Han family achievements

Chapter 522: Rain Before Rain
Liu Bian calculated silently and found that it was true.

He leaned back in his chair, looking thoughtful.

Logically speaking, it is not without precedent that Liu Shao could live in a separate palace within the palace.

But both the government and the public thought that Liu Shao was "stupid", and Liu Bian also wanted to train him.

After thinking for a long time, Liu Bian nodded slowly and said, "Okay, the officials of the Prince's Mansion will be selected by... Lord Cai. More of them should be from common people... Mainly to let the prince know the sufferings of the people."

Cai Yong didn't care about all this. As long as he could get the prince to build a palace, everything else would be easy to deal with. No matter whether he was a commoner or not, he was still the prince's subject!
"I accept your order!" Cai Yong bowed and replied in a deep voice. He looked motionless, but was ecstatic inside.

Liu Bian didn't care what he thought, and said thoughtfully: "The Prince's Mansion doesn't need to be too luxurious, as long as it has everything. As for the guards, I will send the Imperial Guards. The maids and servants of the Prince's Mansion will also be transferred from the palace. Then choose a eunuch to manage the Prince's Mansion until the Prince is sixteen years old."

Cai Yong understood the deep meaning of this, and said calmly, "I obey your order."

Liu Bian reached out and picked up the teacup, feeling a little emotional.

Time flies so fast. Liu Shao has reached the age to leave the palace and set up his own residence.

After Cai Yong sat down, he carefully observed Liu Bian's expression and said hesitantly, "Your Majesty, the court is in turmoil and there are many opinions. Some people suggest that we invite Yang Gong to Luoyang. With Yang Gong's prestige, he is enough to deal with the current predicament of the court."

Liu Bian held the teacup, raised his eyebrows and glanced at Cai Yong, and said lightly: "Qingjia, your current identity is special and sensitive. It is better not to ask too much about the court. If someone comes to you, you must avoid suspicion."

Cai Yong's face suddenly changed. He stood up hastily and raised his hand, saying, "Your Majesty, your Majesty is confused!"

He was terrified and his body was shaking slightly.

Cai Yong didn't expect that just by mentioning it, he would receive a blunt warning from Liu Bian.

This shows that His Majesty has not let go of what happened back then, and the slightest disturbance will arouse his vigilance, even if Liu Shao has been made the crown prince!

Liu Bian hummed calmly and said, "Go ahead. You should make preparations first. I will send an order to the Shangshutai soon."

"I obey your order and will take my leave." Cai Yong suppressed his uneasiness and slowly retreated.

Liu Bian didn't look at him. He waited until his footsteps disappeared and then his eyes fell on an open memorial on the desk.

This is a memorial submitted by Xun Yu, which roughly states that the court is in urgent need of practical talents with rich experience, and suggests recruiting many officials who were implicated in the Factional Persecution.

Most of these officials were defeated in their struggles with the eunuch party, denounced as the evil party, dismissed from office, stripped of their official titles, and never employed again.

After Liu Bian succeeded to the throne, in order to stabilize the government and win over the people's hearts, he lifted the ban on political parties and summoned those officials.

But these people are either panicked, tired of party struggles, or are watching the wind and waiting for the opportunity.

Liu Bian was rejected again and again, and he became angry. Over the years, the number of people he was invited to serve in the army was so few that he could be counted on one hand.

Deep down, Liu Bian hoped to cut off all the filthiness before the Yonghan period, or in other words, before his father, and strive for a new dynasty and a new atmosphere.

At this point, there were only a few old officials before Yonghan in the court, and most of them were employed by Liu Bian. The court was mainly composed of "young people".

Liu Bian pondered for a long time, then put the memorial into a drawer - keeping it without sending it out.

"His Majesty."

Pan Yin came in hurriedly, handed over a memorial, and said, "It was forwarded from the Grand Marshal's Mansion, from Jiaozhi."

Liu Bian's expression changed immediately and he reached out to take it.

After reading it from the beginning, Liu Bian's expression gradually became confused and his eyes flickered.

This was Shi Xie's memorial, and its general content was to request the court to send troops for support, saying that Nanhai County was no longer defensible. Once Nanhai County fell into Yuan Shao's hands, the army could march straight into Jiaozhi County. However, Jiaozhi County had few soldiers and little food, which was not enough to resist, and Jiaozhi was in danger of falling.

Liu Bian thought about it, looked up at Pan Yin, and said, "What did the Grand Marshal's Mansion say?"

Pan Yin said: "The Grand Marshal said that he suggested not to move the troops."

Liu Bian nodded slightly and said, "Call Chief Huangfu Jian."

"Yes." Pan Yin responded and stepped back.

Liu Bian was still reading Shi Xie's memorial, and he always felt strange.

Shi Xie has been holding out for nearly a year. During this whole year, he has never asked the court for help, not even pretending to do so. Now, when it is not even early spring yet, why is Shi Xie writing to the court to ask for help?

Does Yuan Shao have support and can capture Nanhai County?

Or, does Shi Xie have other ideas and wants to take some action?

Not long after, Huangfu Jianchang arrived with an opened secret letter in his hand. He handed it to Liu Bian and said, "Your Majesty, I just received news that Shi Xie seems to have received additional reinforcements."

Liu Bian suddenly understood and glanced at the secret letter. After a moment, he smiled and said, "The barbarians south of Rinnan? It seems that Shi Xie has the ability and confidence to fight against Yuan Shao for a long time."

Huangfu Jian said: "Your Majesty, Shi Xie colluded with the barbarians and was tantamount to treason. His crime is unforgivable!"

Liu Bian put away the secret letter, looked at him and said, "The Grand Marshal's Mansion has already come up with a countermeasure. Three thieves fighting each other is not as good as two tigers fighting each other. Let's just wait and see."

Huangfu Jianchang was surprised by Liu Bian's attitude and asked, "Your Majesty, are you really not going to use troops?"

In his opinion, this was a great opportunity. Whether sending troops to Xuzhou or Jingzhou, it was a godsend opportunity that should not be missed!
Based on your majesty's previous character, you would have been eager to send troops.

Liu Bian knew what he meant, smiled slightly, looked out the window, and said, "Second Master, look at this Luoyang City, isn't it very peaceful?"

Huangfu Jianchang turned his head and pondered the meaning of Liu Bian's words. After a moment, he said very carefully: "Your Majesty, are you talking about the recent "rectification of officialdom" carried out by the Censorate?"

Liu Bian narrowed his eyes, his gaze became deep, and his tone became empty and indifferent. He said, "What's this? What I mean is that Luoyang City seems to be under my control on the surface, but I can clearly feel that some people and some forces have infiltrated and are plotting something. These things are invisible and intangible, but under the clues, I have a sense of... crisis. I haven't felt this feeling for many years, as if... I have returned to the time when I first ascended the throne."

Huangfu Jianchang's expression changed, and he quickly figured things out in a panic.

In the past few years, a lot of people have indeed poured into Luoyang City, and they do have some sneaky intentions, but in Huangfu Jianchang's opinion, they are not enough to threaten Liu Bian.

But when Liu Bian said this, it meant that he had some solid evidence.

Who is it? Who is it that can threaten His Majesty! ?
But he didn't notice it!

"Your Majesty, I will conduct a thorough investigation and wipe out all these villains!" Huangfu Jian said in a deep voice with a stern face. Liu Bian waved his hand, still looking out the window, and said: "After investigating for so long, we still haven't found the root of the problem. This shows that these people are more cautious and smarter than before. The actions of the Censorate may be a trigger, prompting some faster collusion. They are very patient, and I must be more patient than them!"

Huangfu Jianchang's heartbeat quickened, and he could not help but get nervous. He asked, "Your Majesty, what should I do?"

Liu Bian smiled faintly and said, "Just do your job as usual. They are waiting for me to reveal a flaw, hoping to kill me with a fatal blow. I am giving them a chance and waiting for them to make their move."

Huangfu Jianchang suddenly understood, and the doubts that had been in his heart for so long were resolved at this moment.

Countless people in the court and the public are saying that the emperor in the palace has changed.

In fact, Your Majesty has not changed, except that a different big fish has appeared. Your Majesty has turned into a very patient fisherman, waiting for the big fish to take the bait.

Huangfu Jian stared at Liu Bian's profile for a long time, then stepped forward and whispered, "Your Majesty, how long do you have to wait?"

Liu Bian glanced at him and said with a smile: "This is a big fish. He is very patient. If you don't give him enough opportunities, he won't bite the hook. Wait a little longer."

Huangfu Jianchang was very quick-witted and immediately said, "Your Majesty, there is a lot of noise outside the palace right now. The officials who were arrested are from many noble families. They are now boycotting the imperial examinations and wantonly attacking and impeaching court officials. Could they be in collusion?"

Liu Bian turned his head, picked up the teacup meaningfully, took a sip, and said, "Don't worry, just wait and see. They plan their plans, and we do ours. You can go to the south and wander around. You don't have to do anything deliberately."

"That's right, let people know that I am not in Luoyang?" Huangfu Jianchang said with understanding.

Liu Bian hummed and said, "Don't be so deliberate."

Huangfu Jian took a deep breath and said, "I understand."

……

At the same time, in the Secretariat, Wang Lang and Prime Minister Xun Yu quarreled again about the list of official vacancies submitted by the Ministry of Personnel.

Wang Lang was so angry that his face turned blue. He glared at Xun Yu and said, "Prime Minister, the recruitment and transfer of officials is the responsibility of the Li Cao. Even if you are the Prime Minister, you cannot bypass the Li Cao and make a separate list. I do not agree with this list!"

Xun Yu looked calm and said, "There are too many mixed people in the list of officials, and many of them have only talent but no experience in being an official. The court needs talents for governance, not just to fill vacancies."

Wang Lang snorted coldly and said, "Prime Minister, most of the names drawn up by the Shangshutai are from the Yingchuan Party or are related to Yingchuan. Even if this list is presented to Your Majesty, Your Majesty will not agree to it, right?!"

Xun Yu said calmly: "Minister Wang, are you going to disobey orders?"

Wang Lang saw that Xun Yu was trying to force his way out, so he stood up and said, "I cannot disobey the Prime Minister's order, but I will send this list to Your Majesty."

After saying that, he waved his hand and strode away.

In terms of specific government affairs, Wang Lang was not afraid of Xun Yu and the "Yingchuan Party" at all. It was nothing more than a fight of wits, and no one could do anything to anyone.

But Xun Yu had to uphold the authority of the prime minister, and Wang Lang could not confront him head-on, so he could only bring the case to the emperor.

When it comes to the matter at hand, Wang Lang wants to haggle over every penny with the Yingchuan Party.

Xun Yu had a blank expression on his face. He put the two lists together and said, "Send them to the palace."

The clerk on duty took it and asked, "Is it from me or Secretary Lu?"

Just as Xun Yu was about to speak, Xun You suddenly strode over, waved at the clerk on duty, sat down in Wang Lang's seat, handed Xun Yu a document, and said, "Take a look."

Xun Yu reached out to take it, opened it and looked at it, frowning before he finished reading.

This is an official document from Zhu Jianping, the governor of Youzhou. The main content is that after Dong Cheng arrived in Youzhou, he made many great achievements, especially in suppressing banditry and pacifying the people. He led the troops by example and even suffered serious injuries.

Zhu Jianping recounted Dong Cheng's contributions in detail and requested the court to pardon Dong Cheng's crimes.

Xun Yu put down the memorial, looked at Xun You and asked, "What do you think?"

Xun You pretended to be silent and said, "I think it's okay. Since Cao has been pardoned, Dong Cheng is nothing. Besides, the government and the public are in an uproar right now. Pardoning Dong Cheng can also ease the situation a little."

Xun Yu knew that Xun You and Zhu Jianping were up to something here, so he was silent for a while and said, "Okay. But, in Youzhou, tell Zhu Jianping that he must not be careless at all."

Xun You was relieved to see that Xun Yu agreed, and said, "I know Jianping will be careful."

Xun Yu didn't care about this and said, "I am making a plan. After the spring, the Shangshutai and the six ministers will leave the capital one after another to urge the local governments to complete their goals and tasks. At that time, you will also leave the capital."

Xun You knew it well, and asked, "Is this what Your Majesty meant?"

Xun Yu did not hide anything and said, "Yes. I discussed many priorities of the 'New Deal' with your Majesty. We need to further implement it, break through obstacles, and make real progress."

Xun You couldn't help but frown and said, "Tian Feng has caused such a big disturbance, and it's still brewing in the local area. If you rush to leave the capital now, I'm worried that it will backfire."

Xun Yu nodded and said, "The more this is the case, the more we must intensify our efforts and not delay."

Xun You was a little suspicious, but he also saw that Xun Yu and the palace were obviously planning something. He did not investigate the matter and said, "Okay. The chief officials of the Shangshutai, the six ministries and the nine temples can leave the capital, but Cao Cao cannot. He cannot leave Luoyang at all!"

Xun Yu said: "Your Majesty and I have not discussed the Grand Marshal, and the Grand Marshal has no plans to leave the palace for the time being."

Xun You was relieved and relaxed. He said, "I just saw Wang Jingxing storming off. Is he still refusing to give in?"

Xun Yu's face showed a hint of helplessness and fatigue, and he said, "What Wang Jingxing said makes sense."

Xun You showed disdain on his face and said, "No matter how reasonable he is, he can't hide his selfish motives. If we really follow his list, the whole court will become the 'Yang Party'!"

Xun Yu said: "He is very determined now. If we don't agree with his list, he will take the case to the palace."

Xun You was not afraid and sneered, "If he wants to fight, then let him fight. The people we have selected are all famous people, so we are not afraid of His Majesty knowing. But if I pick out a few people from his list, I can make him lose face!"

Xun Yu was not so optimistic and said, "If we can avoid bringing trouble to His Majesty, we should not go. We can talk to him later and make some concessions."

Xun You was dissatisfied and said, "Concession? Why, then Wang Jingxing..."

Xun Yu shook his head, interrupted him, and said: "The palace is too quiet. I always have a depressing feeling that a storm is about to come."

When it comes to the palace, Xun You can't even think of any anger or resentment. He suppressed his anger and said, "Okay, I'll talk to him again and draw up a new list."

"Seek the opinions of other ministers." Xun Yu said calmly.

(End of this chapter)