Han family achievements

Chapter 389: Various tricks

The fifth year of Yonghan ended in a staggering manner, and the first year of Jian'an arrived as scheduled.

The courtiers concluded their last day of official duties and began their annual annual holiday.

As if they had already formed a habit, the government and the public alike stopped fighting and relaxed in preparation for the New Year.

Three banquets were held in the palace. The first banquet was mainly for the palace. Empress Dowager He personally hosted it, Liu Bian and the women in the palace, the prince, etc. were not big, but it was very lively.

In the second game, it was mainly the royal family members. Since Emperor Ling was adopted, there were very few royal family members, but there were quite a few foreign relatives, including dozens of people from the He family, Cai family, Tang family, etc.

The third scene was for the officials of the outer court and the public. This scene was the busiest, with hundreds of people crowding the Qufei Hall.

Liu Bian showed his benevolent demeanor, courteous to his corporal, friendly and gentle, and mingled with the courtiers. He kept shuttling among the courtiers with a wine glass in hand, and the atmosphere was very lively.

The banquet didn't end until midnight. Almost everyone was guilty and staggered out of Qufei Hall.

Liu Bian returned to Jiade Hall drunkenly and drank a large sip of strong tea to sober up a little.

Huangfu Jianchang stood aside respectfully and solemnly. When Liu Bian raised his head to look at him, he quickly stepped forward and raised his hand and said: "Reporting to your majesty, after my investigation, I have not found any wrongdoing by Wang Lang. I have had many contacts with him recently." Most people are talking about the 'New Deal' of the Tingwei Mansion and nothing else."

Liu Bian patted his forehead, exhaled the smell of alcohol, and said thoughtfully: "What's going on with Yang Biao's letter?"

Huangfu Jianchang seemed to be hesitant and said: "The Imperial City Mansion has conducted many inspections and found nothing wrong. According to the inference of the Imperial City Mansion, perhaps Mr. Yang just wanted to show his presence."

"Presence?"

Liu Bian suddenly realized something, nodded, and said with a smile: "It makes sense. Wang Lang is also showing his existence. He is unwilling to be suppressed by the 'Yingchuan Party' and can only follow him."

Huangfu Jianchang did not comment on these, he just based on Cheng Yu's inference, seeking truth from facts in return, without a trace of embellishment or personal gain.

Liu Bian's mind was a little groggy, and he muttered: "Where is Cao Cao?"

Huangfu Jian was silent for a moment and said: "I didn't find anything. Cao Sima entered and exited the palace on time. When he returned to the mansion, he stayed at home and no one entered Cao's mansion."

Liu Bian held the tea cup, smiled and said, "What do you think of Cao Cao?"

Huangfu Jian raised his hand and said, "I don't know."

Liu Bian looked at him for a moment and did not embarrass him. He said, "You don't have to worry about Wang Lang's affairs. Next, your main tasks are three: first, keep an eye on Cao Cao. 'Separation of military and political affairs' is my national policy. It cannot be changed, but the most important premise is that my Han army must be loyal to me! Not to the Great Sima Mansion or anyone else!"

Huangfu Jianchang maintained a respectful expression and said: "I accept the order."

"The second thing,"

Liu Bian's eyes were stern and he said: "It's about the rebellion within the territory. Yuan Shao, Liu Biao, Liu Zhang, the scholar family, and the San Qiang. We must continue to infiltrate. I want to know their every move. I don't care what means they use. I don't care. What's the matter with me?" , I’ll give you the full details.”

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

Liu Bian was still very satisfied with Huangfu Jianchang's reaction. He nodded slightly and said, "The third thing is from outside the country. The Xiongnu, Wuhuan, Xianbei and Qiang people will use their means. When necessary, the border counties County as well as the army, you can call."

Huangfu Jianchang was moved this time, but he quickly regained his composure. He raised his hand and said, "I...accept the decree!"

After Liu Bian said these three things, he took another sip of tea and said, "Well, just these three things. By the way, I heard that Zhou Yu has been communicating frequently with Wu Jun recently? Is there any movement from the Navy? ?”

Zhou Yu and Sun Ce were originally sent to Luoyang by Sun Jian as "hostages". Sun Jian was later attacked by a surprise attack and died of serious injuries soon after. Sun Ce took the risk and escaped from the Forbidden Army camp, but Zhou Yu was retained and has been placed in the Penglai Navy.

This Penglai Navy was originally the Jingzhou Navy. Shortly after Yuan Shu's rebellion, he was transferred to Penglai by Liu Bian and has remained silent until now.

Huangfu Jianchang didn't expect Liu Bian to ask this suddenly. He thought about it carefully and said, "I didn't receive the report. I will go back immediately to investigate and report back to Your Majesty."

Liu Bian took a sip of tea and said, "That Zhou Yu is very important, and the navy is even more important."

Huangfu Jianchang understood instantly and said: "I accept the decree."

Liu Bian's drunkenness hit him again, and he suppressed his fatigue and said: "These few years will not make you as hard as the previous years, but don't take it lightly. If anything happens, go ahead and report it immediately."

Huangfu Jianchang raised his hand and said: "I accept the order and leave!"

Liu Bian watched him leave, then put down his tea cup, stood up staggeringly, and said lightly to Zuo Li not far away: "Do you understand your responsibilities?"

Zuo Li used to be thin and weak, with a snow-white complexion. Now he looks quite wealthy, with rounded corners of his face and a pair of small eyes that look increasingly cold.

He hurriedly stepped forward and said: "You know, this villain is keeping an eye on all officials in the government and the public in Luoyang to monitor the officials."

Liu Bian hummed, waved his hand and said, "Go ahead."

Zuo Li bowed and waited for Liu Bian to walk out before going out.

Liu Bian left the back hall and went directly to Yongjing Palace.

Compared to Da Qiao, Liu Bian still likes Xiao Qiao who is mature on the outside but immature on the inside.

There was peace in the palace, and rare silence outside the palace.

The courtiers came out of the palace and went back to their respective homes. Some were fast asleep, some were reunited with their families, and some were gathering with close friends.

Xun You, who was drunk and drowsy in the palace, was now full of energy playing chess with Chen Lin.

Chen Lin was called to Luoyang by Xun You and has been staying in Xun Mansion as a "staff member". Not many people outside know about it.

Chen Lin was the chief clerk of General He Jin's Mansion in his early years. When He Jin made further attempts to commit suicide, Chen Lin sensed the danger and escaped first.

At that time, Xun You, who was also a staff member of the general's palace and recommended by He Jin as Huangmen's minister, chose to stay.

This move and stay has created a completely different status between the two.

Chen Lin had persuaded Xun You to leave together back then, but seeing that Xun You was now a very popular minister and the most popular 'father' in the dynasty, she felt mixed emotions in her heart.

However, he did not reveal anything on his face as he played chess and said with a smile: "Mr. Xun is still worried that Wang Lang will join forces with Cao Cao?"

As a right-hand servant, Xun You can be compared to the three previous masters. It is not an exaggeration to call him "gong".

Xun You did not hide anything in front of Chen Lin. He frowned and said: "Wang Lang is different from Yang Gong. He has kept a low profile for many years. I ignored him before. Now he suddenly jumps out and has an unpredictable relationship with Cao Cao... I am worried. If you are careless, it will be a disaster." Chen Lin looked up at Xun You and said, "Mr. .”

Hearing this, Xun You raised his eyebrows high and couldn't help but let out a long breath. He looked at Chen Lin and said, "You are not in court, so you don't understand the ambiguity. I will only tell you one thing. After the Prime Minister entered the palace, His Majesty gave a blunt warning. : No more party strife."

Chen Lin was a little surprised and said: "Your Majesty... warned the Prime Minister directly?"

This is no small matter. If the palace becomes suspicious of the Prime Minister, it will be an extremely scary start!

Xun You shook his head and said: "It's not what you think. You don't understand His Majesty. It's okay if Your Majesty says it. The most terrifying thing is that he didn't say anything."

Chen Lin vaguely said, "Xun You, let's take a look. With Wang Lang's situation, there is no chance that it will happen anytime soon. The 'New Deal' cannot be separated from the Prime Minister, Xun Gong, and Zhong Gong."

When Xun You saw Chen Lin asking him to stop, he smiled faintly and said: "Chess is like an officialdom. If you don't advance, you will retreat. You and I are intertwined in attack and defense, and we have interactions with each other. Only then can we look for opportunities to win. If we only defend without attacking, defeat is only a matter of time."

Chen Lin was puzzled and said: "Your Majesty, please speak frankly. If Mr. Xun takes action again, aren't you afraid of arousing His Majesty's anger?"

Xun You admired Chen Lin's foresight and talent, but was not happy with his cautious character. He said: "Kong Zhang, if you want to deal with a person, you must not only use swords, guns, swords and halberds on the surface, but also axes and axes on the surface." ."

Chen Lin looked confused, raised her hand and said, "Please ask Mr. Xun to clear up my doubts."

Xun You smiled contentedly, stroking his beard and said: "It's actually simple. I do things for Wang Lang, one after another. I don't need to do anything or make plans. I just need to wait for him to make mistakes, one after another."

Chen Lin was frightened. Xun You was planning this. As long as he did things normally, Wang Lang would be trapped in the quagmire and unable to extricate himself!

At a certain time, with just a slight push, Wang Lang and the people behind him will be shattered into pieces and die without a burial place!

Chen Lin didn't reveal her face, pretending to be worried and said: "Mr.

Chen Lin's words are straightforward enough. Once Wang Lang is really destroyed, the palace will definitely doubt, or even not doubt, that the "Yingchuan Party", which is the dominant one, will also find it difficult to have a good situation.

Xun You calmly said: "I am not those eunuchs from the Twelve Constant Attendants, and I am not as arrogant as the general. I have my own way to make the palace feel at ease."

"Then I wish Duke Xun that he will get his wish." Chen Lin smiled to hide her inner uneasiness, and she felt a strong intention to leave.

Xun You also smiled and said: "Kong Zhang, you have a beautiful mind and amazing talent. In the early years of the Han Dynasty, your Majesty even specially recruited you, but you have never found him."

Chen Lin looked ashamed and said: "In order to write a book, after I left the General's Palace, I hid in the withered temple in the mountains, studied hard in isolation, and missed His Majesty's edict."

At this time, there are many scholars who live in hiding from the world and avoid chaos. They are commonly known as "hermits". Whenever they encounter unacceptable things, they often use this excuse to avoid them.

"There is a vacancy for the Minister of Li Cao. Is Kong Zhang interested?"

Xun You also knew whether to believe it or not, and said with a smile.

Chen Lin, who already had the intention of leaving, didn't dare to accept it. She quickly raised her hand and said: "Mr.

Xun You waved his hand and said: "With me here, what important task is there? It's settled. Your Majesty is so sure. He will take office after the year and participate in the Yuan Yuan Changing Ceremony together."

Chen Lin never expected that Xun You had already made arrangements for him!

Being tied to death on the Yingchuan Party's boat, Chen Lin felt chilled in her heart, her face remained calm, and she raised her hand and said: "Mr.

When Xun You saw Chen Lin agreeing, he laughed, stood up and pulled Chen Lin over, saying, "Okay, I'm happy today. Kong Zhang, let's go, follow me to the Prime Minister's Mansion. Today, I won't come back until I'm drunk!"

Chen Lin felt bitter in her heart and could not break free, so she could only follow Xun You to the residence of Prime Minister Xun Yu.

This visit completely confirmed Chen Lin's identity as the Yingchuan Party member, which would be difficult to change.

At this moment, Cao Cao's mansion was unusually deserted.

Cao Cao had been wandering for many years, and due to his personality problems, he was not close to his family. After dinner, Cao Cao walked around in the yard alone.

Unknowingly, I came to the small courtyard where Guo Jia used to be.

Standing at the entrance of the courtyard, Cao Cao subconsciously picked up the wine bottle at his waist and took a long sip.

After drinking the cold wine, Cao Cao opened his eyes wide and could not help but look up to the sky and sigh.

Since Guo Jia's death, Cao Cao has become a drunkard without knowing it. He never leaves his jug. Every time he drinks, Guo Jia's voice and smile appear in front of his eyes.

"Fengxiao..." Cao Cao looked at the dark sky and felt uncomfortable in his heart.

He originally thought that after quelling Dong Zhuo, he, Cao Cao, would be able to become famous and powerful, and at least be granted the title of Marquis. However, Guo Jia expected this, and instead of succeeding, he was almost convicted and imprisoned.

Now, his army has been taken away, his generals have been dispersed, and he is the only one left in the yard where he used to play and play in the past.

Bewildered and frustrated.

"General, why are you drinking alone and sighing at the moon?" At some point, Jia Xu, dressed in white, appeared in front of Cao Cao.

Cao Cao looked at Jia Xu and then remembered that Guo Jia's yard was originally given to Jia Xu.

Cao Cao's face did not change, his expression was in a trance, and he said: "The road ahead is bleak and there is no place to stand, so I sigh deeply."

There was no expression on Jia Xu's face as he said: "The general has a Sima, and soon he will be a great Sima. One person is worth more than ten thousand people. Who in the world doesn't admire him? Nowadays, rebellion is everywhere and barbarians invade the border. This is where the general can use his strength. , Why don’t you know the way forward, why don’t you have a foothold?”

Cao Cao frowned, looked at Jia Xu and said, "What do you mean by Wen He, is there still a day when my representative will go on an expedition in the future?"

Jia Xu looked puzzled and said: "How could it not be possible? As for Yuan Shao, Liu Biao, Liu Zhang, Sanqiang, Wuhuan, and Xianbei, except the general, who else can pacify them? Your Majesty ordered the general to be You Sima and strictly implemented the 'separation of military and political affairs' , instead of entrusting you with important tasks and waiting for the opportunity?"

Cao Cao sobered up in an instant, and his confusion disappeared. He narrowed his eyes slightly, looked at Jia Xu, and said: "Wen He's words... are very reasonable. However, I am worried that I may not be able to wait until that time alive."

Jia Xu shook his head and said: "Your Majesty can only do it. With the ability of a general, how could he die for no reason? It was just a small mistake. The general was not only not guilty, but also meritorious."

Cao Cao clearly felt that there was something in Jia Xu's words, his eyes flashed and he said: "Wen He, how can you help me?"

Jia Xu said: "If the general's embezzlement is reported by his servants, many people will be happy and have a good year."

When Cao Cao heard this, he burst into laughter and said: "Small wisdom, great wisdom, literature and great talent. Today, I will drink ten jars of wine!"

Jia Xu smiled and remembered what Guo Jia said before leaving: Cao Cao is a man of strong nature and can achieve great things if his strength cannot be overthrown.

(End of this chapter)