Han family achievements

Chapter 567: Money is everything
The expected fierce confrontation, the hidden swordplay, the murderous intent after the falling out...

All kinds of extremely terrifying situations did not appear in front of everyone. Looking at the four people chatting happily, everyone felt it was a dream and unbelievable.

What happened? Did the Yingchuan Party reconcile with Cao Cao? Or was it after Cao Cao forcibly took Cao Hong out of the prison?
Wang Lang and others stared at the four people deeply, paying attention to every detail of their expressions, trying to find the flaws in their disguise.

Chen Gong, Huangfu Jianshou and others were also observing. Compared to Wang Lang, they were more relaxed, but they were also worried that both sides would really "go out of line". Once the pattern of "fighting but not breaking" was broken, no one wanted to see it.

Chen Lin, Xi Zhicai and others were even more confused and didn't know what was going on.

However, Xu You, Kong Rong and others had already made excuses to hide and did not appear here.

At this time, Zhong Yao's words resolved everyone's doubts. He smiled and said to Cao Cao: "The investigation in Yanzhou is very clear. Someone is impersonating Cao Hong. Let's hand it over to the Criminal Department and close the case as soon as possible."

Xun You smiled and said, "Since it was someone pretending to be him, it has nothing to do with Cao Hong. The Grand Marshal's Office should restore his official position as soon as possible and should not wrongly accuse a good person."

Cao Cao lost his usual serious expression and now had a cheerful face. He laughed even more passionately and said loudly, "Mr. Zhong, Mr. Xun is right. I have already sent someone to do it. I also hope that the Criminal Department will investigate as soon as possible. Impersonating the General of the Central Army and gathering a crowd to commit crimes are tantamount to treason. We cannot take it lightly!"

Xun Yu smiled and nodded, then turned to Wang Lang and the others and said, "You've come at the right time. We just discussed the issue of 'separation of military and political affairs'. Currently, the four states of Xu, Yu, You, and Jing are the key. In addition to the pensions, weapons, and food for retired soldiers, there are also vacancies for officials at all levels. Everyone is here, so let's discuss it."

Wang Lang was such a smart man that he understood what Xun Yu said immediately.

Xun Yu, Xun You, and Zhong Yao obviously reached some kind of deal with Cao Cao. The Secretariat let Cao Hong go, and Cao Cao made some kind of concessions.

Although it is unclear what the specific terms of the exchange are, it is obvious that both parties are very satisfied.

The confusion on the faces of Chen Lin, Xi Zhicai and others turned into smiles, and they stepped forward to greet him.

Seeing this, the others naturally followed the crowd, surrounding the three officials of the Secretariat and Cao Cao, and returned to the Secretariat meeting room.

Some people still feel regretful that they missed out on such a great show.

In the small conference room, under the chairmanship of Xun Yu and others, and with the support of Cao Cao, many stagnant things came to a conclusion. The transfer of money and grain, the appointment and promotion of officials, as well as some policy adjustments and changes in guidelines and strategies were all determined in a few words from them.

When the news from the palace spread outside the palace, countless people were shocked.

Wasn’t it agreed upon a shootout?

Why are we in such harmony? Did you say I was laughing?
In the evening, in the backyard of Taichang Temple.

Kong Rong was enjoying the cool air when he suddenly felt the setting sun was extremely dazzling and looked up.

You Cheng stood beside him, sighing with disappointment in his heart.

Their Lord Kong did not enter the palace, so they would only know about the discussions in the Secretariat once a decision was made. But there was no doubt that since Kong Rong was not present, the Taichang Temple would not get any of the benefits, but it could not evade the disadvantages either.

The Right Prime Minister seemed to want to say something but stopped, and finally let out a long sigh.

Kong Rong heard it, but turned a deaf ear to it.

Within the Ministry of Justice, a complete chain of evidence, including witnesses and physical evidence transferred from the palace, was placed in front of Xu You.

After a careful check, Gongsun Qian, the doctor, raised his hand to Xu You and said, "Shangshu, it fits perfectly, without any flaws."

Xu You stroked his triangle beard, smiled coldly and strangely, and said, "If he could let you find a flaw, he wouldn't be Cao Cao. I just didn't expect that he was so well prepared."

Gongsun Qian lowered his head, extremely respectful, and did not dare to respond.

Xu You glanced at him, snorted, and said, "Alright, I won't pursue your little matter. However, if you want to get out of my criminal department, you still need my evaluation and conclusion."

Gongsun Qian's expression changed slightly, and he immediately raised his hand and said, "Please, please give me some advice, Shangshu."

"smart people."

Xu You smiled and pulled his beard, saying, "It's very simple. I want the case files you hid."

Gongsun Qian was stunned. He had hidden a lot of things, which ones did Xu You want?

Seeing Xu You's strange smile, Gongsun Qian was startled and asked, "Minister, you want the Sima family?"

Xu You smiled even more, his smile was so strong that it couldn't be dispelled, and he said: "I said you are a smart person."

Gongsun Qian carefully recalled the hidden case files, and it seemed that there was no special interest involved, so he said, "I will go and get them now."

Xu You watched him leave, a stern look flashing in his eyes.

If Gongsun Qian had not brought Cao Cao into the Heavenly Prison today and brought out Cao Hong, he would have never known that Cao Cao had planted a "spy" right under his nose!
"However, do you really think that you can hide the matter between you and the Sima family from everyone?" Xu You narrowed his eyes into slits, flashing a cold light, like a poisonous snake.

A day later, Liu Bian was still at Huanyuan Pass.

Looking at the city gate that has some traces of time but is brand new everywhere, Liu Bian stood on the top of the city wall, looking towards the direction of Luoyang City, and said: "Speaking of which, Luoyang is indeed a good place with unique advantages."

Huangfu Jian took a long bite of the apple and said, "Your Majesty, Yuan Shao has gone to war."

Liu Bian gently waved his folding fan, looked far to the north, and said, "Tell me, if I move the capital, will they agree?"

Huangfu Jianchang continued to eat his apple and said, "Your Majesty, I heard that there are voices of dissatisfaction in all parts of Yangzhou. In order to raise money and grain, Yuan Shao imposed heavy taxes and levied heavy taxes. Many noble families have fled, and many common people have fled."

Liu Bian smacked his lips and said unhappily, "Such a big event in Luoyang City, don't you care at all?"

Huangfu Jian smiled, turned around, and respectfully stood beside Liu Bian, saying: "It's just a small fight. They couldn't make a big move two years ago, let alone now. Your Majesty, you should take a look at Yangzhou. Maybe it's a good opportunity."

Liu Bian glanced at him and said, "Some people can't wait?"

Huangfu Jian put away his frivolous expression and said seriously, "Yes. I have received news that Guan Yu is preparing to move the 10,000 troops in Xiangyang to Changsha."

Liu Bian's folding fan in his hand slowed down a bit and said, "Guess what the Shangshutai exchanged with Cao Cao?"

Huangfu Jian bowed his head and said, "I have carefully investigated, but to no avail. Only the three ministers of the Shangshutai and the Grand Marshal know the truth."

Liu Bian nodded, and laughed unconsciously, saying: "Things are getting interesting."

Liu Bian was not surprised that the 'Yingchuan Party' reached some kind of exchange and tacit understanding with Cao Cao. They were all sensible people and would not make things out of control. They knew their limits and would not force the other party to fall out.

However, the feeling of being out of control was very bad for Liu Bian.

Liu Bian snapped his folding fan and said, "Pan Yin, send an order to the Grand Marshal's Mansion to transfer Huang Zhong to be the General of the Imperial Guards and supervise the military affairs of Hanzhong. Xiahou Dun will be transferred to Xuzhou, Zhang Liao will be transferred to Youzhou, Cao Ren will be transferred to Jizhou, and Zhao Yun will return to the capital to lead the Western Camp."

Pan Yin stepped forward and said, "I obey your order."

Huangfu Jian thought about these arrangements for a long time, and his expression secretly tensed up.

……

The third year of Jian'an, spring.

Changqiu Palace.

Liu Bian, Empress Dowager He, and Queen Cai Wenji sat around the table, eating and talking about things.

Queen Mother He turned around and glanced at the four children in the cradles not far away. Her smile was about to melt as she said, "That's right. Ordinary families know that they need to have children and branches, so how can the royal family be left out?"

In the past few years, the women in Liu Bian's harem gave birth to seven children for him one after another. Four of them survived, two boys and two girls, and the oldest is already one and a half years old.

Liu Bian was drinking soup, his eyes were on the memorial in his hand, he was listening to Empress Dowager He's words, and he smiled without saying a word.

Cai Wenji smiled gently. She gave birth to a daughter last winter, and the baby was in the cradle not far away.

At this time, a handsome young man with a long sword on his waist strode in from outside the door, clasped his fists and saluted, saying: "Liu Yu pays respect to the emperor, grandmother, and queen."

Liu Bian turned his head and took a look. He was startled and asked, "Why are you dressed like this?"

Liu Yu grinned, came closer and said: "I want to be a great hero, doing justice, killing the rich and helping the poor!"

Liu Bian looked at his pale face and frowned, saying, "You have just recovered from a serious illness, so don't bother yourself. Go back to your palace and stay well."

Liu Yu said, "It's just a minor illness, father, don't worry. I have already made an appointment with Cao Pi, He Yan and others to visit a great hero outside the city tomorrow. He has superb swordsmanship, and we want to learn swordsmanship from him."

Liu Bian couldn't help but sit up straight. He wanted to refuse Liu Yu, but he couldn't find a suitable excuse for a while.

Since the end of the Zhou Dynasty and the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, knights-errant have been popular. Not to mention others, even Cao Cao, Yuan Shao, Xu You and others were knights-errant who traveled around the world with swords in their youth and were quite famous.

"If you want to learn sword, just stay in the palace. Don't go out. It's not safe outside." Liu Bian didn't say anything, and Empress Dowager He spoke.

She has some preferences when it comes to her grandchildren, but she still cares about them in general.

Liu Yu stiffened his neck and said, "Grandmother, you don't know that those people that the emperor asked to enter the palace were either fake or unwilling to put their heart into it. What they taught was useless. They could only strengthen their bodies but not fight against enemies. What my grandson wants to learn is the skill of killing!"

Empress Dowager He snorted immediately and said coldly: "You are so young, why do you want to learn how to kill people when you can learn something else?"

Liu Bian looked at his pale face and thought about his suffering in the winter. He couldn't bear to refuse and said, "You can go... but you can't leave the palace for too long. You must return to the palace every day. I will send secret guards to follow you."

Liu Yu was overjoyed, clasped his fists again, and said loudly: "Thank you, father. Liu Yu will take his leave!"

Every move he made was quite chivalrous.

As soon as Liu Yu left, Empress Dowager He said angrily: "If you keep pampering him like this, something bad will happen sooner or later!"

Liu Bian smiled along, feeling helpless in his heart.

Liu Yu and Liu Jing were twins who were born with congenital defects in the womb. After they were born, they had to go through the gates of hell almost once a year.

Liu Bian thought he was cured as the disease had not recurred in the previous two years. However, last winter, he suddenly fell ill with such severe symptoms that the doctors were helpless.

Liu Bian once thought that Liu Yu would not be able to survive, but unexpectedly, he finally made it.

As an old father, the feeling of losing and regaining is extremely complicated and heavy.

After spending half a day with Empress Dowager He and his wife and children, Liu Bian held the memorial, left Changqiu Palace and returned to Chongde Hall.

Before he entered the door, he met Zhong Yao who had been waiting. After a simple greeting, Zhong Yao followed Liu Bian and said, "Your Majesty, the salt administration has basically returned to normal. It should not be a problem to collect 100,000 strings of cash next year."

Liu Bian walked in holding the document and said, "Let's get to the point."

Zhong Yao did not beat around the bush and said, "Yes. The prefectures and counties hope to give part of the salt tax to the local areas to solve the urgent problem. At the same time, I would like to ask for a delay in paying the money and grain owed by the Ministry of Revenue to the Royal Money Shop."

After Liu Bian sat down, he poured tea and said, "Sit down."

Zhong Yao sat down in response, his eyes fixed on Liu Bian's face.

In recent years, the Secretariat has been spending money like water. Almost all the money and grain that Cao Cao, Zhang Liao, Liu Bei and others earned from suppressing bandits and rebellions have been spent in the past three years.

Not only that, he also "borrowed" millions of coins from the Royal Money Shop. These money were said to be from the Royal Money Shop, but in fact, all the high-ranking officials in the court knew that it was the inner treasury and the money of His Majesty the Emperor.

Zhong Yao had followed Liu Bian for many years and knew very well that this emperor was a man who "gave as much as he gave". If you wanted him to pay you, you must give something in return. But if he took the initiative to pay you, you have to be careful.

Now the Shangshutai hopes to postpone the repayment period of the "loan", which is undoubtedly an unequal negotiation.

The negotiating party is still the current Emperor.

"This matter,"

Liu Bian took a sip of tea and said, "Liu Ba complained to me not long ago. In the past few years, the Household Department and Taicang have been borrowing money and delaying the repayment period. Not only the Household Department, but also the prefectures, counties and districts have followed suit. He can't hold on any longer."

Zhong Yao immediately said, "Your Majesty, wait another two years! As long as we wait for two years, both the salt tax and the land tax can be collected. As long as the Shangshutai breathes a sigh of relief, they will immediately start to repay the money. Your Majesty knows the current situation of the Household Department and Taicang. They really can't pay..."

Liu Bian waved his hand, interrupting Zhong Yao's complaint, and said, "Alright, it is only natural to pay back a debt. If you borrow, you must pay it back. It is not difficult to borrow again. You are complaining to me here, and Liu Ba is almost staying here. Solve your own problems, don't bother me."

Seeing that Liu Bian refused to give in, Zhong Yao changed the subject and said, "Your Majesty, Yuan Shao has been fighting with the Shi family in Nanhai County for nearly a year. Civil officials and generals from Jing and Xu provinces have successively submitted letters, believing that this is a good opportunity to pacify Yangzhou and requesting the court to send troops."

Liu Bian was drinking tea, his mind was drawn to the south for a moment, he pondered and said: "The Grand Marshal told me that he suggested waiting. Yangzhou is vast and sparsely populated, and it cannot support a long-term war of tens of thousands of troops. The same is true for Jiaozhi of the Shi family. He wants to wait until autumn. Once the court sends troops, it will not only be Yangzhou's business, but also Jiaozhi will be pacified in one fell swoop to completely resolve the situation in the south."

Zhong Yao said with a serious expression, "The Shangshutai also thought so. They are discussing with the Grand Marshal's Mansion to build new warehouses in Xiangyang and other places to store food and grass, ready to welcome the king's army to the south at any time!"

Liu Bian raised his eyebrows. What a guy, he is waiting for him here.

Zhong Yao took in Liu Bian's expression and quickly followed up, "Your Majesty, I request that Liu Bei be appointed as the Left General, commanding the troops of Jing and Xu, and take Guan Yu, Xiahou Dun and other generals with a combined force of 50,000 to march to Danyang."

(End of this chapter)