On the second day, Guan Zhang bid farewell to Liu Chen at the Yellow River ferry.
The summer wind blows the basil on the river bank. In the distance, wild ducks and gulls rise and fall in the swamps near the river. Farther away, people are farming in the fields.
Thousands of people were pressed down by the river. Because the angels sent by the imperial court were around, it was difficult to talk much. Therefore, Liu Bei just told Guan and Zhang: "Second brother and third brother, although Yuan Shao's vitality is seriously injured, he is particularly capable of counterattack. Listen more."
Gong and Yuan Hao Gong express their words and do not act rashly."
"I know."
"Don't worry, brother, if Yuan Shao dares to come, I will make sure they never come back."
Guan Yu and Zhang Fei each patted their chests and made promises.
Liu Bei glanced at the angels beside him, smiled, patted their hands and said, "Be careful. I will return to Jizhou soon. Then we will work hard to eradicate Yuan Shao completely."
"clear."
"good!"
"Well, then my fourth brother and I will go."
After Guan Zhang finished speaking, Liu Bei turned around and got on the boat crossing the river. Chen Mu gave Guan Yu a look, and they both nodded slightly before leaving.
Everyone on the shore looked at the boats floating in the turbulent river, carrying Liu Bei, Chen Mu, Xu Chu and hundreds of guards back to Luoyang.
According to convention, the army cannot go to Luoyang unless it is recruited by the imperial court. Therefore, the five thousand soldiers and horses brought this time are just the escort soldiers accompanying Guan and Zhang. After arriving in Luoyang, they can only bring dozens of personal guards each.
Forward.
Although Xu Chu is here, if the court wants to kill Liu Bei, it is still very simple. Chen Mu previously analyzed that the court will be afraid of Liu Bei after Yuan Shao is gone, and Liu Bei also asked this question.
The power struggle at the top was still very scary. He was afraid that as soon as he entered the palace, he would be attacked by five hundred axe-wielders, just like He Jin who was hacked to death in front of the palace gate.
However, Chen Mu smiled and told him not to worry about such an impossible thing. Unless all the old officials in the imperial court were crazy, otherwise, killing Liu Bei and himself in the palace would be the way to die. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei would go crazy.
Then he went to Luoyang to kill him.
Therefore, this situation is really unfounded. Those old guys are loyal to the Han Dynasty, not a bunch of anti-social personalities. If Liu Bei is really killed, just like Cao Cao was killed in the Battle of Chibi, the world will be even more chaotic.
So Chen Mu advised him to go to Luoyang with confidence and boldness.
And just when Liu Bei and Chen Mu were crossing the river to Xiaopingjin Ferry, in Luoyang at this time, in the palace, Liu Yu, who was over sixty years old, with gray beard and hair, and a wrinkled face, wearing the emperor's dragon robe, was talking with
Several ministers held a small meeting in the back hall.
It is now the third year of Yonghan, 199 AD, and there are not many veterans who returned to Luoyang with Liu Yu. Zhang Xi, Chun Yujia, Han Rong, Ma Rixi, Zhao Qian, Zhu Jun, etc. died of illness one after another.
There are also some ministers who have resigned due to long-term illness. For example, Zhao Qi occasionally caught wind and cold at the end of last year. He is already ninety years old and is really not suitable to continue to serve in the court. There is also Chen Qun’s father Chen Ji, who has returned to Yingchuan due to illness. History
I will pass away next month.
The old ministers passed away one after another, and while the remaining people remembered them, they could not help but feel the scene of the sun declining.
Nowadays, most of the young people in the entire court are leaning towards Liu Bei, and even some old officials are also leaning towards him. For example, Sima Yi's father Sima Fang, Chen Qun's father Chen Ji, and those who framed Kong Rong in history and ennobled Cao Cao as Duke of Wei in history.
Worries and so on.
There are not many veterans who still share the same heart with Liu Yu. The only ones left are Situ Zhao Wen, Sikong Yang Biao, Guanglu Xun Zhongfu, Dasi Nongshi Sun Rui, Ting Wei Lu Xu, Wei Wei Zhou Zhong, as well as Hengdian, Wang Yi, Xu
Qiu, Tian Bing, Zhang Yi and others.
The former are the Sangong and Jiuqing who were already important ministers of the imperial court during the Chang'an period, while the latter are some important ministers during the Chang'an period. For example, Wang Yi was once the magistrate of Lishi County, and was later transferred to the post of governor of Hedong, and now he is an official in the court.
Xu Qiu was the prefect of Runan before, and after Liu Yu returned to Luoyang, he recalled him to the court. Zhang Yi served as a chief agricultural officer for a short time during the Chang'an period, and Tian Bing also served as a minor official. Historically, they all died in the Li Guo Rebellion.
Due to the changes in history, many old officials did not die in the Li Guo Rebellion and lived for four or five years longer. Therefore, after Chen Mu welcomed the Manchu ministers back to Luoyang, they all followed him.
But times have changed. There were about thirty or forty old ministers who followed Chen Mu back. Plus some middle- and lower-level officials, there were a total of more than a hundred people. Now there are no more than fifteen in total, and there are even more middle- and lower-level officials.
He defected to the Liu Bei Group and suffered a serious loss of talent.
Even if the veterans include their own influence in the court, disciples, nephews, the total number is only thirty or forty. Compared with the hundreds of young men who occupy the middle and lower-level officials, it is a drop in the bucket and there is no way to compete.
Or should we say that during the Cao Cao period in history, in order to clear the way for Cao Pi to ascend to the throne, there was almost no obstacle to killing the empress, prince, and other senior officials of the Han Dynasty?
Except for a few veteran ministers, most of the entire court were controlled by Cao Cao's people, which naturally did not help.
As some old ministers died or retired from illness in the past two years, the positions of Sangong and Jiuqing became vacant. Originally, Zhu Jun was the Taiwei, but now Yang Biao has been moved to the Taiwei, Zhao Wen has been changed to Situ, and old man Zhongfu is already over 70 years old.
, is in poor health, but manages to hold on to serve as Sikong.
Wei Wei Zhou Zhong also served as a Taiwei for a period of time, so he originally wanted to move to Taichang, but because he respected Shisun Rui's character, he strongly recommended Shisun Rui, and Shisun Rui became the chief Taiwei of the Nine Ministers.
often.
Liu Yu appointed Zhou Zhong as Guang Luxun, Tingwei Lu Xuqian as Taipu, Wang Yi as Dasi Nong, Zongzheng Liu Ai unchanged, Dahonglu as Xu Qiu, Weiwei Tianyi, Tingwei Zhang Yi, and so on.
Chen Mu, the three ministers and nine ministers managed to form a team.
But the most important ones are the old people who came back from Chang'an to support each other, Yang Biao, Zhao Wen, Zhong Fu and Shi Sun Rui.
Compared with them, Shi Sunrui is still a generation behind them. Before, he was only the executor when Chunyu Jia, Wang Yun and others planned to remove Dong Zhuo. But now he is over fifty. After the deaths of Zhu Jun, Ma Rixi and others,
, has begun to enter the highest decision-making group.
The four of them and Liu Yu are currently the five core members of the Laochen sect. Liu Yu is kneeling on the main seat in emperor's robes. On his right are Taiwei Yang Biao, Situ Zhao Wen, and on his left are Sun Sikong Zhongfu.
Taichang Shi Sun Rui.
Among them, the youngest is the scholar Sun Rui, who has just turned fifty. Followed by Yang Biao, fifty-seven years old, Zhao Wen, sixty-two years old, Liu Yu, sixty-three years old, and Zhong Fu, seventy-one years old.
In later generations, these people would have just reached the age of retirement, but in the Han Dynasty, it can be said that half of their bodies have been buried in loess, and they will die of illness at any time.
In the winter of last year and the year before last, because their bodies were getting weaker and weaker, both Liu Yu and Zhong Fu fell ill. Liu Yu was a little better, and Zhong Fu only recovered a short time ago. Occasionally, he coughed violently in a low voice, and his beard turned white.
Even if he trembles wildly, he has to worry about whether he will fall ill at any time.
Liu Yu looked around and said slowly: "General Wei and the young master are going to Beijing soon. Are you sure you want to do this?"
Yang Biao smiled bitterly and said: "Your Majesty, you have to do it."
"well."
Several others sighed.
They had held many meetings to discuss this matter before, but both the emperor and several others had been hesitant.
Even though there had been a commotion about writing a letter and playing the piano before, it was just a matter of making sure it was done, and I didn't dare to really make a big deal out of it.
In the final analysis, firstly, the imperial court does not have many troops at present, and it lacks military power and lacks confidence. Secondly, they all owe Liu Bei, and if they really want to seize Liu Bei's power, they will inevitably be suspected of being ungrateful.
During the Dong Zhuo Rebellion, all of them were taken captive to Chang'an. Yuan Shao and other Kwantung Army princes left one after another. Only a few people such as Liu Bei, Sun Jian, and Cao Cao continued to pursue them. In the end, through several wars and internal instigation against Lu Bu, Dong Zhuo was killed and barely managed
Rescue the Duke of Manchao back.
After arriving in Luoyang, the entire Luoyang was completely destitute. Countless lands in the once fertile Luoyang Basin were uncultivated, and thousands of miles of lonely graves were everywhere. The capital of the Han Empire once had a population of one million, but now it has less than ten thousand people. It is miserable and pitiful.
Liu Bei, Chen Mu and others also helped the people of Luoyang return to their hometown, move to the capital of Guizhou, serve the ministers, and sent soldiers to protect Luoyang and help the court establish order. It can be said that without Liu Bei and others, their corpses are now cold.
Logically speaking, if a dilapidated court encounters a loyal minister like Liu Bei, it should be grateful.
For example, after the Anshi Rebellion in the Tang Dynasty, Li Heng met Li Guangbi and Guo Ziyi, and they burned incense. Both of them were granted the title of county prince, and they wished they could support these two ancestors.
However, after the Anshi Rebellion was settled, one should understand the court's attitude toward the two men as to why Liu Yu and others also wanted to reduce Liu Bei's military power.
It is still a common problem in feudal dynasties. You can be reused in troubled times. When things are more peaceful, power must be returned to the central government.
You are a local military leader and you still hold great power. How could the court not be afraid of you?
Guo Ziyi was dismissed from office and Li Guangbi did not dare to enter the court. This is clear evidence.
Even loyal ministers like Yue Fei and Di Qing were so persecuted by the central court, let alone Liu Bei, a member of the clan named Liu.
As the saying goes, the butt determines the head.
If Liu Bei was a descendant of Emperor Guangwu Liu Xiu, maybe they wouldn't be so afraid, and might even consider handing over the throne of emperor to him.
After all, as long as they are of the Guangwu lineage, they can survive in these troubled times. Who can be the emperor?
Isn’t this how Emperor Huan of Han and Emperor Kang of Han came to power?
But it is a pity that he is a descendant of Liu Sheng, King of Zhongshan, not Liu Xiu, Emperor Guangwu. This is Liu Bei's only flaw.
Therefore, the ministers of the imperial court naturally had to consider the situation of the Han Dynasty. Liu Yu was already over sixty years old and had no sons, so he could not live for a few more years.
Just like in the later classic movie "Underworld", if Big D wants to start a new alliance, he will be targeted by everyone immediately.
What Liu Yu and Yang Biao wanted was to continue Liu Xiu's legacy, not to create a new Han Dynasty.
Therefore, this is also the fundamental reason why Liu Yu and others began to prepare to reduce Liu Bei's military power after Yuan Shao was overthrown.
Hebei is the richest and most populous state. Qingzhou is also developing very well now. It sits on these two major states, and the court has great righteousness. It will be a matter of time to regain Jizhou and bring peace to the world.
They were afraid that if they continued to let Liu Bei go and waited for Liu Bei to capture Jizhou, with the foundation of Qingzhou and Jizhou, sooner or later they would continue to be strong, and then the central government's position would be very embarrassing.
All the troops and horses belong to Liu Bei. Without military power, the court has no right to speak. In addition, there are many people in the court who support him. It is easy for Liu Bei to usurp the throne.
At that time, Liu Xiu's Han Dynasty will end in their hands, and what will they have to do to meet Liu Xiu? So they must do it.
Several people looked at each other with bitter expressions on their faces. Liu Bei was kind to them and never rebelled. He continued to support the Han Dynasty.
Now they want to reduce Liu Bei's military power. It is really a case of repaying kindness with hatred. History books don't know how to write about them.
Only Liu Yu sighed and said softly: "Xuande has always been loyal to the court. The court is ashamed of him for treating him like this. After this incident, I want to make him king. His three brothers will all
What do you think about being granted the title of Marquis and not being hereditary?"
Yang Biao muttered: "Xuande's background is actually not very good. Although he is a descendant of His Excellency Emperor Jing, he has passed through seventeen generations after all. The ancestors of Xuande's great-grandfather were only the Tinghou of Jichuan. Up to his generation, it has been
It is no different from the people in the head of Guizhou. If you want to be crowned a king, you have to be a close relative of the emperor, so it is a bit difficult."
"But his merits are great."
Zhong Fu said slowly: "The great ancestor once decided on the White Horse Alliance. Anyone who is not the Liu family but is the king will be attacked by the whole world. If he does not care about his merits and remains a noble, the whole world will punish him. The original intention is that if you are not a member of the royal family, you cannot be crowned king.
Those who do not have military merit cannot be granted the title of marquis. The Xuande family is indeed far different from His Excellency Emperor Guangwu, but they are still surnamed Liu, and were included in the genealogy by Emperor Kang. They are barely regarded as royal clansmen. In addition, Yuan Shao was pacified and Hebei was recaptured.
For his meritorious deeds, it would be fine if he could be crowned king."
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content! "I don't think it's possible."
Shi Sunrui shook his head and said: "Being a king is not that simple. Liu Xuande, His Majesty and several previous emperors are not close heirs. According to our Han custom, the emperor cannot be named a king unless he is a close relative. If he is the king, I am afraid it will cause criticism. I
I think the position of a general or a tutor is enough."
Zhao Wen thought about it and said, "Your Majesty probably had other considerations in conferring the title of king on Liu Xuande. He was trying to appease Liu Bei. Although Liu Bei is a descendant of the clan, he came from a mountainous background and was grateful for the throne. I am afraid he would not care about military power."
thing."
"I really think so. We want Guan Yu's 100,000 soldiers and horses in Luoyang to give Xuande the throne and comfort him, so as not to make him resentful."
Liu Yu said.
"But it's not easy to violate the ancestral system."
"In troubled times, use extraordinary rules. Besides, Xuande is a descendant of the clan, so it doesn't count as a violation of the White Horse Alliance."
"I think it is enough to give him the position of general at most, and there is no need to make him a king."
"It's better to be crowned king."
Several people discussed it one after another, but no one had a unified opinion.
As I said before, the Han Dynasty did not mean that if you were a descendant of Liu Bang, you would be considered a clan member, but it should depend on whether you were included in the royal genealogy. Once you were included, you would at least be a Tinghou.
It can be said that the difference between being included in the royal family tree and not being included in the royal family tree is the watershed between becoming a clan.
For example, Liu Bei's great-grandfather Liu Hui was the Marquis of Jichuan Ting, so Liu Hui could be regarded as a clan member of the Han Dynasty. However, by the generation of Liu Hui's son Liu Xiong, Liu Bei's grandfather, there was no title, which meant that he was not included.
The clan is not considered a relative of the emperor.
And even if you are admitted into the clan, it is not easy to be crowned king. Except for Cao Cao, who dared to call himself King of Wei, the other kings must be close relatives of the emperor, such as brothers, cousins, etc.
Can.
Therefore, even if Liu Bei has been personally entered into the family tree by Liu Hong, Emperor Kangxi of the Han Dynasty, logically speaking, he can only be promoted step by step like a minister. No matter how great he is, being given to a general or a tutor is the limit.
To be crowned king, unless Liu Bei is Liu Yu's nephew or Liu Hong's brother or cousin, it would be difficult to ascend to heaven.
However, Liu Yu felt that he owed Liu Bei too much, so he proposed to make him king.
Yang Biaoshi and Sun Rui felt it was not feasible and raised objections.
Zhongfu Zhao Wen felt that given Liu Bei's achievements, it might be possible, so he agreed.
And the most important thing is that being crowned king can appease Liu Bei's emotions.
They planned to seize Liu Bei's army in Luoyang, a hundred thousand troops, and exchange them for a king. It was considered an exchange of interests. No matter how you think about it, this deal was not considered a loss.
In this way, among the four ministers, 2 voted against and 2 voted in favor, and it was left to Liu Yu, the emperor, to make the final decision.
Liu Yu thought about it for a long time before making the final decision.
"Xuande did his best for the country and helped the Han Dynasty in times of crisis. He is also a member of the clan and should be crowned king!"