Han family achievements

Chapter 314 Liu Yan is critically ill
In August of the fifth year of Yonghan year.

Luoyang, Imperial Palace, Fanglin Garden.

The hot light was blocked by the layers of leaves, but little stars still shone on the ground, and the cicadas chirped, describing the scorching heat of summer.

Liu Bian paced, with layers of sweat on his head. He raised his head and said, "According to what the Qing family said, the Grand Sima Mansion believes that the 'separation of military and political affairs' cannot be completely separated, and local officials must be given certain powers." , and the power of calling belongs to Da Sima Mansion?"

Huangfu Jianshou, the Minister of War, followed Liu Bian behind him. He bowed with a cautious expression and said carefully: "What Da Sima means is that the northern states are not peaceful. In addition, to pacify the south in the future, troops will be needed to guard and attack." To prevent banditry and stabilize the situation, these requirements were made.”

Liu Bian nodded slightly, came to the pavilion and sat down, and said, "Sit down, have a sip of herbal tea, and speak slowly."

Huangfu Jianshou stood opposite Liu Bian and said, "I'd better say it while standing, because I'm afraid I'll forget it when I sit down."

Liu Bian picked up the teacup and was about to drink tea when he heard this and glanced at Huangfu Jianshou.

Huangfu Jianshou seemed to have inherited the cautious character of his father Huangfu Song. In the court, he kept a sufficient distance from the "Yingchuan Party" and tried his best to stay out of the overt and covert struggles in the government and the opposition.

Liu Bian took a sip of herbal tea and felt the cool air spread from his heart to his whole body. He felt extremely comfortable. He shook his head and put down the teacup.

"I heard that Da Sima went to Shangshutai?" Liu Bian said casually.

Pan Yin on the side said: "Yes, we are discussing things with the Prime Minister."

Liu Bian rubbed the jade pendant in his hand, his heart slowly turning.

Unlike Huangfu Song who did not participate in the affairs of the court and was isolated from the court, Liu Yu, the current Grand Sima, was involved in too many things and had different views on the positioning of the Grand Sima Mansion.

Liu Bian pondered for a moment and then asked Huangfu Jianshou, "What do the Qing family think of this matter of challenging Dong?"

Huangfu Jianshou quickly raised his eyelids and glanced at Liu Bian, and said: "I deeply agree with your Majesty's words of contempt for strategy and emphasis on tactics."

Liu Bian gave a habitual hum, and suddenly realized that Huangfu Jianshou had something to say, and said slightly curiously: "If the Qing family wants to say anything, just say it directly, no need to worry."

Huangfu Jianshou bowed more and said: "Back to Your Majesty, I have recently recruited a staff member, Kuai Liang, a famous scholar in Jingzhou. According to him, the court's arrangements are weak and weak. Unlike the crisis situation, it is definitely not because the court is timid. It’s not caused by money and food, there must be other reasons behind it.”

Liu Bian was surprised and said: "Kuai Liang? Liu Biao's former aide? What conclusion does he have?"

Huangfu Jianshou looked a little cautious and said: "Yes, I dare not hide it. According to his inference, the imperial court's back-up force will definitely be able to wipe out Dong Zhuo at a certain time. Among them, there are three people who are the most critical, one is Cao Cao, and the other is Cao Cao. One is Liu Biao, the third is Yuan Shao, and the other is the Jingzhou Navy in Donglai County, which is ignored by everyone."

Liu Bian narrowed his eyes slightly, smiled calmly and said: "The Qing family is the Minister of War, what do you think?"

Huangfu Jianshou clearly sensed Liu Bian's change of topic, and suddenly realized what Kuai Liang had inferred, and said: "Your Majesty, according to the advice of my ministers, I will use thunderous means to destroy Dong Xu, and use all the troops in Yanzhou to annihilate him as soon as possible. "

Liu Bian sighed silently, Huangfu's ability to strengthen his longevity was still far behind Huangfu Song's, and he was too cautious. He didn't say what he should say, and what he said was empty.

"As for the division of power and responsibilities between Bing Cao and Da Sima Mansion, I have read your memorial, and I will think about it again."

Liu Bian took another sip of herbal tea and said: "I am very satisfied with the recruitment, training, deployment of the army, the development of soldiers and weapons, the total, the storage and allocation of food and grass... I am very satisfied with the Qing family. Many of them require the cooperation of the Shangshutai, and the Qing family Discuss carefully with the Prime Minister and come up with an effective strategy for me."

Huangfu Jianshou raised his hand and said, "I accept the order."

"Your Majesty," Pan Yin stepped forward quietly and whispered, "General Cao Cao is asking for an audience."

Liu Bian hummed, and just as he was about to speak, another person from the Huangmen Gate hurriedly came over, handed over an envelope that looked ordinary, but had the word 'Secret' in big letters, and said: "Your Majesty, there is an urgent secret report from the Huangmen North Temple Prison."

Liu Bian quickly reached out to take it, tore it open and took out the letter, and scanned it carefully and quickly.

After just a moment, his eyes opened and he became deep in thought.

This is a secret letter from Mianzhu, Yizhou, with a lot of content.

Liu Yan was really dying. After careful discussions with his staff and confirming that the court would not release Liu Zhang, they came up with several strategies to 'rescue' Liu Zhang.

One is money and food. Tens of millions of money and food can be given to the court in exchange for Liu Zhang.

If this is not feasible, the second option is to give up Liu Yan and let Liu Zhang succeed Yizhou Mu and be appointed by the court, but Liu Zhang will be the prefect of Mianzhu, and at the same time be the general of Yizhou and supervise the affairs of Yizhou.

There is also a third strategy, which is also the most ruthless. After the imperial court decides not to release Liu Zhang, Liu Yan will stand on his own before his death and hand over Yizhou to Pang Ji, the leader of the local gentry.

Liu Bian had no impression of this Pang Ji at all.

But judging from these news, Liu Yan is really desperate.

At the same time, Liu Bian also clearly realized that this kind of extremely confidential matter should not be spread out so easily and clearly. Since it was spread out, it was for Liu Bian to see!

Liu Bian thought about it and paid attention to the scattered news behind him.

Yizhou was not at peace either. In addition to the constant local banditry, there were also barbarians resisting Liu Yan's rule. They attacked and plundered prefectures and counties from time to time, shaking Yizhou.

"Cao Cao, please see your Majesty!"

Cao Cao came 'suddenly' and knelt down on one knee to salute.

Liu Bian woke up, raised his eyelids, and suddenly handed the letter over, saying calmly: "Take a look and tell me what you think."

Cao Cao responded, took it with both hands, read it carefully, his eyes flashed with a stern look, and he said without changing his expression: "Your Majesty, Liu Yan is very ambitious, and Liu Zhang must not be released."

"Continue." Liu Bian took a sip of herbal tea and was thinking in his mind.

Standing in front of Cao Cao, he glanced at Huangfu Jianshou from the corner of his eye, remained silent for a while, and said: "Your Majesty, I think that we should deal with the Sanqiang first, and then Yizhou. Liu Yan is about to die, maybe the second strategy is feasible."

Liu Bian looked at him noncommittally.

Cao Cao's strategy was actually a forced compromise, and he was still following Liu Yan's plan.

When Cao Cao saw that Liu Bian was silent, his bearded face was hard, and he said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, Liu Yan has died of illness, and it may be a good time to regain Yizhou. I should order the Hanzhong prefect to send troops to Shu!"

Liu Bian shook his head and said: "It is not advisable to attack Shu."

The most terrifying thing about Yizhou is the natural danger. If the imperial court sends troops to attack, let alone not having enough money and food to support it, even if there is, it may not be possible in three to five years!

Cao Cao said nothing more and pleaded guilty.

"Give this letter to Da Sima's Mansion and Shangshutai,"

Liu Bian handed the letter to Pan Yin and said, "I want them to discuss it properly and come to see me in the evening. Also, that Liu Zhang."

"Yes." Pan Yin replied.

After Pan Yin left, Liu Bian's eyes fell on Cao Cao and said: "Sun Ce fled back. The battle between Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan continued. Liu Biao withdrew his troops and consolidated the territory of Jingzhou. Shi Xie asked for the governor of Jiaozhou. Liu Bei and Lu Bu fought several times. Defeated.”

Cao Cao originally thought that Liu Bian would say something. After waiting for a while, but seeing that there was nothing to say, he quickly raised his hand and said, "I will definitely live up to your majesty's kindness!"

Regarding Cao Cao, Liu Bian did not want to restrict him in strategy and tactics. He glanced at Huangfu Jianshou and said, "Whatever you need, tell the Huangfuqing family and cooperate with you as much as possible. In addition, Huang Zhong's troops in Yanzhou, you You can call it, there is no need to worry about the Grand Sima Mansion."

Huangfu Jianshou raised his eyelids. If there was any understanding, he trusted Kuai Liang's inference more and more.

Cao Cao did not expect that Liu Bian would actually give him so much power. This shows that His Majesty in front of him intends to quickly annihilate Dong Zhuo and pacify Yuzhou!

"I accept the order!" Cao Cao raised his hand and responded.After Liu Bian said "hmm", Cao Cao and Huangfu Jianshou left at the same time.

Liu Bian listened to their footsteps and pinched his eyebrows with his left hand.

Things get complicated.

Liu Yan revealed this information, which was obviously a threat to Liu Bian.

But Liu Bian must be cautious and take it seriously.

Liu Yan was about to die, and his only son Liu Zhang was kept in Luoyang by Liu Bian.

If Liu Zhang does not go back, no one will inherit the business that Liu Yan has been running for many years, and there is no telling what crazy things will be done.

Moreover, after Liu Yan's death, if chaos breaks out in Yizhou, it will be as big a trouble to the court as Yuan Shu's rebellion!

"There are also Sanqiang..."

Liu Bian opened his eyes, hugged the tea cup, and muttered to himself irritably.

In Liu Bian's plan and priority order, the Sanqiang were ahead of Yizhou, and they really had no choice but to send troops. Liangzhou was a huge potential threat.

"Go to the Chancellor's Desk."

After thinking for a while, Liu Bian stood up and said.

A crowd of people gathered around Liu Bian, leaving Fanglin Garden and heading to the Chancellor's Desk.

Just after passing through the Chongde Hall, Liu Bian saw not far away, Liu Shao holding a big jar, waiting for him quietly under the bright sun.

Liu Bian was startled, then hurried over and asked doubtfully: "What are you doing here?"

Liu Shao's head was covered with sweat and his clothes were quite wet. He raised the jar in his hand and said, "Father, I brewed tea for you to get rid of the heat."

Liu Bian couldn't react. He reached out and took it. He felt that the jar was cold. He looked around and saw that there was no prison guard or maid accompanying him. He hugged him with one hand and came to the shade of the eaves. He said, "Just ask someone to bring it here. What are you doing?" I ran here and stood in the sun on such a hot day..."

Liu Bian said, pulling his sleeves to wipe the sweat from his face.

The little guy had no expression. He raised his face and said, "I just got here."

Seeing his serious nonsense, Liu Bian looked at the jar in his left hand and said, "Did you just make it?"

The little guy nodded and looked at Liu Bian with clear eyes.

Liu Bian originally wanted to wait for him to speak, but after a while, he suddenly realized and said, "Do you want my father to drink?"

The little guy nodded, with a look of anticipation on his face.

Liu Bian blinked, and from the corner of his eye he saw people coming and going in the Jiade Hall not far away, so he reached out to open it, picked up the jar and took a sip.

After feeling it carefully for a while, he said to Liu Shao: "Well, it's a little bitter and a little spicy."

After Liu Shao finished speaking, he snatched the jar from Liu Bian's arms and said, "My son, please leave."

Before Liu Bian could react, the little guy hugged the jar and ran away quickly.

"Hey……"

Liu Bian put down his half-stretched hand, sighed helplessly, and said, "I also want to say that it tastes good and you can drink it."

Xu Yan stood aside and said with a smile: "Your Majesty, Your Highness has gone back to change things. Your Highness is so pure and filial at such a young age, it is really commendable."

Liu Bian smiled and nodded.

Although his eldest son is a boring gourd, he is impeccable in terms of filial piety.

"Let's go, the imperial chef can rest for the night." Liu Bian waited for Liu Shao's back to disappear, then turned to the imperial palace with a smile.

Xu Yan laughed along with it, and quietly changed his mind.

Regarding the ownership of the 'East Palace', people inside the palace are more anxious than outside the palace.

The Second Highness is naughty and mischievous, and wins the Holy Heart.His Highness is the eldest son, but he has an eccentric personality, but he is simple and filial.

Who does this 'East Palace' belong to? Even Liu Bian's close ministers, no one knows Liu Bian's true intentions.

However, as the two Royal Highnesses are getting older, they cannot escape the final decision.

Liu Bian didn't expect Xu Yan to think so much. When he came to the Shangshu table, a group of people were already there.

"I will see your Majesty." Xun Yu, Liu Yu took the lead, Zhong Yao, and Xun You greeted each other at the same time.

Liu Bian waved his hand and said, "Sit down, I believe you have read it, let's talk about it."

As soon as Xun You sat down, he raised his hand first and said in a deep voice without concealing his anger: "Your Majesty, Liu Yan's ambition must not be tolerated! I want to send troops first as a deterrent. After Liu Yan's death, Your Majesty will give orders and trust If there is any rebellion among the state shepherds, they will be killed!"

Zhong Yao glanced at him calmly and said nothing.

Xun Yu was also silent.

Liu Yu couldn't help it anymore and said: "Your Majesty, it is not feasible to send troops to Yizhou at the moment. I suggest that Liu Zhang be released, but the military power will be returned to the imperial court, and a general will be sent to supervise the military in Yizhou."

With Liu Yu's foreshadowing, Zhong Yao then said: "Your Majesty, perhaps we can adopt a two-pronged approach, with Liu Zhang as the prefect of Luocheng, Yizhou Mu recommended by Liu Yan, and the prefects of Mianzhu and Chengdu appointed by the imperial court, and the Jiange and others handed over to the imperial court. ."

Liu Bian raised his eyebrows. Zhong Yao's idea was interesting.

Jiange is the main road into Shu. With this place in its hands, the imperial court can advance and attack Yizhou, and retreat and defend it.

Chengdu and Mianzhu are in the hands of the imperial court, which is actually equivalent to dividing Yizhou into two, half of which is in the hands of the imperial court.

Xun You shook his head and said: "Liu Yan has been operating in Yizhou for many years and is as ambitious as a wolf. He will definitely not agree."

Seeing signs of a quarrel, Xun Yu said, "Your Majesty, Liu Yan's second strategy is that the imperial court appoints the governor of the state and Liu Zhang supervises the military. It is not necessarily impossible. Liu Zhang has no great talent and cannot achieve anything. The imperial court is slowly trying to implement it, and Yizhou Submission is just a matter of time."

Liu Yu was dissatisfied with this appeasement policy and said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, it is necessary to intimidate, and the main thing is to intimidate. I ask the prefect of Hanzhong to send troops to attack first, and then discuss it later."

Xun You followed closely and said: "Your Majesty, I agree with the wishes of Grand Sima. If Liu Yan cannot make any choice in everything, wouldn't it show that the court is incompetent? Now that Dong is about to be destroyed, the court cannot weaken its momentum!"

A look of concentration appeared on Zhong Yao's serious face, and he said quickly: "Your Majesty, the court cannot withstand another war, and it must take a long-term approach!"

"Liu Yan can't last long, how long will he have to worry about?" Xun You retorted.

Liu Bian, who was sitting in the main seat, frowned secretly.

Has the conflict between Xun You, Xun Yu, and Zhong Yao become public?

(End of this chapter)