Han family achievements

Chapter 449 Tian Feng’s cruelty

The Han Dynasty adopted a system of demotion, so no matter how prominent they were at the time, they would not have much to do with the royal family after three generations, let alone after three generations.

Therefore, after Liu Bei claimed to be King Jing of Zhongshan, he still weaved mats and sold shoes, without getting any benefits from the court.

The old Liu family also has many up-and-comers, such as Liu Hong, Liu Yu and others, who have become the three nobles through their own efforts. Although they are members of the clan, that is only in name, and their actual status is no longer a clan member, they are just common people.

Liu Yao and Liu Dai brothers are also from the clan, and their seniority can be regarded as Liu Bian's imperial uncle.

But this kind of relationship that can't be achieved with eight poles is just a gimmick and actually has no special use.

Liu Bian looked at the list in his hand with a strange and condensed expression. These people were not only members of the clan named Liu, but also wealthy noble families. They were entrenched in Xiao County, but were they just Xiao County?
What about other counties in Yuzhou? What about the Han states?
When large noble families monopolize power, they will intensify the annexation of land and enslave the people more unscrupulously, making the already intensified conflicts even more irreconcilable.

In the past few years, Liu Bian has been trying his best to curb land annexation in order to achieve land reform, and he has used countless methods. But now it seems that the effect is not much, or even none!

Lu Yu watched Liu Bian deep in thought and stood respectfully aside, shaking his head secretly.

Liu Yao was also well-known, and he was highly praised by both the government and the public. The fact that Yuzhou pastoralist fell to Liu Yao was also the result of joint recommendations from the government and the public.

But now it seems that the issue of river management and the wanton exploitation of clans have touched His Majesty's bottom line.

I don't know how long it took, but Liu Bian looked up and looked out the window. The sound of rain hitting the edge of the window was like a drum. The heavy rain seemed to be unable to stop for a while.

"Lu Yu, I want to meet Zhu Jianping." Liu Bian said softly.

Lu Yu followed Liu Bian's gaze and looked out the window and said, "Your Majesty, are you summoned to Yuzhou?"

Liu Bian frowned, then took a deep breath, shook his head irritably, and said, "Let's wait until we return to Beijing."

Lu Yu responded silently, mentally counting his experiences along the way.

"His Majesty!"

Suddenly, Shi A strode in, handed over a letter all wet, and said: "Your Majesty, an urgent message from Yanzhou."

Lu Yu turned around and took a look. When he saw the red seal, his expression suddenly changed. He hurriedly took it and brought it to Liu Bian.

Liu Bian tore it open quickly and pulled out the letter inside.

This kind of red seal is the highest level of 'urgency' in the Imperial City. Unless it is an important event, this kind of seal will not be used.

The content also lives up to the red seal.

Liu Bian's expression was as usual, and his eyebrows were locked together at some point.

He was both shocked by the contents of the letter and a little relieved at the same time.

Then, Liu Bian narrowed his eyes, handed the letter to Lu Yu, and said, "Take a look and guess what Luoyang's reaction will be."

Lu Yu was already very curious, but he still endured. After receiving the letter, he lowered his head and looked down. His eyes were filled with horror, and it changed repeatedly. After a while, he looked up at Liu Bian and stammered: "Your Majesty, Cao Cao Sima, really, really slaughtered three cities..."

This is the news from the secret guards of Yanzhou Imperial City. Five days ago, Cao Cao massacred Jinxiang, Shanfu, Fang and three county towns in Shanyang County, Yanzhou. According to the estimate of the secret guards, there were at least 30,000 people. Being slaughtered.

Not only Lu Yu was shocked, Shi A, who sent the letter, heard it clearly and was also in disbelief.

Marching to fight, dealing with enemies, massacring cities and destroying countries is common. In today's Han Dynasty, although there will be censure, it is not a big deal. Others don't say it, Huangfu Song even showed up in Beijing.

But Shanyang County is different. It is a peaceful place and the capital of Yanzhou under the absolute control of the imperial court. Who dares to massacre the city here?

Lu Yu's words were incomplete and he was extremely worried about Cao Cao.

This matter cannot be concealed. Once the news reaches Luoyang, the government and the public will definitely explode, and Cao Cao will be the target of public criticism!

It's the kind of attack where thousands of arrows are fired in unison, like rain of arrows!
Who can withstand such an attack?

Liu Bian didn't really want Lu Yu to guess anything. He knew better than anyone how Luoyang would react.

He stood up gently and came to the door. He looked out in the direction of Luoyang through the heavy rain and was in a daze.

This is destined to be another big storm, and at the center of the storm, in addition to Cao Cao, there is also the emperor Liu Bian.

In just five or six years, Cao Cao was promoted from Xiyuan School Lieutenant to Liu Bian and became a Sima in the Grand Sima Mansion. He presided over the military affairs of the Han Dynasty and was the de facto Grand Sima.

Over the years, Cao Cao did a lot of extraordinary things, and Liu Bian tried his best to protect him and constantly promoted him.

But for the massacre of three cities, if Liu Bian did not give a clear explanation, it can be clearly foreseen that the government and the opposition would not give up.

Liu Bian is not afraid of the uproar between the government and the public, but he needs to maintain the stability of the court and concentrate on implementing the "New Deal", solving bad governance, and stabilizing people's livelihood.

Instead of falling into endless conflicts.

Cao Cao posed another big problem for Liu Bian!

I don't know how long it took, but Liu Bian suddenly said: "Five days? Didn't Cao Cao submit a letter?"

Lu Yu immediately said: "Not yet. If there is, it should be on the way out of Luoyang."

It is unclear whether Cao Cao wrote a letter to defend himself, and the Imperial City guards did not give a reason for Cao Cao's massacre.

Things are still in confusion.

Liu Bian's face straightened, his eyes as sharp as a gleam, and he said, "Go back to Beijing."

Along the way, we have seen almost everything, and it’s time to go back.

Lu Yu felt uneasy and said, "Your Majesty, are you going back now?"

Liu Bian nodded and said: "Let's go to Xiang County first, and leave now. Send a message to Huang Zhong and Liu Dai, instructing them to stabilize the situation and stop talking nonsense for the time being."

"Yes." Lu Yu responded with his scalp numb.

Liu Bian stood under the eaves with his hands behind his back, thinking about this matter in his heart.

He must control the situation and resolve it as soon as possible, and cannot let it continue to ferment.

It just so happened that he went to Xiangxian County to inspect some river management situations. During this period, it was almost time to summarize what happened in Yanzhou.

Zhao Yun and others received Liu Bian's order and rushed over, but Liu Bian had no intention of talking to them, turned around and entered the study, and shooed everyone away.

Not long after, Zhao Yun, Sun Ce and others also found out, and they looked shocked and couldn't believe it.

Lu Yu and Zhao Yun said: "General Zhao Zhonglang, when preparing to set off, we must be on strict guard. If necessary, we can mobilize troops from Yu and Xu." Zhao Yun raised his hand and said, "I understand."

It’s not clear what the reason was for Cao Cao’s massacre of the city, but it’s important to be a charioteer, and we must make sure nothing happens!

Liu Bian set off.

Braving the heavy rain, we left Xiao County and headed towards Xiang County, not far away.

The news of Cao Cao's massacre could have reached Liu Bian earlier, but because of Liu Bian's whereabouts, the Imperial City Mansion took countless detours.

However, the current information transmission is not developed well, and the massacre has not spread yet, so there is no news in Yuzhou yet.

In Xiang County, everyone was busy fighting the flood.

As the dirty work of river management was revealed, everyone from Liu Yao, Liu Bei, Tian Feng to the prefectures and counties along the river were alarmed, as if they were facing a formidable enemy.

It would be okay if the embankment does not burst, but once the embankment breaks, the consequences will be disastrous.

Some people want to cover up some things through the breach of the embankment, while some people are worried about being held responsible after the embankment breaks. In the intricate network of relationships, river management is proceeding with difficulty.

Pei County official office.

Tian Feng came back in the heavy rain, and without caring about anything else, he directly said to Liu Yao who was already waiting: "Mr. Liu, I borrowed two million, and I still have five hundred young men."

Liu Yao was sitting there, with pieces of paper on the small table, leaning over and writing vigorously.

He seemed not to have heard what Tian Feng said, and wrote as he wrote: "Three counties and seventeen counties are involved. I have already sent them documents. The number of young people that Pei County can mobilize is only 3,000. With so many river mouths, it is simply not enough." use……"

Tian Feng sat down opposite him and asked, "Mr. Liu, what did Lord Xuande say?"

Liu Yao shook his head and said: "He can't be of much help. I have a lot of people in custody. You have to order people to look after them alive. You can't let them escape or let them die."

"Don't worry, Mr. Liu." Tian Feng understood that they were all corrupt and arrogant in the management of the river.

These people deceived them and the court, and the water behind them is unknown how deep it is.

Once someone escapes or dies, they in Yuzhou cannot explain it clearly with a hundred mouths.

How could Liu Yao feel relieved? This heavy rain made him understand a lot of things. He was a Yuzhou Shepherd in name, but in fact he was isolated and deceived about many things, like a puppet.

Putting down the pen, looking at a piece of paper, his expression was as stiff as iron, and he said: "It's difficult to handle. I'm afraid the embankments will break in more than just those places. If the heavy rain continues, not only those counties will be flooded, but half of Yuzhou will be flooded." To be implicated.”

Tian Feng had already expected it and said seriously: "Liu Gong, what we can do now is to raise money and food as much as possible, recruit young people, transport wood and stones, and use all means to plug the gap."

Liu Yao didn't even raise his head and said: "I have said all the good things to those families, and they all agreed. But if I go to ask for money again, I won't see anyone. Now we can only rely on ourselves."

Tian Feng's expression changed and he sighed softly.

He spent all his words and made many promises, so he borrowed two million yuan from three families, which was equivalent to two thousand mins and two thousand taels of silver.

A drop in the bucket.

"How long can we hold on?" Liu Yao suddenly raised his head and looked at Tian Feng.

Tian Feng was startled, then quickly reacted and said: "It's hard to say, it could happen at any time."

Liu Yao looked silent for a while and said, "I'm going to see Liu Xuande to see if I can get some of his military pay."

Tian Feng shook his head directly and said: "He himself doesn't have enough, so he keeps asking the court for more. Even if he can squeeze it out now, there won't be much."

The cold winter has just passed and the summer harvest has not yet arrived, which is the time when the harvest is in decline.

Liu Yao, who was about to stand up, slowly sat back down and said, "Do you have any other ideas?"

Tian Feng looked at Liu Yao, his eyes flashed with a stern and cold light, and said: "Liu Gong, it's not like there is nothing."

"What can I do? Tell me quickly!" Liu Yao said with a brightened expression upon hearing this.

Tian Feng's eyes were like swords, he came closer and whispered: "Those people have committed so much corruption, they must not have had time to hide it. Now it should be enough to interrogate them strictly and search their homes immediately!"

Liu Yao's expression suddenly changed and he said: "It's necessary! I don't know who is behind them. If we act rashly, we might become the scapegoat for the Hun River bursting its banks. That would be a serious crime to kill the clan!"

Tian Feng snorted coldly and said: "Mr. Liu, at this point, we can't hesitate! Once the Hun River bursts its banks, even if Mr. Liu uses those to pay for his crimes afterwards, who knows if they haven't already made an excuse and are waiting for Mr. Liu and... Are the officials and others throwing themselves into a trap? If the Hun River does not burst its embankment, Liu Gong will be fine. Once the embankment breaks, Liu Gong will be the one to blame!"

Liu Yao's face twitched, he looked at Tian Feng, opened his mouth, and said: "Yuan Hao, I care about you..."

He didn't know what to say. Why did Tian Feng, who was so easy to talk to before, suddenly speak so sharply?
Tian Feng became more and more serious and said: "Mr. Liu, it is urgent and there is no need to hesitate. As long as you nod, the other matters will be taken care of by the officials. As long as the money and food are obtained, the Hun River will be able to prevent the Hun River from bursting its banks. The credit afterwards is Liu Gong’s guilt will be borne by the lower officials!”

When Liu Yao heard what he said, his heart trembled, but he insisted: "Nonsense! I am not the one who blames others!"

Seeing that he didn't let go, Tian Feng glanced outside the door and said, "Mr. Liu, once you decide, I believe that the first order from the court is to order Liu Xuande to detain Mr. Liu to Luoyang for questioning!"

Liu Yao's mouth trembled, his expression stiffened, and he stopped talking.

He naturally knew that what Tian Feng said was right and it was bound to happen.

But convicting those people and ransacking their homes is fine in Xiang County, but once they leave Xiang County, who can control them?
Liu Yao didn't even dare to think about who was behind them and what they would lead to!
The Chancellor's Stand, the Censor's Stand, the Gong Cao, any one of them would be enough for Liu Yao to suffer!

Tian Feng saw that Liu Yao was still hesitant, his eyes dimmed, and he said calmly: "This is what I have said. Liu Gong should think about it carefully. I will go back to sleep."

Seeing Tian Feng was about to leave, Liu Yao hurriedly said: "Yuan Hao, wait a minute!"

Tian Feng sat back calmly and looked directly at Liu Yao.

Liu Yao looked at him for a moment, moved away quickly, wriggled his lips, and said dryly: "Yuan Hao, is it really possible? There are big shots behind them, maybe more than one."

Tian Feng knew Liu Yao's estimate and snorted coldly and said: "Liu Gong, this matter is simple. After the house is ransacked, they will either be executed or commit suicide in fear of crime, and everything will be covered up. Even if there are people behind them, we don't know how much evidence we have. , Not only will he not embarrass us, but he may also be quite polite. "

Liu Yao was secretly shocked, how many people were going to be killed?
Is this Tian Feng so cruel?
Liu Yao struggled in his heart, thought about it, and gritted his teeth and said: "Okay! Yuan Hao, go ahead and do it. I will go to Liu Xuande to borrow troops. If anyone messes around, kill them first!"

Liu Yao was also forced into a corner by Tian Feng's words and had no choice but to take action.

The Hun River is really going to burst its banks, and his three tribes will be wiped out!

Seeing that Liu Yao finally let go, Tian Feng straightened his expression and said in a deep voice: "Mr. Liu, this matter must be done quickly. There must be no delay, let alone any leakage of information! I think, now, I know that the captain of the city gate is Liu Gong’s nephew should be trustworthy.”

Liu Yao didn't expect Tian Feng to be in such a hurry, and wanted to slow down, but he heard Tian Feng say: "Mr. Liu, don't talk to Liu Xuande clearly for the time being. He is a man of benevolence and righteousness, and he cannot see this."

(End of this chapter)