I, Liu Bian, the hero

Chapter 33

On April 26, Emperor Ling summoned a group of ministers in the Chongde Hall, and then set up a court meeting to discuss the commander-in-chief of sending troops to conquer the rebels in Liangzhou. Liu Bian also went to attend.

Since Liu Bian came up with a solution, which not only solved the problem of military expenses, but also allowed Emperor Ling to reap a lot of money, Emperor Ling also valued this son more and more, acquiescing to Liu Bian standing at the top of the palace and listening to the court proceedings.

Being able to visit the Chongde Palace to read memorials from various places, and to attend the court proceedings, to be honest, this is not far from the 'Jianguo', but for some reason, Emperor Ling still did not canonize Liu Bian as the prince.

Liu Bian also took this matter aside: since he can't get a legitimate status for the time being, he should sit down on the facts and subtly make the officials accept his existence.

It is worth mentioning that, compared with the previous few days when the courtiers were vying to curry favor with him, today many courtiers look at him a bit wrongly. The reason for this is nothing more than Liu Bian's support for Zhang Rang, Zhao Zhong and other eunuchs to make him a marquis. This touched the red line in the hearts of many scholars, thinking that this Shihou had been deeply deceived by the eunuch.

Hate it, hate it, most people can't help it, they can't change camp to support Donghou Liuxie, right?Wouldn't that have betrayed General He Jin?

Therefore, headed by Zheng Tai, the former censor, the court officials had very complicated attitudes towards Liu Bian.

During the court meeting, the eunuch Zhu Jun did not regret the oath he had made a few days ago, and took the lead in asking the Emperor Ling to send troops to hunt down the thieves. His eloquent words almost convinced the Emperor Ling.

When Hussar General Dong Zhong saw it, he quickly stopped him and said, "The Liangzhou rebels are brave and good at fighting, far superior to the Yellow Turbans. Although Zhu Jun has the merits of begging for the Yellow Turbans, he is impulsive and reckless, so he is not suitable to be the commander-in-chief!"

Zhu Jun was furious, and refuted Dong Chong on the spot: "When a certain soldier sent troops to hunt for the thief, you were still breastfeeding in your mother's arms!"

In all fairness, Zhu Jun's words are untenable. After all, it was ten years ago when he was the first to beg for thieves.

But most of the people in the hall still sneered, because Dong Zhong had the least seniority.

Liu Bian also laughed out loud.

Although he had known for a long time that the officials above the temple might not be as elegant as the world imagined, and insults and fights in court often occurred, but seeing Zhu Jun scolding vulgarly, he also found it quite interesting.

You know, Zhu Jun once worshiped You Zhonglang as an official, and he can be regarded as one of the highest military positions in the Han Dynasty.

What?Captain?

That's just a fake job.

Faced with the mocking sneers from everyone in the hall, Dong Chong was so angry that his face flushed. Fortunately, he still remembered the Queen Mother Dong's instructions, took a deep breath and said to Lingdi solemnly: "The previous two attempts by the imperial court to suppress thieves all failed. Now for the third crusade, the important person should be appointed. The general is the brother of the empress. He is the pillar of the country. He is in charge of various armies and is proficient in military affairs. Send troops to conquer!"

As soon as the words fell, the hall suddenly became quiet, and even He Jin suddenly turned his head to look at Dong Zhong, keenly aware that Dong Zhong was trying to kill him.

Others were also aware of it, such as Sili Captain Yuan Shao, who immediately said: "Your Majesty, although the Yellow Turban has been destroyed, there are still remnants in various places. The general should sit in Luoyang and defend the capital..."

Before he finished speaking, Huben Zhonglang General Yuan Shu glanced at Dong Zhong maliciously, and said, "If you want to talk about the pillar of the country, Dong Huanqi is not bad. Your Majesty, it is better to appoint Dong Zhong to conquer the rebels!"

In the following time, He Jin, Yuan Shao, Yuan Shu and others were seen arguing with Dong Zhong, and the argument was so intense.

This made Liu Bian's heart flutter slightly.

After all, he actually tends to let General He enter and dispatch troops to beg for thieves. It doesn't matter whether he can win in a short time or not, and it doesn't matter whether he loses or not. The important thing is that he can do something during this time to help second uncle He Miao controls Henan, but it's a pity that the idiot Dong Zhong is too eager, anyone can see that he has a dark secret.

After a while, the quarrel between He Jin and Dong Zhong finally made Emperor Ling feel impatient, and the palace meeting of that day was also brought to a halt.

Seeing this, Liu Bian left, while Huang Fusong, Zhang Wen, and Zhu Jun called Shangshu Lu Zhi: "Lu Shangshu, please take a step to speak."

The three invited Lu Zhi to a place outside the hall, and immediately Zhang Wen said to Lu Zhi with concern: "Hanyang was invaded by the rebels, and it was in a critical situation, but the court and the central government were sluggish in vain because of the struggle for power and profit. If this continues, Hanyang may not be able to survive." ..."

Immediately afterwards, Zhu Jun also said seriously: "Please Lu Shangshu to play for me, Your Majesty, I, Zhu Jun, would like to lead the army to go out, and if I can't win, I am willing to die."

Seeing that the three people were very anxious, Lu Zhi was very emotional, and said helplessly: "Anyone can see what happened today. It must be that Yongle Palace secretly instructed Dong Zhong to recommend a general in order to weaken the He family. I'm afraid I can't persuade His Majesty with a few words."

Seeing this, Zhu Jun said again: "Since that's the case, please recommend Shi Hou for me, and ask Shi Hou to come forward to persuade His Majesty to appoint me to fight against the enemy."

Lu Zhi hesitated for a moment, then nodded: "Okay."

Ever since, Lu Zhi took Huangfusong, Zhang Wen, and Zhu Jun to Jiafang Palace where Liu Bian lived.

Logically speaking, the courtiers should not meet with the prince in private, otherwise not only the courtiers will be impeached, but the prince will also be implicated, but now most of the palace is against the He family, except for the people in Yongle Palace, otherwise there is no one will do this.

No, Lu Zhi and his party met two teams of imperial guards on the way, and were asked where they were going. When the team of the two guards heard that Lu Zhi and the others wanted to go to Jiafang Palace to ask Shihou, they did not dare to stop them at all. .

That's right, with the backing of Empress He inside, Zhang Rang, Zhao Zhong, Guo Sheng and others on the side, and He Jin and He Miao's support outside, besides, Liu Bian also has the "bad name" of killing Fang Dian Ling with a stick. Offend this Shi Hou?

Not long after, Lu Zhi and his party came to Jiafangdian, which made Zhao Chun a little wary of Fangdian, but after Lu Zhi explained his intention, Zhao Chun was relieved, and immediately reported to Liu Bian: "Your Highness, Lu Shangshu brought you Huangfusong, Zhang Wen, and Zhu Jun came to ask for an audience."

At that time Liu Bian was playing with Cai Yan, or teasing Cai Yan to relieve his boredom, he was startled when he heard this, and he went out of the hall to invite Lu Zhi and the others into the hall.

During this period, Cai Yan also ordered the eunuchs in the palace to prepare herbal tea.

Seeing Cai Yan who was five years older than Liu Bian, Huang Fusong, Zhang Wen, and Zhu Jun looked at each other in blank dismay.

Of course they knew that this was the daughter of Cai Yong, the doctor of Dongguan in the past, and they also knew that Liu Bian forcibly brought her here through the eunuch's connections, but looking at the situation now, it seems that the two are very affectionate, which is completely different from what the three of them had imagined before. .

"Thank you Cai Ji."

Seeing that Huangfusong and the others didn't know how to address Cai Yan, Lu Zhi smiled and demonstrated.

"Lu Shangshu is serious."

Cai Yan smiled slightly. Compared with the time when she entered the palace, she looks much plumper and prettier. The main reason is that her temperament has changed, and she is gradually moving closer to Empress He. However, she still doesn't like wearing jewelry, except for sewing in the palace. The other clothes were very simple, which set off the purity and dignity even more, making Lu Zhi and the others nod secretly.

As a junior, having met Huang Fusong and other officials who had pleaded for justice for her father, Cai Yan wisely went back to the West Hall, leaving Liu Bian and a few others in the East Hall.

Seeing this, Huangfusong secretly praised, and immediately said to Liu Bian first: "Thank you Shihou for his ingenious plan this time, for raising military funds."

Liu Bian waved his hands and said with a smile, "It's good that the three of you don't dislike the origin of the money."

This made Huangfusong and the others a little embarrassed. After all, they actually had disgust in their hearts. However, no matter how disgusted it was, it was better than letting the soldiers go hungry and lack military pay - this is why they did not stop the eunuch from being a marquis this time. reason.

After exchanging polite greetings, Zhu Jun explained his purpose of coming, and asked Liu Bian to recommend him as the commander of the bandit suppression, and even said something like 'if you can't win, you will behead me'.

Seeing this, Liu Bian shook his head, and said half-jokingly: "The rebel army that neither Du Xianghou (Huangfusong) nor Zhang Weiwei could wipe out, how did Zhu Taifu make such an oath with full confidence?"

"Uh……"

Seeing Huangfusong and Zhang Wen looking at him, Zhu Jun was embarrassed and couldn't speak.

Seeing this, Liu Bian said solemnly: "As I said that day, I know that the rebels in Liangzhou are so powerful that it may be difficult for the court to win in the short term. The key lies in the court's determination to put down the rebellion. In my opinion, the three They are all qualified and capable of serving as the commander in charge of countering the rebellion, but there is no need to issue a military order, otherwise, wouldn’t it be tying your hands?”

"Your minister is reckless." Zhu Jun said with emotion, Huangfu Song and Zhang Wen also nodded secretly.

Seeing this, Liu Bian asked again: "Since Zhu Taifu intends to go out, do you know if he has a specific strategy?"

Zhu Jun couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed when he heard the words. He just resented Liangzhou's rebellion, invaded Hanyang, and hated the court for wanting to appease the bandits. That's why he stepped forward when Huangfusong and Zhang Wen were defeated one after another. How could he have time to consider any specifics? strategy.

So Liu Bian looked at Huangfusong and Zhang Wen, and asked, "Do you have any suggestions from Du Xianghou and Zhang Weiwei?"

Huangfusong and Zhang Wen looked at each other and murmured in their hearts, but in the end Huangfusong still expressed his thoughts: "The minister failed in begging for thieves in the past, so he dared not give any advice. Since Marquis Shi asked about it, I have the audacity to say a few words. ...Whether it is Beigong Boyu and Li Wenhou in the past, or today's Wang Guo, Han Sui, and Ma Teng, they all have high prestige in Liangzhou, and they do not hesitate to reward their subordinates. Therefore, whether they are Han people in Liangzhou, Qiang and Di Yicong are willing to serve him. If the court soldiers and horses are eager to win, it may be difficult to do so. You might as well defend Hanyang first, establish a firm foothold, and then take it slowly. , Ma Teng's prestige in the local area makes the rebels fearful, as long as the rebels have fear, they will not all attach themselves to Wang Guo, Han Sui and other thieves, and they can send a large army at any time to break them!"

"What Du Xianghou said is very true." Zhang Wen nodded in agreement, and said cryptically: "I saw Shi Hou said earlier that he would not hesitate to put down the rebellion in five, ten, or twenty years. If Shi Hou really endured it, I decided The rebels are bound to be defeated!... I dare not absolve myself of the crime, but the reason for my aggressive advances in the past was because I was pressed hard and forced to do so..."

He didn't say who was urging him hard, but everyone knew that it was nothing more than an eunuch holding back and telling Zhang Wen that he could not win for a long time, so the Emperor Ling sent envoys to urge Zhang Wen many times, which forced Zhang Wen to take the risk. Defeated by the rebels for rushing deep.

Therefore, now that Liu Bian was ready for a protracted war with the Liangzhou rebels, Zhang Wen felt very lucky for Zhu Jun. At least with this Marquis Shi in the court, Zhu Jun would not have to follow in his footsteps.

After Liu Bian carefully listened to Huangfusong and Zhang Wen's suggestions, he was slightly disappointed.

Just because he Huangfusong and Zhang Wen said so much, but there is only one sentence in summary: take it slowly, don't act too hastily.

But with just this one sentence of experience, how can they defeat the Liangzhou rebels who are now stronger than the imperial army?

Thinking of this, Liu Bian said seriously to several people: "Marquis of Duxiang, Zhang Weiwei, Zhu Taipu, would you like to hear my opinion?"

The three of Huangfusong were taken aback when they heard the words, and looked at Liu Bian with strange expressions, thinking that this Marquis Shi is young and has never been involved in military affairs, what advice can he give?
Even, Huangfusong and Zhang Wen secretly complained.

Liu Bian also noticed the expressions of the three of them, and he didn't take it seriously.

It is undeniable that Huangfusong, Zhang Wen, and Zhu Jun are indeed the most experienced Hanchens at present, and he is only a ten-year-old child. However, this ten-year-old child stands on the shoulders of giants and can see To the scenery that the three of them could not see far away.

"Let's listen to my opinion first."

He smiled and said irrefutably.

(End of this chapter)