there is no dispute that Liu Bei sits in the chief position.
But now he invites everyone to sit down together, which means that Liu Bei is actually interacting with them as equals and equal status.
This makes everyone feel very comfortable.
At Liu Bei's invitation, everyone sat together on the mat in the middle. Because the mat was not big, the five of them were shoulder to shoulder, almost leaning against each other.
In later generations, this incident became an idiom.
It's called "hand in hand and sharing the table".
Just like "Wu and Yue are in the same boat", it means that everyone unites and helps each other, works together, and overcomes difficulties together.
After Sun Jian sat down, he was the first to pat his chest and said: "Leader, there is no need to say anything else. As long as we can really cross the river bank in winter, if Jian asks to be the vanguard, we will definitely break the Hangu Pass for the leader!"
Liu Bei was extremely happy. His eyes suddenly changed when he saw Sun Jian. He smiled and said, "Don't call me alliance leader. There is no alliance leader here anymore. If you don't mind, we can treat each other as brothers and just call me cousin."
I wanted to ask you how old you are."
Bao Xin looked around and said with a little embarrassment: "Meng...Xuande, I was born in the first year of Yuanjia, so he should be my eldest."
"Cao Cao was born in September of the first year of Yongshou."
"Me too, but I am February, older than Mengde."
"Xuande, you know me, I am one year older than you."
Several people said one after another.
Liu Bei laughed and said: "Well, from now on the five of us will be brothers. Brother Yuncheng is the eldest brother, and he is the eldest brother. Brother Wentai is the second brother, and the second brother is Mengde. Brother Bogui is the fourth, and brother Tian is the younger brother.
Take the last seat."
"Hey, Xuande is a member of the clan, and he is also a prince, and the shepherd of Qingzhou. Our highest position is only the governor of the region, so how can we be qualified to call Xuande our brothers?"
Several people declined one after another.
But Liu Bei said: "We are all serving the country and the people, how can there be distinction between high and low? Needless to say, everyone, I have a great time today, how can I have less wine? Come on, let me have some wine."
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! There is a waiter nearby to get the wine.
Chen Mu, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei and others stood behind Liu Bei, looking at each other and shrugging. No one showed dissatisfaction in their eyes.
Because sworn brotherhood and brotherhood are two different concepts.
A sworn brotherhood is the same as an adopted son in later generations. Although there is no blood relationship, he still has the right to inherit. Just like a full brother, he is a half-brother.
According to historical records, Gongsun Zan also had three sworn brothers, so he and Liu Bei had a good relationship, but they had not yet become sworn brothers.
And swearing to be brothers belongs to the highest realm of friends, like a friend who cuts his throat to death, a friend who cannot be ignored, and this is what Guan Bao said.
Like Liu Bei, Gongsun Zan, and Qianzhao, they all belong to the highest realm of good friends.
Today Liu Bei plans to become best friends with Sun Jian, Cao Cao and Bao Xin.
Soon, the wine will be served.
"Xuande, I am a rough man who only knows how to fight. But I know that you are a benevolent and righteous person and will not lie to me. Since we have sworn to be brothers today, if you need me, Sun Wentai, if you need me, just tell me."
Sun Jian picked up the wine with great pride.
Liu Bei also picked up the wine, shed tears, and sighed: "The Han Dynasty has withered, the emperor is in danger, and there are a few loyal and courageous people in the country. I believe that the twenty-third generation of the late emperors of the Han Dynasty will definitely protect us and others."
, I wish you all the best to Dong Shunli."
Cao Cao was also moved to tears and said: "Brother Xuande is a loyal and righteous king. Although Cao Cao has little virtue and little power, he is still willing to do his best. If you don't dislike Cao's despicableness and want to challenge Dong this time, I am willing to fight with Brother Wentai."
Together we will be the vanguard to defeat Dong Zhuo and help the Han Dynasty."
Bao Xin picked up the wine, looked at everyone and said with tears of gratitude: "Xuande is a member of the Han family, and is a prince. He has a noble status, but he condescends to be lowered and calls himself brothers and sisters with vulgar people like us. This shows the behavior of a gentleman. I am also willing.
The liver and brain are torn apart, life and death follow each other!"
Gongsun Zan laughed loudly and said: "Then we will form an alliance today. After Dong Zhuo is defeated, and one day we welcome back the emperor and put down the rebellion in the world, then we will all serve as officials in the same court and jointly assist the emperor. When the emperor personally rules in the future, he will also be the Duke of Zhou.
, Mr. Huo and other wonderful stories."
Liu Bei wiped away his tears and was amused by Gongsun Zan. He shook his head and said: "These things are still too far away, so let's focus on the present. Wait until the Dong thief is cut into thousands of pieces, and then think about these things. Let's not talk about anything else. Come on."
,drink wine!"
"drink wine!"
Everyone raised their glasses together and drank it all in one gulp.
Chen Mu waited for them to finish drinking the glass, took the wine bottle from the waiter, and went up to prepare a refill for them.
Cao Cao quickly covered his wine glass and said, "How can Shangshu Ling pour the wine himself?"
Back then in Changshe, Chen Mu and Cao Cao were not happy.
But these are all things of the past.
At least in Liu Bei's eyes, Cao Cao's current image and conduct won his heart, making him full of affection.
Today's Boss Cao has not yet made a fortune, and his current official position is just that of a Xiyuan school captain.
In comparison, there is a world of difference from Liu Bei's current status.
So in contrast, Cao Cao was a little more polite and reserved when facing Chen Mu.
With a different identity, the situation has naturally undergone earth-shaking changes.
Chen Mu smiled and said: "What happened today will definitely make you famous throughout the ages. It's an honor for me to pour wine for you. Why can't I pour wine?"
"oh?"
Bao Xin wondered: "How can something done today become famous throughout the ages?"
While Chen Mu forcibly poured wine for them, he explained: "Think about it, gentlemen, it would be such a big deal in the world for the eighteen princes to challenge Dong. Who would have thought that Yuan Benchu, Yuan Gongli and others were so helpless that they left in a hurry without fighting, and the world
What will people think?”
After hearing what he said, everyone began to think deeply.
Yuan Shao, Yuan Shu and others said they participated in the discussion for Dong, but in fact they were just participating.
The only ones who really fought a tough battle were Sun Jian and Liu Bei.
Others are either in trouble or unable to contribute.
And the Yuan family also had a deep hatred against Dong Zhuo. As a result, just when they were preparing to attack Guanzhong, the Yuan family ran away. What would the world think?
But the problem is that information was underdeveloped in ancient times, so it might not be that easy to spread the news.
Cao Cao expressed his doubts and said: "The fourth and third princes of the Yuan family have always been prestigious among the scholars. I am afraid that even if they do leave in a hurry, the scholars will not say anything."
"Brother Meng De thinks that the mouthpiece of the world is in the hands of scholars?"
Chen Mu asked back.
Cao Cao was confused and said: "Isn't it?"
Chen Mu smiled slightly: "Of course not."
"That is?"
Lao Cao was even more puzzled.
Chen Mu said: "We in Qingzhou have improved the papermaking technology, and the price of paper is low, and it has gradually become popular. For today's matter, I will ask the great scholar Zheng Xuan to write a mighty "Chasing Dong Ji", called "Recording the World"
Big things actually speak for us."
"When the time comes, we will record in detail why we are seeking Dong, how we are going to fight against him, and what happened during the process. We will compile it into a volume, print it into a book, and distribute it all over the world, so that the world will know what happened in the process."
"In this way, after the Eighteen Routes of princes ended in a hurry, the spirit of the five brothers who were not afraid of hardships and decided to start over again will be known to the people of the world. Will they not be remembered in history?"
After he said this, several people's breathing suddenly became rapid.
But Chen Mu had no intention of stopping, and continued: "Brothers, think about it, others are afraid of Dong Zhuo, and even the Yuan family who had a deep hatred against Dong Zhuo ran away. You five are the only ones who insist on attacking Dong Zhuo. The people in the world are afraid of Dong Zhuo."
What will they say? Of course they will say that you are of high moral character, loyal and patriotic, and a model of benevolence and righteousness."
"Who was the last person to be praised like this? The three kings of the world, Duke You Ping, Duke Zhong Cheng, Duke Zhong Ju, and Duke Yuan Li, who is a model for the world. If today's events were compiled into a book for the world to see, then everyone's
Virtue will be known to the world, and the new five kings of the world will be born."
"As for me, Tian was the former Shangshu Ling, although I did not lead the troops into the pass like my brothers and dedicate everything to the world, I still poured wine for you. In the history of history, there are only a few notes for me, and I also
It's a blessing. Tell me, should I pour this wine?"
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! Chen Mu poured the wine for the five people, put down the wine bottle, took two steps back with a smile, and looked at everyone.
Everyone was stunned.
Five kings in the world?
A title that is unimaginable.
The last one who was called the Three Kings of the World was a moral gentleman recognized by the world.
Dou Wu, Liu Shu, Chen Fan, plus Li Ying, the leader of the eight heroes.
These four people are the people respected by the world.
But now, Chen Mu said that he was qualified to be ranked with them. How could he not make a few people excited?
You must know that the Han Dynasty was not the era that later generations laughed at poverty but not at prostitution.
Filial piety, brotherhood, loyalty, trust, etiquette, righteousness, integrity, and shame.
These eight words can be described as the highest moral standards at that time.
Being able to be called a "jun" means that a person has fulfilled the above eight points. To be respected by the world, when going out for a walk, everyone along the way must give way to him and bend down to salute.
If you can be called "Jun" by the world, for ancient people, it would be the highest honor.
Especially Cao Cao.
The biggest criticism in Cao Cao's history was the massacre of the city.
Nowadays, the criticism is that the birth is not good.
When Lao Guo said that Uncle Qian was a eunuch, it was a joke in cross talk.
And Cao Cao is a real eunuch.
Therefore, when people talk about Cao Cao, they will definitely not be able to escape if they say "after eunuchs".
For example, Bian Yi and Chen Lin's "Essay on Discussing Cao Cao".
If one day Cao Cao can be called a moral model, then no one will dare to mention this "eunuch" anymore.
Thinking of this, Cao Cao not only breathed rapidly, but also the wine glass in his hand started to tremble a little. He said with a little fear: "How can I be called "Jun" because of my shallow virtues?"
Chen Mu immediately said: "I would like to ask you gentlemen, who is Dong Zhuo?"
Liu Bei said without hesitation: "He is a very evil person!"
"Who in the world dares to attack this evil thief?"
Chen Mu looked around at everyone and said, "Are they those people who usually claim to be benevolent and brave? Why didn't I see them?"
"this......"
Several people looked at each other and said nothing.
Chen Mu said again: "Thief Dong has done all the bad things, he has exhausted all the bamboos in the Nanshan Mountains, but he has not yet exhausted all his sins; he has conquered the waves in the East China Sea, and it is difficult to end his evil deeds. Even the Yuan family, the fourth generation and the three nobles, retreated in front of him, but only
You dare to hold a three-foot sword and attack this thief brazenly. I would like to ask, if you are not a very benevolent and brave person, who is a very benevolent and brave person?"
"Perhaps there are sages in the countryside, such as Kang Chenggong, who should be called a gentleman of the world."
Cao Cao answered slightly hesitantly.
Chen Mu said with a smile: "Kang Chenggong is indeed a gentleman of the time, but he is old. It is his duty to study and educate the younger generations. But your moral character is not in studying. It is to have great benevolence, wisdom, courage and righteousness. There is no such thing
How can you dare to come here to ask for help if you have such good moral character?"
The few people stopped talking and looked at each other. The wine in their hands was shaking slightly, making ripples.
Who doesn't want to be famous?
Who doesn't want to have a good reputation outside?
It's just that reputation is actually passed down from generation to generation. People with real moral character are indeed respected.
But following the rules for decades is not something ordinary people can do.
Therefore, the Three Lords, Eight Lords and others in the world are only a few people. After several disasters caused by the party's imprisonment, there are very few such virtuous gentlemen.
Especially when the world is in chaos, how can you gather such fame?
But now Chen Mu is planning to invite Zheng Xuan to write and compile their deeds into a book for the world to admire. With such a good reputation that will last forever, doesn't it mean that one day he will really become a "king"?
This made several people look forward to it and fear it at the same time.
The expectation is that they really have the qualities to become gentlemen?
The fear is that I am afraid that my moral character is not enough and that after the book is published, I will be attacked by the world and my reputation will be tarnished.
Therefore, everyone, including Cao Cao and Liu Bei, felt complicated and looked around at a loss.
Some people may say that Cao Cao, Liu Bei, and Sun Jian were the founders of Wei, Shu, and Wu, and they were all successful people. How could they be nervous about this?
But first of all, the three of them are still in their infancy, and their life experiences in their thirties are far less rich than they were later.
Secondly, the Han Dynasty was governed by virtue, and a benevolent and righteous gentleman would really be respected by the world, and reputation was very important.
Therefore, such an opportunity to spread fame makes everyone excited, worrying about gains and losses, and not knowing what to say.
In the end, Liu Bei managed to hold back his excitement and said: "Gentlemen, let's not listen to the nonsense of our fourth brother. We just have to do our own duty. Come and drink."
"drink wine!"
Several people quickly raised their glasses and drank again, but the mood of the previous cup and the mood of the current cup have become different.
The cool summer breeze blows in from outside the hall, making everyone's cheeks slightly red and their moods fluctuating.
Seeing the beautiful weather outside, with the birds chirping and the flowers fragrant, Liu Bei said, "The scenery is so beautiful today, why don't you go outside and take a look?"
"good."
"I heard that the late emperor's Western Garden was picturesque? But I haven't seen it yet."
"That's true. It's a pity that most of it was burned by that thief Dong."
"It's good to look at the other half."
"Then let's go to Xiyuan together. I think the late emperor won't blame us for showing our patriotism."
Under the influence of wine, Liu Bei said: "When the troops are sent out in winter, we will go to the late emperor's tomb, burn incense, pray and worship, and ask the late emperor to protect us from defeating Dong's thieves and welcoming back the holy driver!"
Everyone then left the Quefei Hall, and under the protection of thousands of guards, the group came to the West Garden.
Most of the West Garden has been burned long ago. The exotic flowers and plants, as well as the attic courtyards, have been burned completely. Even the lakes and ponds in the West Garden have dried up. Weeds have grown everywhere in the few places that were not burned.
It will never be the same again.
Only the high platform that the late Emperor Liu Hong liked to climb the most is still there. It stands on the west side of the West Garden, close to the West Wall, and is bleak in the wind. It seems to have witnessed the changes of the past years and is full of vicissitudes of history.
The five people climbed onto the high platform. In autumn and summer, the afternoon sunshine was not strong, and the warm wind blew their hair. Like the late emperors in those years, they looked at the undulating mountains and the vast river in the distance.
Chen Mu took out his knife, took a drop of blood from each of them, dropped it into the wine pot, and then added wine to them.
Everyone stood on the high platform and raised their glasses together.
"Today I am Liu Bei!"
"I am Gongsun Zan!"
"I am Cao Cao!"
"I am Sun Jian!"
"I'm Bao Xin!"
"The five of us have formed an alliance today. We swear to be brothers and work together to defeat Dong Zhuo and help the Han Dynasty. Anyone who violates this will be killed by both heaven and man!"
Lift the cup, raise your head, and drink it all in one gulp.
In the gentle breeze, everyone looked up to the sky and laughed together.
Thousands of soldiers in the audience shouted: "Challenge Dong Zhuo and support the Han Dynasty. Attack Dong Zhuo and support the Han Dynasty."
The sound is magnificent, piercing the sky.
It was like a blast of wind and thunder rising into the sky.
Chen Mu stood beside them, looking up at the sky, with his hands in his sleeves, and just kept smiling.
There are thousands of mountains and rivers, thousands of palaces, some people rise and fall, others wither.
Thousands of years later, everyone will be nothing but a handful of clay.
But the reason why heroes are heroes is because their structure can shake the whole world.
Even though they cannot stay in time forever, at this moment, they are so heroic that they shock the world.
There are only a few strokes of history between the jokes about right and wrong, success and failure.
To them, it is just a glass of wine, smiling at the sky and the stars.