Han family achievements

Chapter 418 Means
While Liu Bian was writing his diary in Chen Liuguo, Cao Cao, who was in Bingzhou, was not idle either.

Taiyuan County, Jinyang County.

Cao Cao and Wu Jing were sitting on the main seats. On their left were the prefects of the nine counties of Bingzhou.

The seats reserved for the county captains on the right are all vacant, except for one.

In the inland prefectures, counties and counties of the Han Dynasty, the chief official generally held full power, that is, administration, military power, and justice were integrated.

In the border counties, there are often commander-in-chiefs with the power to lead troops to deal with enemy attacks.

After Bingzhou experienced the Qiang rebellion, Xiongnu raids and other incidents, all nine counties were assigned county captains. In other words, the military power of Bingzhou was actually in the hands of the captains of each county, rather than under the governor or prefect of the state.

Wu Jing glanced at the nine vacant positions and suddenly said with a smile: "Cao Sima, maybe the captains are delayed on important matters. Why don't we just start? We won't wait any longer."

Cao Cao had no expression on his face, sitting still and looking straight at the door.

The nine eunuchs stared intently at the newly appointed governor of the state and the right Sima Cao Cao of the Grand Sima Mansion, with their thoughts wandering.

The imperial court clearly wanted to transfer military power from the imperial court or the Chancery to the Grand Sima Mansion. It was originally an official matter, but the captains of various counties had reasons to resist. For one thing, they were used to being free at the frontier and were unwilling to accept the imperial court's orders. Strict laws'. Second, they have always been led by the Zhou Mu, but now they suddenly have to take orders from the Grand Sima Mansion and the Bing Cao who suddenly appear, which is 'very unaccustomed'. Third, once they are separated from the complex local network of relationships, they will be rootless and find it difficult to gain a foothold.

The nine prefects looked at each other with different expressions, but no one said a word.

'Separation of military and political power' is about military power and has nothing to do with them. But Wu Jing, the Xinzhou shepherd, was here to remind them that there was another thing related to them - the joint military counties.

Shangshutai plans to merge the nine counties and ninety-eight cities in Bingzhou into six counties and fifty-nine cities. This will result in the loss of three prefects and thirty-nine county magistrates. Who is missing and whose people are missing? ?
This is also the reason why the nine governors had to come.

They have to fight for themselves and the people below them!

Cao Cao remained silent, and the others couldn't speak either. They could only look at Wu Jing.

After Wu Jing said something, he stopped moving, like an old monk sitting still, silent.

'I have helped all I can. I still want to stay in Bingzhou, but I won't offend anyone because of you Cao Cao. ’ Wu Jing was convinced, so he had no intention of offering any more help.

Cao Hong, Cao Ang and others were also standing on Cao Cao's left side. There was anger on their faces and they were holding back.

Cao Cao didn't speak, Wu Jing didn't speak, and the others didn't dare to say a word.

Everyone had their own thoughts and sat at attention, but in fact, their peripheral vision was focused on Cao Cao.

I don't know how much time passed, but Cao Cao opened his eyes slightly and said, "Is it half past the time?"

Cao Hong immediately stepped forward and said in a deep voice: "Go back to Sima You, it's halfway over."

Cao Cao hummed, turned to Wu Jing and said, "Wu Shijun, according to the rules, you command a total of 20,000 state, county and county troops, which should be enough to deal with some minor changes, right?"

Wu Jing's expression changed slightly and he said calmly: "Cao Sima, these are city defense soldiers and cannot be mobilized unless necessary. This small incident refers to..."

Cao Cao's eyes were extremely calm and he said: "According to the plan of the Grand Sima Mansion, soldiers and horses from all places will be collected and placed under the jurisdiction of the imperial court. They will be stationed in Yanmen and Taiyuan. The nine county captains are drinking. I, Sima, will go and meet for a while."

Wu Jing suddenly had a stern look on his face, put a hand on the back of Cao Cao's hand, and said: "Cao Sima, don't be angry. The captains of each county have led troops for many years, and the relationship is complicated. If force is used to cause unexpected consequences, neither you nor I can afford it." !”

As a soldier, it is a major matter for the country, and you must be cautious in every move. Once there is a mutiny, the world will be shaken.

Cao Cao stood up and left the Yamen directly with everyone watching.

Wu Jing looked at his back, his expression gradually became serious, and he shouted to the clerk beside him: "Go, keep an eye on them. If there is any movement, report it immediately!"

"Yes." The clerk responded and retreated from the side door.

Wu Jing's face was not good-looking, and he was worried that Cao Cao would cause trouble and he would take the blame. He looked at the nine prefects in front of him with more and more displeasure. He snorted coldly and said, "I know that all the governors have something to say, but I, The official's ugly words are at the forefront. The "New Deal" aims to eliminate bad government, stabilize the people and strengthen the country. It is a national policy that benefits the country and the people! I don't care what you think, I advise you to accept your thoughts, at least from the outside. Everyone should give my unanimous support to the "New Deal". Whenever I hear someone criticizing the "New Deal" and being a two-faced person, I can kill He Yong at the chancellery, and I can kill you too!"

The nine county captains were immediately filled with awe, and they all raised their hands and said: "I will take your orders!"

He Yong's fate is really shocking.

He Yong did not resign, but was detained in Honglu Temple. His opposition to the "New Deal" gradually spread, and he was regarded as a "sycophant" between the government and the public!

They can accept resignation and just wait for the wind to change, and they can rise again at any time, but they are labeled as 'sycophants', which will not only cut off their own career, but also bring trouble to the clan!

This is absolutely unacceptable to them!
Seeing their attitude, Wu Jing calmed down a little and said calmly: "However, don't worry, everyone. I will try my best to take care of you after merging counties and counties. There are vacancies for prefects in various places. There are many county magistrates. I can personally recommend them to you." Seek a good future with my disciples and old officials.”

"Thank you so much, envoy." When the nine people heard this, regardless of whether they believed it or not, they still raised their hands and said with gratitude.

Jiangdong forces represented by Wu Jing showed signs of rising in the imperial court, and everyone felt somewhat comforted, not as nervous and apprehensive as before.

Seeing that this stick was very useful, Wu Jing said with a smile on his face: "Also, according to the new regulations, the prefecture captain is in charge of the prefecture city defense troops, and his position is second only to his own officer. Anyone who is interested or wise can do so. You can self-recommend or recommend to the official. As well as the governor of the state, county, and county, you can go directly to the imperial court. If you are of low rank or have a good position, you can self-recommend. "

The nine people's eyes instantly lit up, and their expressions were moved.

These official positions have great benefits. The captain of the state is second only to the state pastor. This is an important position. There is no telling when he will be promoted to the state pastor or enter the court.

The "Zhisu Duwei" was originally a Beijing official, with a low position and high power, and could be promoted in the court at any time.

The crowd couldn't help but whisper. If they weren't still scrupulous and didn't know much about the new state pastor, they might have recommended themselves and their disciples on the spot.

Wu Jing became more and more satisfied, stroking his beard and feeling quite complacent.

On the other side, Cao Cao came to a restaurant and stood downstairs, his narrow eyes flashing coldly.

Cao Ang followed him, hesitated again and again, and whispered: "Father, you must be careful."

Cao Hong lost his temper and said in a cold voice: "They are eating and drinking here and letting Sima wait over there. Why should they be cautious? Let's just arrest them all and see what they have to say!"

Cao Cao looked unmoved and said, "Have you been transferred?"

Cao Ang looked back and said, "We'll be there in half a quarter of an hour at most."

Cao Cao directly raised his feet and walked upstairs.

Cao Ang was worried, but he followed closely.

As soon as they walked up the stairs, Cao Cao, Cao Ang, and Cao Hong heard various shouts.

Cao Cao walked up with no expression on his face and arrived at the second floor. With a glance from the corner of his eye, he saw in the private room not far away, people were drinking and shouting like thunder.

In the private room, the nine county captains were already drunk and their faces were red, and they had stopped talking. One of them, tall and thick-set, stared with big eyes and said angrily: "I remember back then, when I was in Shangdang, I stood in front of His Majesty. The Huns' arrows were like rain, but I was so stunned that I didn't even take a step back! Later, Your Majesty even patted me on the shoulder. Say I'm good."

"Ah, I remembered. Old Chen was born in the Forbidden Army and has been with His Majesty all year round..."

'Old Chen' snorted proudly and said: "How did your majesty get surrounded by the Huns at that time? It was not Cao Cao who lured him here. At that time, I thought he had ulterior motives, but now it seems that he is indeed a traitor!"

"That's right! Cao Cao wants to take our military power and ask us to go to the garrison for training. Why? When I joined the army, Cao Cao didn't know where to pee and mud!"

"Why does he want to check our food and grass? I got the money and food from my grandfather and my grandmother. Did I take a grain of it? Did Cao Cao give me even a little bit?"

"Since Emperor Wu established Wuyuan County, my Wang family has been stationed there for generations, resisting the Xiongnu for hundreds of years. Why should he, Cao Cao, transfer us away? Wuyuan County has made mistakes. Can he, Cao Cao, bear the responsibility?"

……

Each of these people smelled of alcohol and vented their dissatisfaction with Cao Cao wantonly.

And Cao Cao stood there, taking in everything.

Cao Ang and Cao Hong looked ugly. Several times they wanted to step forward to teach these people a lesson, but Cao Cao reached out and stopped them.

"Father!" Cao Ang whispered through gritted teeth.

However, Cao Cao smiled slightly, strode forward, and said loudly: "Everyone is here, which makes it easier to find Cao Cao."

There was an instant silence in the noisy private room, and everyone turned to look at Cao Cao, who was approaching in a hurry.

Teng Teng stare

There were various sounds of stools, chairs and plates. Someone stood up a little more awake, raised his hand to Cao Cao in panic and said: "Cao Sima."

Some people were shaking their heads under the influence of alcohol, as if they didn't hear anything.

Cao Cao smiled warmly, entered the box, pulled up a chair and sat down, laughing loudly: "Sit down, everyone. Cao Cao doesn't eat people. Today, Cao Cao has brought you good news."

Everyone was still struggling to sober up, and they were a little unable to react to Cao Cao's 'good news'. They just stared at Cao Cao, their faces flushed and their eyes twinkling.

'Old Chen' did not stand up, he poured the wine to himself, and coldly snorted: "Good news? What good news can there be? If you want our soldiers, our money, and our food, it will almost cost us our lives." , good news, are you going to kill us now?”

Sitting with him was Zhang Qi, the captain of Yanmen County. He drank all the wine in one gulp, slammed the glass on the table, and roared angrily: "I have guarded Yanmen for thirty years, and I have no merit but hard work." , how could the court treat me like this?”

Others immediately felt the same way. While they sympathized with Zhang Qi, they also felt infinite hatred towards Cao Cao.

Seeing the sudden turn of events, Cao Ang couldn't help but become anxious.

These people are rough bosses in Bingzhou. They are used to being wild and wild all year round. They have no rules. In addition, they are drunk. If one of them is bad, the three of them will have to answer here.

Cao Cao sat there, motionless, and said with a smile: "Zhang Qi, over there in Yuzhou, there is a shortage of a mature and prudent county captain, with double the salary and a house. Why bother to stay in Yanmen, a bitter and cold place? You are here. Over there, when the descendants of the same clan enter the Imperial Academy, the superior ones will be admitted first."

Zhang Qi, who was originally angry, suddenly opened his eyes wide and said: "Can a descendant of my own clan really enter the Imperial Academy?"

Zhang Qi was born a commoner, and he spent his whole life and accumulated countless military exploits before he was awarded the official position of Captain of Yanmen County. However, he was a commoner after all, and he could not hide his descendants from the same clan.

Cao Cao nodded and said, "This is the rule of the court."

Zhang Qi looked moved and couldn't help but stand up. He couldn't help but glance at 'Old Chen' from the corner of his eye.

'Old Chen' drank one cup after another, indifferent to Cao Cao's words.

Cao Cao took in Zhang Qi's expression, his smile did not diminish, and he said louder and louder: "Zhen Chen, His Majesty often mentioned you in the palace, saying that you were very brave back then, standing in front of him, and not afraid of death. I miss you." Don’t be afraid of delaying your future.”

Zhan Zhan's expression changed suddenly, he sat up suddenly and said anxiously: "Your Majesty, did you really mention me?"

Cao Cao's smile became even brighter and he said: "As I said, you were under the city wall at that time, and I patted you on the shoulder, asking you to work hard and be granted a title or something like that in the future."

Chen Chen immediately knew that what Cao Cao said was true.

Because that's what Liu Bian said to him under the walls of Shangdang!

"His Majesty!"

With a puff, Chen Zhen knelt on the ground, facing the direction of Luoyang, and cried out: "Wei Chen, I'm sorry for your cultivation. I haven't seen any achievements so far..."

Cao Cao immediately stepped forward, helped him up, patted his arm, and said in a deep voice: "Man, how can you cry and cry? Cao Cao is over forty and has only a small amount of ability. You are still several years younger than me, how can you give up on yourself? ?”

Zhan Chen gritted his teeth, wiped away the tears on his face, knelt down on one knee, and said loudly: "Cao Sima, as long as you are given orders, I will do whatever you want!"

"The same goes for the final general!" Zhang Qi hurriedly followed.

"The general is willing to obey orders!"

With these two people taking the lead, the others didn't dare to hesitate. They all knelt down and said in unison, "I'm willing to obey my orders."

Cao Hong and Cao Ang looked at each other and secretly breathed a sigh of relief, greatly admiring Cao Cao's methods in their hearts.

"stand up!"

Cao Cao stood in front of everyone and said loudly: "I am also the leader of the army, how can I not know the hardships you are waiting for? As long as I am here, I dare not say that the generals will be ennobled, but there is no problem in being promoted to the third level!" "

All the people immediately respected and feared Cao Cao, and they bowed their heads and obeyed his orders.

Cao Cao took everyone to sit down, added seats and changed dishes. Cao Cao sat on the main seat and chatted and laughed with the nine county captains.

Cao Cao has experienced battles for a long time and can be regarded as a veteran general. The battles he recounted ranged from following Huangfu Song to conquer the Yellow Turban Army, to resisting the Qiang people, and then to pacifying the Qingzhou Yellow Turban Army, subduing the Black Mountain Army, and conquering Dong Zhuo.

A series of war stories were told, and until late at night, the lights in the box were still bright, and there was endless talk and laughter.

Inside the official office of Jinyang.

When Wu Jing heard the news, he was greatly surprised and wondered: "It is said that Cao Cao is a reckless man, how could he do this?"

Cao Cao bribed nine county captains with just one meal. Such a method was not something a reckless person could do.

(End of this chapter)