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

Chapter 234 Meng De’s decision, Zi Yi’s thoughts

Luoyang.

Cao Cao led his troops into the capital city where the Han Dynasty had been for more than a hundred years. He felt heavy when he saw that the once prosperous place had become so dilapidated.

He turned to Guo Jia and said: "It is expected that Chang'an has experienced the rebellions of Dong Zhuo, Li Jue, and Guo Si, as well as the great famine last year. The people's livelihood may be even worse than in Luoyang today."

"The place that was once the center of the world is now a place with bones exposed in the wild and no roosters crowing for thousands of miles."

"I was dedicated to helping the country, but my heart was full of ambition but my strength was insufficient. I watched Luoyang become like this."

Speaking of this, Cao Cao couldn't help crying when he thought that the princes were fighting and the people were still displaced.

When Guo Jia saw the state of Luoyang, the capital of the gods, he felt heavy in his heart. In the end, he could only comfort Cao Cao and said: "It is precisely because the gangs are rampant in the world that heroes like Ming Gong are needed to calm down the troubled times and restore peace to the people of the world." Qiankun."

"Although Luoyang is dilapidated today, as long as Ming Gong manages it well, it will definitely become the center of the world again in the future!"

Cao Cao wiped away his tears, cheered up and said, "I will spend my whole life making Luoyang prosperous again!"

Now that Cao Cao had secured Luoyang, he recruited refugees to rebuild the old capital and continued to lead troops westward to wipe out the remnants of the Xiliang army still entrenched in Guanzhong.

Over the years, Yanzhou, where Cao Cao occupied the Four Battles, was surrounded by powerful princes and was almost always facing enemies from both sides.

Compared with those powerful neighbors, the Xiliang army, which has long been divided and declined, appears vulnerable.

Cao Cao personally wears armor and is an expert, so he must be the first in every battle. All his soldiers are willing to die, and with the assistance of Guo Jia, a top strategist, he is invincible in Guanzhong.

Li Jue and Guo Si were defeated and killed one after another. Zhang Ji, Zhang Xiu's uncle and nephew, and the other Xiliang army generals were forced to surrender one after another due to the situation.

Cao Cao also defeated the Bai Bo bandits entrenched in Hedong, and obtained tens of thousands of household registrations, all of whom moved to farm near Luoyang.

Cao Cao's force was like chopping bamboo, sweeping through Guanzhong with thunderous momentum, and finally hit Chang'an directly and occupied Chencang.

Until then, Cao Cao didn't know what it meant to be thousands of miles uninhabited.

Cao Cao was silent for a long time as he looked at how this once prosperous land had become like this.

Guo Jia took the opportunity to advise: "Ming Gong can send troops to garrison Chencang, and then move people from Yanzhou to enrich Guanzhong, guard the natural dangers in Guanzhong, and then look for opportunities to fight for the world."

When Cao Cao heard this, he was a little hesitant.

According to the previous suggestions of Guo Jia and Xun Yu, Cao Cao was asked to abandon Yanzhou, which he had managed for many years, and move all the people in Guanzhong to Guanzhong in batches. Then, relying on the favorable geographical location and fertile soil in Guanzhong, he could manage well and then look for opportunities to compete for the world.

The reason for this suggestion is that Cao Cao is now unable to coerce the emperor to order the princes. In addition, many civil servants and generals who defected to Cao Cao in history are now serving under Zhou Qi.

As a result, Cao Cao's strength today is far less than what it was in history.

The most important thing is that Yuan Shao's strength has expanded much more than in history, and he even pacified Hebei several years ahead of schedule.

If Cao Cao does not give up Yanzhou, he will definitely confront Yuan Shao.

During the Battle of Guandu in history, Cao Cao had already occupied Guanzhong, Yanzhou, Yuzhou, and Xuzhou, and Xian Yufu and others who were entrenched in Youzhou surrendered. Compared with Yuan Shao, it was still like an egg hitting a stone.

Now Cao Cao only occupies Yanzhou, a place of four battles, and does not have the emperor and many civil servants and generals. If he does not avoid his edge, he can only be crushed into powder by Yuan Shao.

It was precisely for this reason that Guo Jia and Xun Yu persuaded Cao Cao to abandon Yanzhou and capture Guanzhong, first to avoid Yuan Shao's attack, and then to look for opportunities to compete for the world.

Although Guanzhong is very dilapidated now, as Qinchuan, which is [-] miles away, was the birthplace of the Qin State during the Warring States Period, and was the economic and political center of the Han Dynasty, as long as it can have a sufficient population, it can develop quickly.

This is why Guo Jia and Xun Yu persuaded Cao Cao to move the people of Yanzhou into Guanzhong.

In troubled times, the most important resource is population, and the rest is territory.

What's the use of having empty territory but no population?
Seeing that Cao Cao was still hesitant, Guo Jia persuaded him: "The capital of Luoyang in the east has lasted for hundreds of years. It has Chenggao to the east, Xiaohan and Mianchi to the west, with the Yellow River at its back and Yi in front. , Luo Ershui, the terrain is steep and easy to defend but difficult to attack, which is enough to serve as a barrier for Chang'an."

"In Guanzhong, there is the danger of Weihan on the left, and the overflowing mountains of Longshu on the right. The land is fertile and fertile for thousands of miles. There is the rich land of Bashu in the south, and the advantage of Huyuan pasture is in the north. We can block and defend on three sides, and control the princes with only one side in the east. "

"If the princes of Guandong can capture it, they can lead their troops eastward to conquer the world. If they can't capture it, they can take Longxi from the west and attack Bashu from the south."

"Even if it doesn't work, you can still defend it in the pass."

"At that time, the seclusion was to recruit refugees, open up trade routes, encourage childbirth, and rest and recuperate with the people for more than ten years. Guanzhong will surely become a land of abundance again."

"In the past, the Qin State conquered the world by relying on Guanzhong, and Ming Gong could not help the country because of Guanzhong."

"Looking at Yanzhou, the place where the Four Wars were fought, Duke Ming has been campaigning here for many years, but he is still suffering from enemies from both sides, and it is difficult to make an inch of progress."

"If Yuan Benchu ​​is still unable to pacify the north, Ming Gong can still take the opportunity to expand southward and look for opportunities to decide the outcome with him."

"However, given the current situation, Gongsun Zan will be overthrown in the near future. If Yuan Shao captures the four northern states, he will inevitably lead his troops southward. If Ming Gong still holds Yanzhou at that time, where will he go?"

"If Ming Gong moves the people of Yanzhou into Guanzhong, although it will consume a lot of money, food, manpower, and material resources in the early stage, in the long run, the benefits will outweigh the disadvantages."

When Cao Cao heard this, he still hesitated.

It's not that Cao Cao was indecisive, but no one would be willing to let him give up the business he had built for many years and come to the dilapidated Guanzhong.

Moreover, it is easy to say that all the people in Yanzhou will be moved, but it is extremely difficult to do it, and it may even cause public resentment.

Even though Cao Cao has captured Guanzhong now, his financial resources are still too weak to afford it.

If you are not careful, Cao Cao may be in danger.

Just as Cao Cao was hesitating, someone suddenly came to report that General Yuan Shao had conferred a royal title on him and ordered someone to send him a gift.

When Cao Cao suddenly heard the news, his pupils could not help but shrink, and then he said sadly: "The great ancestor once swore an oath on the white horse, not the Liu family but the king, the whole world will fight against it."

"Wouldn't this move at the beginning make people's criticism, and where would it put the court's face?"

After sighing, Cao Cao asked with some confusion: "What gift did Benchu ​​give me?"

Hearing this, Guo Jia's expression turned solemn and said, "If my prediction is correct, the gift Yuan Benchu ​​sent is probably to frighten Duke Ming!"

Cao Cao was suspicious and asked for the gift to be delivered, but he saw a very exquisite wooden box.

He opened the wooden box himself, and when he saw clearly the angry-looking heads inside, he couldn't help but tremble in fear, and he lost his grip and let the wooden box fall to the ground.

"Grumble!"

The human head, which had been pickled with quicklime to prevent decay, rolled out of the box and landed at Cao Cao's feet, his dead eyes facing Cao Cao.

Cao Cao was so shocked that he took two steps back, looked at the envoy sent by Yuan Shao with a sullen face, and shouted: "What is the purpose of Yuan Benchu's move?"

The messenger smiled and said: "This is Gongsun Zan, the great enemy of King Zhao in his life. After King Zhao killed him, he specially ordered his subordinates to send it to him so that he could share his joy with the general."

Cao Cao was frightened, knowing that Yuan Shao was warning him that if he didn't know the destiny, he would end up like Gongsun Zan sooner or later.

Cao Cao was angry and resentful, but he did not dare to be angry at Yuan Shao's envoy. After ordering him to retreat, he became furious.

"In recent years, Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan have been fighting in the north, and I have resisted Yuan Shu and Tao Qian in the south."

"Yuan Shao just wiped out Gongsun Zan today, and he started to plot against him. He really didn't care about his old relationship!"

The arrival of Gongsun Zan's head completely shattered the last trace of luck in Cao Cao's heart. He immediately turned to Guo Jia and said: "It seems that this time we must move the people into Guanzhong and give up Yanzhou to Yuan Shao."

Guo Jia smiled slightly and began to comfort Cao Cao, saying: "Ming Gong, there is no need to be angry."

"Today, the most powerful among the northern princes is Yuan Shao, and the most powerful among the southern princes is Zhou Qi."

"Yuan Shao is arrogant. If Princess Ming retreats, he will definitely not embarrass Duke Ming. Instead, he will continue to go south and eliminate Yuan Shu, Liu Bei and others."

"If Yuan Shao goes south, how can Zhou Qi sit idly by and ignore it?"

"At that time, the two heroes were competing, but Ming Gong could take advantage of the opportunity to develop and reap the benefits."

Cao Cao was fierce and resolute in nature. Now that he had made up his mind, he began to move the people of Yanzhou into Guanzhong.

With the help of Xun Yu, a talented king, and the countless unclaimed fertile land in Guanzhong, it was very attractive to ordinary people.

As a result, the resistance encountered by Cao Cao's migration to Yanzhou was far lower than expected.

When the people of Yanzhou were undergoing a great migration, the news that Yuan Shu, Zhou Qi, and Liu Bei had established a separate court in Jian County and jointly elected King Chenliu as emperor had already spread.

After Cao Cao learned the news, he was silent for a long time, and finally sighed deeply.

"I misjudged the wrong person in the early years. I didn't expect Zhou Ziyi to be such an ambitious person!"

Cao Cao knew that the battle between the northern and southern courts had officially begun.

Although this move once again trampled on the dignity of the Han Dynasty, it was of great benefit to Cao Cao, who lived in the cracks.

Yuan Shao would not sit idly by and ignore the establishment of the southern imperial court.

At this time, Yuan Shao has no time to take care of Cao Cao, but may try his best to win over him.

As expected, it didn't take long before Yuan Shao sent an envoy again to comfort Cao Cao, and he was granted the title of General Hussar and Marquis of Wuping, with a settlement of [-] households, and was given holidays and the right to open a mansion.

Guo Jia took the opportunity to remonstrate: "Yuan Benchu ​​rewarded Ming Gong so generously, which means that he will definitely use troops on Yuan Highway. At that time, he will need to use Yanzhou."

"Ming Gong can take the opportunity to donate Yanzhou and ask for money and grain as compensation."

"Since Yuan Benchu ​​captured Yanzhou without any blood, he would naturally not be stingy with money and food. In this way, it would be much easier for the people who migrated to Guanzhong to be settled in Ming Dynasty."

Cao Cao was convinced and sent an envoy to Yecheng to visit Yuan Shao.

as predicted.

At this time, Yuan Shao was furious because of the establishment of the southern imperial court. He wanted to mobilize all the troops from the four states of Hebei to go south and wipe out the southern puppet imperial court.

However, the biggest problem facing Yuan Shao now is Cao Cao who occupies Yanzhou.Although the two are allies in name, Cao Cao is even considered a vassal of Yuan Shao. Logically speaking, it should not be a problem to use Yanzhou to attack Yuan Shu.

However, under the current situation, Yuan Shao does not trust Cao Cao, and Cao Cao does not trust Yuan Shao.

Yuan Shao was worried that when he took the opportunity to pass through Yanzhou, Cao Cao would turn against him and cut off his food route.

Cao Cao was also worried whether Yuan Shao was going south from Yanzhou with the intention of attacking Guo on a false road.

Just as Yuan Shao was discussing with his subordinate Wen Wu whether to stabilize Cao Cao and lead troops to attack Liu Bei in Xuzhou first, Cao Cao's envoy just arrived at Yecheng.

"What, Cao Cao is willing to retreat to Guanzhong and hand over Yanzhou to Yu Gu?"

Yuan Shao suddenly heard this news, his face was full of shock.

He knew how much effort Cao Cao had put into Yanzhou over the years, and it was unlikely that anyone would give up the foundation he had worked so hard to build to others.

Yuan Shao also knew that there is no free lunch in the world, so he immediately asked: "What does Mengde want after paying such a high price?"

The envoy replied: "King Zhao also knows that Guanzhong has experienced wars and famines successively, and has long since become dilapidated, with nine out of ten houses empty."

"General Hussar wants to move some people from Yanzhou into Guanzhong and rebuild the two dilapidated capitals, but he needs a lot of money and food. I hope King Zhao can support him."

"In half a year, King Zhao can send someone to take over Yanzhou."

When Yuan Shao heard this, he agreed directly without any hesitation.

Everyone knows that Guanzhong is in ruins. It is unrealistic to restore production in Guanzhong without allowing Cao Cao to move some people there.

What's more, Yuan Shao agreed so easily, but he was not without selfish motives.

In Yuan Shao's view, the world belongs to him sooner or later, so Guanzhong, the former political, economic, and cultural center, will sooner or later be included in his rule.

Instead of migrating the people and running Guanzhong at a huge cost in the future, it would be better to betray Cao Cao and let him do this evil thing of migrating the people.

When Guanzhong developed again, Yuan Shao was confident that he could sweep the rest of the princes, and he could then pick peaches.

As for half a year, Yuan Shao can afford to wait.

Originally, after Yuan Shao learned that Yuan Shu, Zhou Qi, and Liu Bei had set up a separate court and abided by the late emperor's edict to enthrone King Chenliu as emperor, he prepared to mobilize all his troops from Hebei and move south.

However, facing the alliance of the three major princes in the south, Yuan Shao felt a little pressure.

In addition, Xun You, Ju Shou and others tried their best to dissuade him, believing that Hebei should be managed for a period of time first, and after the situation in Youzhou and Qingzhou was completely stabilized, it would not be too late to lead troops southward.

Yuan Shao thought for a long time, considering Zhou Qi's strength, but unwilling to take risks at this time, he finally agreed.

Cao Cao set a period of half a year, and Yuan Shao was just in time to recuperate.

However, it was said that after Zhou Qi, together with Yuan Shu and Liu Bei, made King Chenliu the emperor, he promoted himself to the position of general, and almost all his officers and men were promoted to one rank. Everyone was happy and excited.

After the sealing matters were completed, Zhou Qi sent his eldest son to Xuzhou. Before leaving, he secretly warned: "When you go to Xuzhou, you should be more humble and treat Liu Xuande, Guan Yunchang, Zhang Yide, Zhao Zilong and others with the courtesy of a nephew."

"If possible, I should worship Guan, Zhang and Zhao as my master and practice martial arts beside him."

"These people are unstoppable and brave, and they value love and justice. Don't play tricks around them, just treat each other sincerely, and your safety in Xuzhou will be guaranteed."

"Langya Zhuge Liang is the younger brother of Zhuge Jin. He is young but intelligent. I have written to Liu Xuande and Zhuge Ziyu successively, asking Zhuge Liang to be your assistant."

"You two are of the same age. You should treat him like an elder brother in Xuzhou and listen to Zhuge Liang's advice when encountering problems."

"When I return to Xiangyang in the future, I can take them back with me."

Before Zhou Ji left, Zhou Qi held his hands and talked for a long time, and emphasized the key points several times.

Zhou Ji listened carefully and remembered every word his father said.

At the end, Zhou Qi stroked his back and said: "In the past, King Zhaoxiang of Qin and the First Emperor of Qin were both hostages in the State of Zhao. This did not dampen their fighting spirit, but instead strained their will and muscles. As a result, King Zhaoxiang of Qin established the hegemony of the Qin State to unify the world. Qin Shihuang was able to sweep through the six kingdoms.”

"When you go to Xuzhou, it's no different than at home. You should be careful in your words and deeds in everything you do, hide your wisdom within yourself, and just be a loyal, benevolent and filial person."

Faced with his father's earnest teachings, Zhou Ji naturally refused to accept anything.

It wasn't until Zhou Ji's car left for a long time that Zhou Qi still didn't want to leave for a long time.

When Xi Zhicai saw this, he said softly: "Since my lord is reluctant to let go of my son, what's the harm even if I don't send him to Xuzhou as a hostage?"

The situation today is no different than before.

Yuan Shao unified Hebei and dominated the north. He was eyeing the southern princes. Everyone was under pressure and must unite to fight against the outside world.

Moreover, Zhou Qi has withdrawn his troops from Yizhou, and Liu Bei is also involved in establishing another emperor. Everyone is now a grasshopper on the same rope.

Even if Zhou Qi broke the contract now, Liu Bei would not dare to say anything, let alone turn against Zhou Qi.

When Zhou Qi heard this, he shook his head.

Sending his eldest son Zhou Ji to Xuzhou was not just to win over Liu Bei, Zhou Qi also had other considerations.

Although Zhou Ji had practiced literature and martial arts over the years and performed well, Zhou Qi was keenly aware that his eldest son was ultimately lacking a trace of spirituality.

He is more like a canary in a cage, lacking the drive and vigor of Zhou Qi when he was young.

After all, it was Zhou Qi who had protected his son so well over the years that he lost the opportunity to practice.

If there was peace and prosperity, a character like Zhou Ji might be able to become a good monarch.

However, these are troubled times, and Zhou Qi is not sure whether he can wipe out the princes and unify the world in his lifetime.

If not, the burden on the future heirs will be heavy.

Even if Zhou Qi is lucky enough to be able to unify the world, there will inevitably be many arrogant and powerful generals around him. Unless Zhou Qi imitates Zhu Yuanzhang and goes on a killing spree, the heir who is too gentle will not be able to suppress them at all.

The most important thing is that in his early years, Zhou Qi made too many compromises with wealthy families in order to stabilize the situation in Yizhou and Jingzhou as soon as possible.

If the heir does not have certain skills, the empire that Zhou Qi worked so hard to win may be lost to aristocratic families in the future just like Cao Pi.

In fact.

When Cao Cao was alive, he was both wooing and guarding against aristocratic families.

In order to restrict the development of aristocratic families, Cao Cao even issued several merit-based recruitment orders and recruited countless children from poor families.

However, the aristocratic family was so powerful that even if Cao Cao killed many people while he was still alive, it would still be difficult to change the situation.

After Cao Cao died and Cao Pi became emperor, in order to stabilize the situation in Wei, in addition to suppressing the clansmen who held heavy military forces, he began to re-employ powerful families. To this end, he also promulgated the nine-grade Zhongzheng system.

Winning over aristocratic families quickly eliminated the influence of Cao Pi's proclaimed emperor and stabilized the situation in Wei.

However, the root of the disaster had been laid. In the end, the wealthy family chose the Sima family. The foundation that Cao Cao had worked so hard to build was just a wedding dress for others.

Zhou Qi was unwilling to make the same mistakes as Cao Cao, so he started paving the way for his son early.

Whether it was sending him to Xuzhou to train the hostages or making Zhuge Liang his assistant, it was Zhou Qi who made the arrangements early on.

Needless to say, training Zhou Ji’s struggle experience was also a very important move for Zhuge Liang.

There is no shortage of talents under Zhou Qi, and there are even very young rising stars like Zhou Yu and Lu Xun who can become important ministers in the future.

Especially Zhou Yu, who is still nominally the brother of the Zhou family, and seems to be capable of taking on important responsibilities.

However, both Zhou Yu and Lu Xun were from Yangzhou aristocratic families, so they would naturally give priority to the aristocratic families in their behavior.

Especially after they have made many achievements following Zhou Qi, the higher their abilities, the greater the constraints they will have on Zhou Ji in the future.

Zhou Qi did not simply think that Zhou Yu would care about the friendship of the same clan.

If Zhou Ji wants to truly control the foundation he has built in the future, he must have his own team. The people under his command must be loyal and capable, and can suppress the arrogant generals and meritorious ministers.

After much thought, no one is more suitable than Zhuge Liang.

Zhuge Liang was almost impeccable in both character and political ability. In the chaotic situation of the Shu Han after the Battle of Yiling, he was able to handle the conflicts between the Jingzhou, Dongzhou and Yizhou factions impartially.

As a result, Zhuge Liang has been in power for many years, and within the territory of the country, he is feared but loved. Although the punishment and administration are harsh, there is no resentment.

Being able to take into account the strictness of the criminal law and the constant military service has made the people of the country fear and admire him. Looking at China for thousands of years, Zhuge Liang is probably the only one.

The reason why Zhou Qi did not try every means to get Zhuge Liang by his side was to train his son's team from an early age.

With Zhuge Liang by his side, he will be Zhou Qi's confidant after he teaches and performs meritorious deeds.

As the saying goes, if one is an emperor and one courtier, if one's confidants are left to his son, the other party may not reuse him, and Zhuge Liang may not appreciate it.

If the two become close friends, they may create a good story in the future.

Even if there were internal and external troubles after the Battle of Yiling, and only half of the Shu Han regime in Yizhou was left, it could be governed by Zhuge Liang into a kingdom of abundance, and he could take care of both internal affairs and production by using troops against Wei in consecutive years.

The foundation left by Zhou Qi will not be worse than the mess left by Liu Bei. With Zhuge Liang assisting Zhou Qi, he can rest assured.

Zhou Qi also believed that the friendship the two forged during adversity would be no worse than Liu Bei's three visits to the thatched cottage.

If Zhou Ji could accomplish this, he would at least be able to ensure peace for more than a hundred years after his death.

This was Zhou Qi's ultimate purpose in letting his eldest son Zhou Qi go to Xuzhou.

(End of this chapter)