At the end of the Han Dynasty: a stingy husband from his hometown

Chapter 141 Asking for a reward, seeking to abolish the emperor

Zhou Qi looked at the current emperor, thought of Dian Wei and Xu Chu who were still white, and immediately felt a slap in the face.

Zhou Qi paid homage: "Since I came to Anfeng County, whether it was to suppress bandits in the territory, to attack the Yellow Turbans, or to fight against the rebels in Hanyang County, my subordinates Dian Wei and Xu Chu have always taken the lead in every battle. They are brave and good at fighting, killing and killing. There are countless enemies.”

"However, to this day, everyone under a certain command is white."

"If you have merit but are not rewarded, who is willing to fight to the death to eliminate thieves for the country?"

"I sincerely request your Majesty to reward Dian Wei, Xu Chu, Xi Zhicai and others based on their merits, so as to appease people's hearts."

When Gai Xun saw this, he also reported: "I can also testify to this. Both Dian Wei and Xu Chu have the courage that no one can match. They must be the first in every battle, kill the general and seize the flag. Their courage is unstoppable."

"Previously, the governor of Runan, Zhao Qian, also expressed his contribution to the memorial."

When the emperor heard this, his face darkened and he stared at Zhou Qi with burning eyes.

Although meritorious ministers should indeed be rewarded, but after so long, the former heroes are still in vain. Isn't it a disguise to accuse him of uneven rewards and punishments as the emperor.

Jian Shuo, as a close minister of the emperor, naturally knew the emperor's character very well.

Compared with Zhang Rang, Zhao Zhong and others, although Jian Shuo is also an eunuch, he does not want the country to collapse and the great man to wither.

He then approached the emperor and whispered: "Your Majesty sent General Zhou to fight against thieves this time. He is in need of brave and resourceful men. Since Dian Wei and Xu Chu are quite brave, why don't your Majesty appoint them as army commanders under General Zhou?" It’s also a good idea to beg for thieves along the way.”

"As for that drama talent, we might as well call him a member of the military."

When the emperor heard this, his face became a little brighter and he said: "Just as Jian Shuo said, Zheng Pi Dian Wei will be the assistant army Sima, Xu Chu will be the guard Sima, and Xi Zhicai will join the army. What do you think?"

The emperor never mentioned the merits of the crusade against the Yellow Turbans, but on the pretext of pacifying the Liangzhou rebels, he recruited three people as subordinate officers of the general's palace.

In this way, it means that the emperor has not surrendered and does not think that he is worthy of his meritorious ministers.

Regarding the thoughts of Jian Shuo and the Son of Heaven, Zhou Qi has a clear understanding.

But he didn't make an inch, instead he said: "I thank Your Majesty on behalf of Xu Chu, Dian Wei and Xi Zhi."

Although the emperor was obviously displeased with the canonization of three people, but now that the situation is collapsing, the court really needs ministers who can fight, but it didn't happen.

He asked in a deep voice: "What is the second condition?"

Zhou Qi said: "Your Majesty has actually agreed to the second condition before."

The Son of Heaven frowned slightly, and asked, "What's the matter?"

Zhou Qi said: "When I lead the troops to suppress the rebellion, I should have full command authority. No matter whether I stand still or advance lightly, Your Majesty is not allowed to order anyone to intervene."

"I don't want to monopolize the military affairs. It's just that when I was in Liangzhou, the four governors of Liangzhou were not familiar with military affairs. I was hampered by others everywhere, which led to the collapse of the situation in Liangzhou."

"If someone meddles in military affairs recklessly, so that the minister's calculations fail, the minister cannot guarantee that the rebel army will be defeated within half a year."

Regarding this matter, Gai Xun had already explained the pros and cons to the emperor, so the emperor didn't think anything of it when he heard Zhou Qi's request.

The emperor said: "No."

"Let's talk about the third condition."

Zhou Qi said: "The third condition is simpler. I hope that your majesty will not announce the half-year agreement to the public, but let outsiders think that your majesty trusts me so much that he can let you hunt down thieves indefinitely."

This condition is indeed not difficult, but the emperor didn't quite understand it, so he asked, "Why is this so?"

Zhou Qi said seriously: "The so-called knowing yourself and the enemy means you can fight a hundred battles without danger."

"If the thief knows that Your Majesty has made an agreement with me for the next six months, and he is at a disadvantage in a battle, he may be able to defend the city and delay time."

"They don't need to defeat the soldiers led by the ministers, they only need to delay for half a year, and the ministers will be recalled by His Majesty for punishment.

"On the contrary, if the thieves don't know half a year ago, they think that His Majesty is determined to make me hunt down the thieves, and they know that things are going to be difficult, so they will fight me to the death. Only in this way will the minister have a chance to defeat the enemy."

The emperor suddenly understood, turned to Jian Shuo and said, "Qing Zhou is indeed proficient in military affairs. He has already thought so carefully before going into battle. How can I not allow it?"

At this time, the emperor was in a very happy mood.

Zhou Qi's three conditions are not too much.

Even if the first condition made the emperor feel a little unhappy, it was only natural that he should be canonized for his meritorious service.

Jian Shuo's suggestion not only saved the emperor's face, but also satisfied Zhou Qi's request, so the emperor didn't take this matter to heart.

He looked at Zhou Qi and asked, "How many troops do you need to suppress the rebellion this time?"

Zhou Qi didn't answer directly, but asked rhetorically: "I take the liberty to ask, how many soldiers and horses can the treasury support to hunt for thieves for half a year?"

The emperor turned his head to look at Jian Shuo.

Jian Shuo recalled and immediately replied: "If we can default on military pay, the civilian men who are recruited to transport grain and grass will only be given rations. Excluding Dong Zhuo's [-] soldiers and horses, we can still support [-] soldiers and horses for half a year."

Zhou Qi frowned slightly when he heard this, and said: "Generals are more strategic than brave, and soldiers are more expensive than many."

"If the army pays in arrears, the soldiers will not have the will to fight, so how can they beg for thieves?"

The emperor asked: "According to Qing's opinion, how about being a general?"

Zhou Qi frowned and pondered for a long time, then stretched out two fingers and said: "If your Majesty can pay the military salary in full and take out the excess property as a reward."

"I don't want [-] soldiers and horses. I only need [-] elite soldiers to defeat the thieves."

The emperor was surprised when he heard the words, and said: "Zhang Wen previously had tens of thousands of soldiers, all of which were defeated by the rebels. You only brought [-] soldiers and horses. How can you compete with more than [-] bandits?"

Zhou Qi said sternly: "Although there are many rebels, most of them are amalgamated from different tribes of the Qiang people. They do not belong to each other. It is difficult to have the same orders. I regard them as chickens and dogs."

"Our dynasty is known as "one Han can serve as five barbarians." If the armor is complete, the weapons are sophisticated, and the rewards are sufficient, [-] troops and horses can stop [-] thieves."

"With Dong Zhuo leading the troops, why worry about the bandits not breaking through?"

The emperor couldn't help clapping his hands when he heard the words, and said: "Liangzhou is in chaos, and the faces of the ministers in the court have changed. Only Ziyi is so heroic."

"It's true that "one man is equal to five barbarians". How can I, a big man, be afraid of barbarians?"

"Don't worry, sir. If you only have [-] soldiers, I will be able to carefully select the best soldiers in the world for you, and there will be no shortage of armor, weapons, money, food, and rewards."

"If Qing can defeat the bandit army and kill the bandit chieftain, it will be all right to enshrine you as a marquis of ten thousand households!"

In recent years, there have been many rebellions, and the current emperor has been exhausted physically and mentally. In particular, the officers and soldiers have been defeated by the Liangzhou rebels several times, which has greatly damaged the confidence of the emperor.

Just when he was in despair, he could hear Zhou Qi's bold words, and the emperor became extremely excited instantly as if he had been given a shot in the arm.

Zhou Qi heard the words and bowed: "Thank you, Your Majesty."

The emperor was in a very good mood at this time and asked: "If you have any other requests, feel free to ask for them. As long as they are not too excessive, I will grant them."

Zhou Qi thought for a long time and finally said: "His Majesty wanted to raise an army to fight against the thieves, so he planned to make me a general of chariots and cavalry."

"Now that I only have [-] soldiers, the position of General of Chariots and Cavalry is too high. Your Majesty can just make me General of the Left."

The emperor became interested now, and said with a smile: "Others are afraid that the official position is not high enough, but no one is like you, who actively asks for the official position to be lowered."

Zhou Qi said sternly: "I have not yet accomplished any meritorious deeds in defeating the thieves, and my reputation is not enough to convince the public. If I were to be conferred as a general of chariots and cavalry at this time, it would only arouse people's hatred. It is better to retreat and settle for the next best thing."

"This time I lead the army, the relationship is of great importance. Regardless of the front line or the court, we must consider it properly and try to avoid any worries."

When the emperor heard this, he turned to look at Gai Xun and sighed: "Qing Zhou is really thoughtful and a good general. I'm sure!"

that's it.

Zhou Qi was conferred the title of General Zuo, Xi Zhicai was conferred the title of Joining the Army, Dian Wei was conferred the title of Zuojun Sima, and Xu Chu was conferred the title of Guard Sima.

General Zuo, with his gold seal and purple ribbon, has almost reached the highest position.

It should be noted that even Zhong Erqian Shi Gongqing only wears a silver seal and a blue ribbon. Only real high officials and princes can wear a gold seal and a purple ribbon.

As for the higher seals and ribbons, they can only be princes and kings.

Zhou Qi took the seal ribbon and waited for the court to recruit troops and horses. He took the emperor's edict with him, but did not leave the city immediately. Instead, he hesitated whether to visit Yuan Shao.

Since there was a gap between the two sides in the crusade against the Yellow Turbans, their communication has decreased a lot, and Yuan's attitude towards Zhou Qi has also changed.

Today's Zhou Qi has a golden seal and purple ribbon, and is worshiped as General Zuo. His status is not even lower than that of Yuan Feng and Yuan Wei.

If you go to see Yuan Shao at this time, the other party may think that Zhou Qi is showing off, and maybe he will feel jealous again.

After thinking about it, Zhou Qi finally sighed deeply, and said to himself: "Things are different, people are different, after all, we are no longer the boy we used to be."

In the end, Zhou Qi decided that it would be better not to see each other.

not to mention.

He is now highly valued by the emperor, if he gets too close to Yuan Shi, it will not be too good.

Zhou Qi walked from Luoyang to the outside of the city. Along the way, people saw the gold seal and purple ribbon around his waist. They all looked solemn and moved away.

The golden seal and purple ribbon, even in Luoyang where there are so many powerful people, are still something that cannot be messed with.

Many people are also speculating on who this young man with a golden seal and purple ribbon is.

Zhou Qi did not stay too long in Luoyang, but hurried back outside the city.

He summoned his subordinates, took out the emperor's edict with a smile, and said: "Zhicai, Dianjun, Zhongkang, I have asked for official positions for you all from your majesty."

When the three of them heard this, their eyes lit up.

They all come from bad backgrounds. If the existing talent selection system of the imperial court is followed, they may not be able to become officials in their lifetime.

At the beginning, Dian Wei and Xu Chu fought hard on the battlefield, but they were still white bodies, and their ambitions were smoothed a lot.

never thought.

This time in Luoyang, unexpectedly there will be such a chance.

Xu Chu put his head up, rolled his eyes, and asked, "What official position is it?"

Zhou Qi patted Xu Chu on the shoulder, took out an edict, and said: "Your Majesty has appointed you as the Army Guard Sima. From now on, my safety will depend on your protection."

Xu Chu was overjoyed when he heard this. After receiving the edict, he patted his chest and promised, "General, please don't worry. I, Xu Chu, will be able to protect you."

Zhou Qi handed another imperial edict to Dian Wei, saying: "Your Majesty has appointed you the Sima of the Assistant Army."

Dian Wei took the edict with a bright smile on his face.

Don't think that these two fierce generals are both pure-hearted and stoic people. Just ask how it would feel if, in future generations, a plain-headed commoner suddenly became a military attache equivalent to the top municipal leader.

Don't think that they are vain, it is human nature to make contributions and keep their wives and children. How many people can truly achieve no desires and no desires?

Don't think that the two officials have low official positions.

The gold content of the Sima of these two armies is even much higher than that of Sun Jian's crusade against the Yellow Turban.

Although they are all military commanders.

However, Dian Wei and Xu Chu were the army commanders under General Zuo, and Sun Jian was just the assistant army commander under Zhu Jun, the right middle man.

Many generals can recruit military Sima, but they are both military Sima, the military Sima under the command of the General's Mansion, and the military Sima under the command of General Zhonglang are naturally different.

Although Zhou Qi, the left general, is not as good as the general, he is far superior to the Zhonglang general. Naturally, the Sima under his command is also rising.

The most important thing is that the two men were not recruited by Zhou Qi, but the emperor personally issued the edict, which has a completely different meaning.

Zhou Qi looked at the happy couple with a smile, finally set his sights on Xi Zhicai, and took out the last edict.

"Your Majesty enlists you to join the military."

The position of military officer is the same as that of military commander, and its importance depends on their superior.

It's like Ma Di who joined the army under Zhuge Liang in history. Although he was only a mere soldier, his rights were very high.

Xi Zhicai received the edict, bowed to Zhou Qi, and said, "If the general hadn't fought hard, how could we have this official position?"

Dian Wei and Xu Chu also reacted and hurriedly paid tribute to Zhou Qi to show their loyalty.

Zhou Qi stepped forward to support the three of them one by one, and said with a smile: "You have followed me through life and death, how can you always be a white body? I just did what I should do."

When the three people heard this, they were all moved.

The reason why Zhou Qi insisted on asking for official positions for his subordinates this time was also due to his own considerations.

Although Zhou Qi owed the three of them friendship, relying on the nature of the three, he would definitely not betray him.

But as a high-ranking person, it is not enough to make friends with subordinates only through kindness and righteousness. They must be given hope, and the most direct way is to appoint an official.

Just like in the original history.

Cao Cao successively became a prince and a king. Apart from being an extremely powerful minister, he also needed to consider the future of his subordinates.

If Cao Cao did not continue to climb up, the generals under his command would naturally not be able to continue to be promoted.

When he reached that position, even if it was for his own future, the generals under his command would push Cao Cao to a high position.

Xiang Hong, Huang Shao and others were filled with envy when they saw this.

However, since Xiang Hong followed Zhou Qi, he was almost kept at home, and he had no chance to make contributions.

Regarding this matter, Xiang Hong had no complaints. It was precisely because Zhou Qi believed in him that he left the rear area under his care.

As for Huang Shao, although he voted for Zhou Qi and helped the officers and soldiers capture Changsha, he is still a Yellow Turban general and it is difficult to ask for rewards.

Huang Shao also has self-knowledge and no complaints.

Xi Zhicai asked: "We have all obtained official positions, but Ming Gong has been named a chariot and cavalry general?"

Zhou Qi shook his head, and said: "I rejected the canonization of General Che Qi, and asked His Majesty to confer on me as General Zuo instead."

Dian Wei, Xu Chu, Xiang Hong, Huang Shao and others were all surprised.

Xi Zhicai pondered for a moment, then a smile appeared on his face and said: "As far as I know, your Majesty has already consecrated Zhao Zhong of Great Changqiu as the Chariot and Cavalry General. Ming Gong is worried that replacing Zhao Zhong will lead to resentment." .”

Zhou Qi nodded and said solemnly: "Zhao Zhong is His Majesty's favorite minister. It is not appropriate to offend him. Otherwise, if I lead the troops outside, he will most likely slander the Emperor."

Huangfusong's lesson is right in front of us.

Zhou Qi didn't want his military power to be taken away because of Zhao Zhong in the process of hunting for thieves, so that his success failed.

After a period of time, Zhou Qi began to recruit soldiers and horses from various places, preparing to go to hunt for thieves.

When Zhou Qi was about to leave Luoyang, Xi Zhicai said: "Before Ming Gong leaves, why not go and visit the Yuan family."

When Zhou Qi heard this, hesitation appeared on his face.

"Duke Ming has some scruples?"

Zhou Qi pondered for a long time and said: "There were some misunderstandings that have not been resolved before."

Xi Zhicai said seriously: "No matter what misunderstandings there were before, with Ming Gong's current status, as long as he puts down his dignity and goes to visit, Yuan will definitely open the door to welcome him."

"If Mr. Ming doesn't go, it will deepen the misunderstanding, and I'm afraid it will be difficult to reconcile in the future."

Zhou Qi frowned and said, "Will His Majesty be suspicious of visiting Yuan?"

Xi Zhicai shook his head and said: "There is no need to worry about this. Mr. Ming was originally recommended by the Yuan family. If you don't go to visit, your Majesty may think that Mr. Ming doesn't know how to repay his kindness."

"not to mention."

At this point, Xi Zhi pointed to the west and said: "Although Duke Ming is the main leader in this crusade against the rebels, the imperial court has appointed Dong Zhuo as a former general. If he deliberately makes things difficult, how can he quell the rebellion?"

"Dong Zhuo is a disciple of the Yuan family. With the Yuan family's relationship, Dong Zhuo will not go too far."

When Zhou Qi heard the words, he suddenly realized, and after tidying up, he simply took off his seal and ribbon, and went to visit Yuan Shao first, and then Yuan Feng and Yuan Kai.

It didn't work out as expected.

Regardless of what Yuan Shao, Yuan Feng, and Yuan Wei were thinking, at least they all greeted them with smiles and were very enthusiastic.

After all, Zhou Qi holds a high and powerful position, holds military power, and is a disciple of the Yuan family. Being friends with each other is of great benefit to both parties.

After bidding farewell to the Yuan family, Zhou Qi immediately went straight to Meiyang with his generals and five thousand soldiers.

As for the remaining [-] troops and horses, they will be recruited from various states and counties and rushed directly to Meiyang.

In Sunny City.

Zhou Qi asked Xi Zhicai: "There are only more than [-] people gathered in the city now. When will the remaining [-] troops arrive?"

Xi Zhicai said: "The remaining [-] soldiers and horses come from Bingzhou, and they can arrive in three to five days at least, or seven or eight days at most."

Zhou Qi nodded when he heard this, and then said: "First pay the military pay, and then let Dian Wei and Xu Chu start training the army, and propose a strict reward and punishment system."

"I plan to train in Meiyang for two months first, and after I get familiar with the generals and the generals in the army, so that the soldiers and horses from all over the place can fully adapt, I will fight against the bandits."

Xi Zhicai said hesitantly: "If you don't fight the thieves for two months, will your Majesty think that Duke Ming is delaying on purpose?"

Zhou Qi said: "I have asked Lieutenant Gai to help me stabilize His Majesty."

"Dong Zhuo is unreliable. Our army only has [-] soldiers, which is far less than the kingdom. If we can't train the soldiers properly and make them return to their original mission, how can we defeat the traitor army?"

The [-] soldiers came from all over the country, and two months was a conservative estimate to integrate them into one body.

Xi Zhicai didn't say anything more when he heard the words, and went away under orders.

A few days later, five thousand troops from Bingzhou County arrived. Zhou Qi asked Dian Wei, Xu Chu, Xiang Hong, and Huang Shao to each lead five thousand troops. He set extremely strict training standards and began to reorganize the army.

Except that Xiang Hong had never led a soldier and Zhou Qi needed help to keep an eye on them, even Huang Shao had led tens of thousands of soldiers before.

With the training plan formulated by Zhou Qi, it would not be difficult for them to lead [-] troops.

Of course, there are many thorns in the army, so the training was not very smooth at the beginning. It can be seen that after seeing the bravery of Dian Wei, Xu Chu, and Xiang Hong, they were all subdued.

Even Huang Shao is quite capable.

Of course, in order to win people's hearts, Zhou Qi was not stingy with rewards. In addition to paying full military pay, he also generously rewarded soldiers who trained well.

They were elites from all over the country. Under Zhou Qi's kindness and power, the originally scattered army quickly merged together and gradually changed their mental outlook.

While Zhou Qi was training his troops, an uninvited guest came to the city.

"Who did you say is here?"

When Zhou Qi heard that name, he almost thought there was something wrong with his ears.

The sergeant said: "The person who came here claims to be an uncle of the general family, and he is Zhou Jing of Pei Kingdom."

Zhou Qi hurriedly stood up and said, "I'm here to invite you quickly."

As soon as he finished speaking, he stopped the sergeant and said, "I'll meet him personally!"

The gate of the barracks.

With his hands behind his back, Zhou Jing looked at the murderous soldiers who were training hard, and the light in his eyes became brighter and brighter.

"Uncle, why are you here?"

Just when Zhou Jing's thoughts were racing, she heard Zhou Qi's surprised voice.

He looked intently at Zhou Qi, who was coming in a hurry, and a smile appeared on his face.

"The birth of General Zuo, Ziyi, is really a blessing to the Zhou family of Pei Kingdom."

Zhou Qi said hurriedly: "If it weren't for my uncle's support, how would my nephew be where he is today?"

After finishing speaking, Zhou Qi led Zhou Jing into his commander's tent. Along the way, Zhou Jing looked at the capable soldiers in the camp with a brighter smile on his face.

After entering the coach's camp, Zhou Qi had food and wine delivered to him.

The two exchanged pleasantries, and Zhou Qi asked, "Uncle came all the way here, what's the matter?"

Zhou Jing looked at the sergeant waiting beside him and said nothing.

Zhou Qi understood, and immediately waved for the sergeant to leave for the time being.

When Zhou Jing saw that there was no one in the camp, he lowered his voice and said, "I'm here because of a big deal, and I need Ziyi's help."

"This matter is of great importance, Zi Yi, let your confidantes guard the camp, and don't let anyone hear what we are talking about."

Zhou Qi seemed to have thought of something, his eyes fixed immediately, and he ordered Zhou Cheng to lead the Xiangyong recruited from Peiguoxiang County to step forward ten steps and stand in front of the commander's camp.

"Zhou Cheng is my brother from the same clan, and the guards outside the tent are all Xiangxian sons, so you can definitely trust me."

"And even they can't hear our conversation. If uncle has something to do, he just wants to make it clear."

Even so, Zhou Jing still lowered his voice and said, "Your Majesty is stupid and not a king."

"Your Majesty is inspecting the old residence of Hejian Kingdom in the north. Wang Fen, the governor of Jizhou, Chen Yi, the son of the late Taifu Chen Fan, Xiang Kai, a magician from Qingzhou, and Xu You, a famous scholar from Nanyang, want to rob the emperor and abolish the throne."

"Ziyi has [-] troops. After His Majesty is imprisoned, we can order you to lead the troops into Beijing to stabilize the situation."

"At that time, the inside and outside were connected, and artifacts were easier to use. There was Ziyi inside to lead the army and horses to take charge of the government, and there were famous scholars and governors outside to respond. Why worry about the eunuchs not being eliminated and the Han Dynasty not flourishing?"

(End of this chapter)