Han family achievements

Chapter 316 Blazing murderous intent

The situation in Luoyang city is changing, people's thoughts are moving, and there are countless shadows in the dark.

But what is surprising is that the day after Liu Zhang fainted from excitement, Liu Yan's memorial arrived on Liu Bian's desk.

Liu Bian touched his chin and said with a strange smile: "Our Ambassador Liu is really anxious."

This is Liu Bian's tea room in the back hall of Chongde Hall. Xun Yu sat across from him and said with a serious smile: "Your Majesty, it seems like Liu Yan really doesn't have much time left to live."

Liu Bian threw down the memorial and said: "First appoint the governor of Chengdu and Mianzhu, and ask Zhang Liao to withdraw. Liu Yan is so sensible, I have to give this imperial uncle who is about to die a little face."

Xun Yu said: "The selection of the minister's desk has been made. Your Majesty, would you like to make any further arrangements for the military power?"

Liu Bian shook his head and said, "It's not that easy, but you can give it a try. What do the Qing family think of Liu Zhang?"

Xun Yu paused for a moment and said, "According to my observation, Liu Zhang is a little clever, but he does not have great wisdom or courage, and he is not strong enough to rule Shu. It should not be too difficult for the imperial court to take back Yizhou in the future."

Liu Bian smiled even more and said: "The Qing family's judgment should be good. Now that the matters in Liangzhou and Yizhou have been settled, Dong Zhuo will be next."

A look of concentration appeared on Xun Yu's somewhat mature face, and he said: "Your Majesty, have you really decided to annihilate Dong Zhuo?"

Liu Bian looked at Xun Yu and said with some curiosity: "The reason why we didn't fight in the past few years was because we really couldn't fight. It was because I suppressed the militants in the government and the opposition. After a few years, the court gained some strength and could definitely fight. , why are the Qing family still hesitant?"

Xun Yu and Liu Bian looked at each other and said, "Your Majesty, are you really determined to destroy Dong Zhuo?"

Liu Bian raised his eyebrows, reached out to pick up the tea cup, and said, "Qing family, continue talking."

Xun Yu sat upright, pondered for a moment, and said: "If Your Majesty is determined to annihilate Dong Zhuo, considering Dong Zhuo's situation, it will take three months, or at the latest half a year. But after Dong Zhuo is annihilated, Liu Biao, Yuan Shao, Shi Xie and others will not be able to do it." If we do not continue the conquest, the imperial court will be unable to support a continuous and long-term war. I believe that your Majesty has already seen through this."

Liu Bian drank tea, his expression remained calm, and he sighed secretly in his heart.

Smart people are smart people, and there are some things that really cannot be covered up.

Liu Bian put down his tea cup and said frankly: "What the Qing family said is exactly what I am concerned about. I am the emperor, not Dong Zhuo, Yuan Shu and other rebellious people. I can unscrupulously drain the lake and fish without caring about the lives of the people."

Xun Yu said: "They are doing it for themselves, Your Majesty has to worry about the Han Dynasty; they only care about the present, and Your Majesty has to worry about decades or even hundreds of years, which is different."

"However, I think we can still give it a try,"

Liu Bian looked at Xun Yu and said: "Wuhuan, Xianbei, and the Xiongnu are ready to move. I don't want to start a war on both sides."

Xun Yu was silent for a while and said: "Your Majesty, I feel that this battle may not end as quickly as expected. If it is delayed, the consequences will be disastrous."

The Han Dynasty had actually fallen apart a long time ago. State pastors, county guards, and even county magistrates all over the country had become powerful, and the court's orders were like waste paper.

After Liu Bian succeeded to the throne, he painstakingly implemented the "New Deal", with the purpose of gradually returning the fallen power to the court, accumulating strength, and rebuilding the prestige of the Han Dynasty.

But once the long-term war begins and the imperial court exhausts the energy accumulated in the past few years, it is likely to return to the Zhongping period, and it will be even more dangerous!

"so,"

Liu Bian stared at Xun Yu with burning eyes and said: "Qing family, the 'New Deal' must be fast and spare no efforts - time is the antidote to all problems!"

Xun Yu's heart tightened, and he took a breath secretly and said: "I understand. However, we must be cautious about conquering Dong Zhuo."

Liu Bian leaned back and said with a smile: "I will set up a 'New Deal Supervision Department', mainly to supervise the progress of the 'New Deal'. I will not hesitate to remove all obstacles to the 'New Deal'. By the way." , I heard that Xun You has more and more differences with the Qing family and has more concerns about the 'New Deal'. Yi, Yu, or Jiaozhi are all still vacant, which one do the Qing family think is suitable?"

Xun Yu's expression suddenly changed, and he immediately bowed and said: "Your Majesty, Gongda and Chen only have policy differences. They are not at fault and can be bridged."

Liu Bian picked up the tea cup and said calmly: "That's good. Sima Jun is seriously ill and has resigned, and I have considered it. I will personally select the person to be punished. Tingwei will enter the Shangshu desk, and Liu Xie will attend the daily meetings of the Shangshu desk and supervise Political affairs.”

Xun Yu couldn't tell that his majesty in front of him was very dissatisfied with their attitude and speed in handling the 'New Deal', and he was putting further pressure on them.

"I accept the order." Xun Yu said with a solemn face and bowed.

Liu Bian put down his tea cup and said: "This year's exams are still more than a month away. There are some vacant courtyards outside Hongdu Gate. Let people clear them out and let those who take the exams in Luoyang live for free. There is an open space next to Taixue. Simply build some walls and arrange tables and chairs according to the number of people taking the exam. The exam questions will be issued by the Chancellor and must be kept strictly confidential. The invigilator will be responsible for the examination, and Taichang Temple is not allowed to participate. Isn’t Dongguan revising books? The top thirty people will enter Dongguan first. , and then fill the vacancies after careful inspection. This year, there are 2000 applicants and 400 people, so 350 people will be admitted. Now the six cao and nine temples in the imperial court are familiar with government affairs, and they will gradually place them in half a year..."

Xun Yu listened carefully and said, "I understand."

Liu Bian snorted and said: "We must curb the annexation of land by aristocratic families from all over the country. The 'clearance of land and household registration' must continue. For the aristocratic families that stubbornly resist orders, regardless of their size, they will be directly forcibly relocated. Jiangdong is a vast land with few people. What’s missing is people!”

Hesitation flashed in Xun Yu's eyes, and after a moment, he still said: "Your Majesty, are you too intense and anxious?"

Liu Bian picked up the tea cup again and said calmly: "Qing family, 'caution' is a good advantage, but sometimes it can also be a fatal shortcoming. Be cautious when you should be cautious, be aggressive when you should be aggressive, this is what you should have style of conduct.”

Xun Yu had already fully sensed Liu Bian's eagerness. He remained silent for a long time and said, "I accept the order."

Liu Bian nodded with a smile and said: "I will summon the Grand Sima Mansion and the Criminal Cao Shangshu later, and order them to mobilize troops and horses to once again clean up the banditry in the northern states. The Shangshutai will rotate the chief officials of the prefectures, counties and counties. We must continue to cooperate with the Yushitai and the Beijing inspection of officials and officials to clarify the administration of officials. This is the current priority of the Shangshutai..."

Xun Yu felt pressured as he listened to the holy sermons.

After the discussion with Xun Yu was finished, Liu Bian summoned Liu Yu and Huangfu Jianshou again. The next day there were various court discussions and meetings, and he was so busy that his feet could not touch the ground.

On the other side, the situation in Jiangdong is also evolving beyond everyone's expectations.

First, Sun Jian died of illness, and Wu County temporarily became an ownerless land.

The battle between Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan was in full swing and he had no time to pay attention to Wu Commandery.

Liu Biao wrote a letter expressing his undying loyalty to Liu Bian and the Han court.Therefore, he held his troops without moving and took all Jingzhou into his pocket. It was obvious that he wanted to sit back and watch the changes in the world and wait for the opportunity.

Shi Xie was even more low-key, saying he was busy suppressing bandits and had no time for other things.

Dong Zhuo, who was a thorn in the side of the imperial court, had already occupied all the prefectures and counties except Yingchuan, and had many temptations in Yanzhou.

Lu Bu, who had both sides, made great progress and drove Liu Bei out of Xuzhou. After reaching Qingzhou, he still pursued him and captured seven or eight prefectures and counties in Qingzhou. It was not until Sima Fang personally came with his troops to join forces with Liu Bei that it was embarrassing. Can withstand it.

On the other side, Cao Cao returned to Yingchuan, prepared his troops and looked at Xiangxian County.

Xu County, official government office.

In the back hall, a large group of people, including Cao Cao, Guo Jia, Cao Ren, Xiahou Dun, Le Jin, Xia Houyuan, Cao Hong, Yang Xiu, and Sima Yi, gathered around the map and were discussing the strategy of the imperial army.Yang Xiu stared at the map with his eyebrows furrowed and said: "General, when we march to Xiangxian County from here, we have to pass through many important places. These places are basically built as fortresses, which are easy to defend and difficult to attack."

Cao Cao's face was expressionless, dignified and self-concerned, and he did not make a sound.

Last time, he was stuck in Xiaguan by Dong Zhuo, and then fell into the trap one after another, leading to a complete defeat!

Guo Jia drank wine and said: "We are not the only ones who are sending troops. Gongsun Zan, Yuan Shao and Liu Biao from the south will also send troops."

Yang Xiu glanced at him and said: "We only have [-] troops and cannot confront Dong Zhuo head-on. The best way is to join forces together."

Cao Cao's expression moved slightly, he looked up at Sima Yi and said, "What do you think?"

Sima Yi hurriedly raised his hand and messed up the map. He hurriedly corrected it, but it became even more messy. After a while, he raised his hand to Cao Cao and said: "Go back to the general, I agree with the chief of staff. We should unite our troops and concentrate our forces." , fight Dong Zhuo decisively, and destroy Dong Zhuo as soon as possible!"

Cao Cao narrowed his narrow eyes and looked at Sima Yi.

He didn't like this young man. He was too polite and impeccable in his words, but always made mistakes in his actions, like a fledgling, timid and cowardly child.

But Sima Yi came from the Sima family, a wealthy family in Yingchuan, and was a famous talent. Would such a person have this reaction?
"Join forces?"

Cao Cao glanced at everyone with his peripheral vision and said calmly: "Yuan Shao is the rear general, these are their business. What we have to do now is to advance the army and find Dong Zhuo's flaws. We will decide in a battle!"

Guo Jia drank wine and seemed not to hear, let alone speak.

Yang Xiu thought carefully and said: "General, I'm afraid it won't be easy. The imperial court is launching such a high-profile conquest. Dong Zhuo will definitely not send troops rashly. If we want to find Dong Zhuo's flaws, we must first break through the passes on the road. This is very detrimental to us."

If Cao Cao still has [-] troops, he can defeat them, but Cao Cao now only has [-] troops, and his morale is greatly reduced. Dong Zhuo is not a Yellow Turban Army, so ordinary methods cannot be used in his hands.

Cao Ren, Xiahou Dun and others did not speak, they were all waiting for Cao Cao's order.

Cao Cao had been thinking about this matter for a long time, but he had no good solution. He turned to Guo Jia and said, "Fengxiao, what do you think?"

Guo Jia was startled, put down the wine bottle, and said, "General, how is the food and grass collection going?"

When Cao Cao heard this, he subconsciously thought about the implication of Guo Jia's words and said: "Currently, the food and grass can still last for half a month."

In the past, Cao Cao raised grain and grass from places such as Peiguo, Liangguo, and his hometown Qiao County. Now these places are all in Dong Zhuo's hands.

In those northern states and counties, Cao Cao did not dare to reach out, so Cao Cao's money and food were clearly stretched.

Guo Jia pondered for a while and said: "General, please borrow food from Liu Biao, Gongsun Zan, Yuan Shao... whatever you can borrow, I will borrow it!"

Cao Cao looked at Guo Jia's expression, thought for a long time, and couldn't figure it out, and said, "What does being filial piety mean?"

Yang Xiu, Sima Yi, Xiahou Dun, Cao Ren and others all looked at Guo Jia.

In Cao's camp, Guo Jia sometimes spoke more effectively than Cao Cao.

Guo Jia took a sip of wine and said with a smile: "There shouldn't be a fight in a short time. The war between Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan will definitely come to an end in ten and a half months at most. By then, we can't help but decide how to fight and whether to fight. The general has the final say, but it’s the general’s business.”

Cao Cao opened his eyes slightly and understood what Guo Jia meant.

Cao Cao is unable to survive alone, and Yuan Shao must participate in the 'battle against Dong'. At least, all parties must maintain a tacit understanding!
"General,"

At this time, Sima Yi said cautiously: "The lower official believes that attacking from the west is not conducive to our army. If we can unite our troops, it is best to attack from the south, forcing Dong Zhuo to be attacked from the front and back, and divide the troops on two fronts."

Guo Jia's eyes brightened slightly and he observed Sima Yi seriously for the first time.

Sima Yi bowed his body, lowered his head, and was humble and polite. He didn't look like a proud son of aristocratic family at all, but seemed to come from a poor family.

Cao Cao thought thoughtfully, Sima Yi's words made sense, but by doing so, he really handed over the command to Yuan Shao, and he wanted to rely on someone else.

How could he, Cao Cao, be under someone else's care? ?
After being quiet for a long time, Cao Cao straightened up and said, "Then let's wait until the battle between Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan is over. It depends on the situation."

Before Cao Cao finished speaking, Yang Xiu said: "General, do you really do nothing?"

Cao Cao didn't like Yang Xiu either, so he said calmly: "The military advisor will make arrangements, you can go ahead."

Only then did Yang Xiu and others respond and come out.

Guo Jia didn't stay, drank wine, and walked out slowly.

After the others left, Cao Cao was silent for a while, his narrow eyes flashed with a sharp look, he changed into plain clothes, quietly left the government office through the back door, without taking anyone with him, and arrived at an ordinary house not far away.

After entering the private house and reaching the depths of the backyard, two plainclothes servants saw them and quickly stepped forward to salute and said: "Master!"

Cao Cao had no expression on his face and said, "Did you say something?"

One of the servants shook his head and said: "No, do you need a villain to torture me?"

Cao Cao didn't say anything and walked in.

Entering the demolished house, it was a secret room again, completely dark, with two servants carrying lamps carefully escorting them one after another.

Arriving at the depths of the secret room, two more powerful servants came to greet them. Cao Cao just gave a faint hum and came to the cell.

In the cell, a man with disheveled hair and covered with dirt slowly raised his head and stared at Cao Cao with cold eyes.

"It turns out it's you..." The person in the cell remained motionless, his voice sharp and sneering with disdain.

Cao Cao held the sword in his left hand, looked down at him, and said indifferently: "You should know that hiding you secretly is a capital crime. If you can't tell me something useful, you won't survive."

"It means death."

The man in the cell looked at Cao Cao, and said in an arrogant and indifferent tone: "Others don't know you, Cao Cao, but I know it very well! That night when Yuan Shu slaughtered wantonly in Luoyang City, you also killed a lot of people secretly, right?"

Cao Cao's narrow eyes suddenly burst with murderous intent.

(End of this chapter)