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

Chapter 254 Wang Shang talks about Zhao Wei and Yuan Zhi enters Chengdu

The letter fell into the brazier, burned slowly, and eventually turned into ashes.

Zhou Qi did not stay in Lujiang County any longer, and lost interest in continuing his eastward tour, so he returned to Xiangyang with Dian Wei, Zhou Yu, and Xi Zhong.

Zhicai died of illness, and Zhou Qi was depressed for a long time, and was also considering who would be the mastermind in the future.

After much thought, Zhou Qi finally set his sights on Jia Xu and Tian Feng. Although neither of them had the right personality to be the mastermind.

But taken together, it can be of great use.

As for Xu Shu, after all, his foundation was too shallow, he joined Zhou Qi late, and he had not made any achievements, so he could not be promoted rashly.

You must know that both Tian Feng and Jia Xu, after defecting to Zhou Qi, did earth-shattering things for him, and only then were they able to become among the core counselors.

Needless to say, Tian Feng turned his hands into clouds and rain in Lujiang County, and he did not hesitate to offend the aristocratic families, gentry and big merchants in Lujiang County and even the entire Yangzhou. In the end, he raised countless amounts of food and grass, allowing Zhou Qi to go through the most difficult period.

Without Tian Feng, Zhou Qi would not have developed so smoothly in the early stage, nor would he have been able to take advantage of the disputes among the northern princes to recruit refugees and even have enough food to gradually quell the chaos in Shanyue.

As for Jia Xu, after defecting to Zhou Qi, he also gave a certificate of surrender, that is, he personally went to Bajun to lobby Gan Ning to surrender, and planned to defeat the Yizhou Army, capture Dianjiang, and finally bring the entire Bajun under Zhou Qi's rule. .

It was precisely because of Jia Xu's plan that Gan Ning and Yan Yan surrendered one after another, and Zhou Qi opened the eastern gateway of Yizhou, laying a solid foundation for seizing the entire territory of Yizhou.

With Zhou Qi's current status, even though he knows Xu Shu is talented, he cannot promote him at will, otherwise others may not be convinced.

With Xu Shu's shallow foundation, promoting him to become a core adviser at this time would be too much, and might even cause Xu Shu to get burned.

As for Zhou Yu, after all, he was still too young and lacked experience.

It is undeniable that Zhou Yu now has the ability to stand alone, but he has not yet reached the height of his peak period in history.

There is no shortage of people under Zhou Qi now, so there is no need to encourage others. It would be better for Zhou Yu to grow down-to-earth.

The spring plowing has gone smoothly, and if nothing unexpected happens, there will be another bumper harvest this fall.

Although it is now the Little Ice Age, the places ruled by Zhou Qi are all in the south. Even though they have been slightly affected, they are much better than those in the Central Plains and the north.

Chengdu, Zhao Mansion.

"boom!"

Zhao Wei slammed the tea cup to the ground, his face full of anger.

When Wang Shang, who was engaged in governance, saw this, he did not dissuade him, and there was an angry look on his face.

Zhao Wei looked at Wang Shang with an ugly face, and said in a deep voice: "At first, we thought Liu Jiyu had a docile personality, so we united with the major families in Yizhou and elected him as the shepherd of Yizhou against all opinions."

"I never thought that in Liu Jiyu's eyes, those Dongzhou people would be more valued after all!"

As a minister, Zhao Wei called Liu Zhang by his first name, which shows how much resentment he had in his heart.

Wang Shang also looked a little ugly and said: "Now Liu Jiyu is not only suspicious of the general anymore, but also connives the Dongzhou clan to invade the properties and mansions of Yizhou's wealthy families, causing the death of many Yizhou wealthy families."

He looked at Zhao Wei and said solemnly: "It was the two of us who supported Liu Jiyu to become the shepherd of Yizhou in the first place. Now the Yizhou scholars are being persecuted. The general cannot ignore it!"

When Zhao Wei heard this, he sighed dejectedly: "Liu Jiyu listened to the slander, saying that Gan Ning, Yan Yan and others from Bajun had defected to Zhou Ziyi one after another, and that the people in Yizhou could not be trusted, so he became wary of me."

"Now, although I am still a Zhonglang General in name, my soldiers and horses have been deprived of me, and I have almost no real power."

"On the contrary, ever since Fazheng and Mengda defected to Wu Yi, relying on his in-law relationship with Liu Jiyu and being good at flattering others, he began to rise rapidly and gained great respect."

"Wu Yi is good at winning people's hearts, and he has many contacts with Zhang Ren, Deng Xian, Lingbao and others."

"Now that I am alone, how can I speak for the scholars of Yizhou?"

Wang Shang felt deeply helpless when he heard this.

Compared with history, in this time and space, due to Yan Yan's surrender to Zhou Qi, the entire Bajun was no longer controlled by Liu Zhang.

Therefore, Liu Zhang became wary of local people in Yizhou.

According to the original history, due to the Dongzhou people's invasion of the old people of Yizhou, the Yizhou clan and people were eventually resentful, and Zhao Wei, who had originally recommended Liu Zhang to the throne, led his troops to rebel.

Since Zhao Wei rebelled, all parts of Yizhou responded one after another. Rebels from Shujun, Guanghan, Qianwei and other places joined him.

For a time, Zhao Wei gained momentum and led the rebels directly to Chengdu, surrounding Liu Zhang and the Dongzhou people.

Due to the persecution of the Yizhou natives by the Dongzhou people, Zhao Wei knew that after the city was destroyed, Zhao Wei would definitely retaliate against the Dongzhou people, so they worked together to help Liu Zhang defend the city, and finally planned to defeat Zhao Wei.

The tree fell and scattered.

After Zhao Wei was defeated, he fled back to Jiangzhou, Bajun. His generals Pang Le and Li Yi were instigated to rebel and killed.

At this point, the mighty Yizhou Rebellion disappeared.

It was Zhao Wei's rebellion that prevented Liu Zhang and the Dongzhou clan from overly oppressing the local scholars and people of Yizhou.

Since then, Liu Zhang began to use people from Yizhou, and his policy towards the people was quite tolerant. He even appointed Wang Shang as the prefect of Shu County, and eventually gained the support of many Yizhou scholars.

Now, due to Yan Yan's surrender and the loss of Bajun, the conflict between the two has intensified in advance.

Zhao Wei was under suspicion. Since Wang Shang and Liu Zhang were the first shepherds of Yizhou, and they were also locals in Yizhou, they were also slightly implicated.

Although their positions have not changed, their rights are gradually being emptied out.

In addition, there were endless incidents of people from Dongzhou oppressing people from Yizhou. The two of them were criticized by the local wealthy families in Yizhou because they originally recommended Liu Zhang as the shepherd of Yizhou.

It can be said that Zhao Wei and Wang Shang are no longer human beings inside and outside.

Wang Shang has many virtuous names in history, but it was also because of Zhao Wei's defeat and death. After Wang Shang was appointed as the prefect of Shu County, he began to study Guangnong to benefit the people. After ten years of accumulation, he finally became a famous minister.

Nowadays, Wang Shang is only engaged in governance, and he has not been able to put into practice what he has learned in his life.

Seeing Zhao Wei's ugly face, Wang Shang suddenly lowered his voice and said, "I have something to say, I don't know whether I should say it or not."

Zhao Wei's expression moved slightly and he said: "What difference do you and I have between you and me? We have something to say but it doesn't matter."

Wang Shang hesitated for a moment and said: "I heard that when the general was on his eastward tour, he was discussing Taoism with the students at Lujiang Academy. Wang Hui said a sentence: "If a father is not kind, his son will flee to another country; if the emperor is not upright, his ministers will surrender. Other countries.”

"Liu Zhang is weak and not a wise ruler. Since he became the shepherd of Yizhou, he has been unable to appease the people and use the virtuous people of Yizhou. Instead, he uses the flattering and cruel Dongzhou people, which has caused resentment among the people of Yizhou."

"Liu Zhang was unable to resist strong enemies outside, so Bajun was lost, Hanzhong became independent, and Yizhou was attacked from both sides."

"Nowadays, Yizhou is suffering from internal and external troubles. Liu Zhang not only does not know how to work diligently and care for the people, but also eliminates the evils. Instead, he is suspicious of virtuous people like the general. Sooner or later, he will perish."

"If you are not upright, why should we be so loyal?"

At this point, Wang Shang's words stopped abruptly.

Zhao Wei's eyes widened in shock. He didn't expect Wang Shang to say these words.According to Zhao Wei's understanding of Wang Shang, even if he raises troops to rebel, the other party is unlikely to follow.

Unexpectedly, Wang Shang would be the first to raise this issue today.

Zhao Wei asked tentatively: "Who does Wen Biao think is the master of the Ming Dynasty, worthy of your service?"

Wang Shang pointed to the east and said: "General Zhou Ziyi has made outstanding military exploits since the Yellow Turban Uprising. Later, he fought in the north and south. He gained the late emperor's trust and was even named a chariot and cavalry general."

"After the death of the late emperor, the generals separated themselves into one side. They first pacified Yangzhou and then conquered Jingzhou. Before that, they defeated Yuan Benchu ​​who unified Hebei."

"The general has taken control of Bajun, and sooner or later he will conquer the entire territory of Yizhou."

"The general thinks that one day the general will launch an expedition to the west. Will Liu Zhang be able to hold on to this foundation?"

Zhao Wei just pondered for a moment, then shook his head and said: "Not to mention Liu Zhang, looking at the princes in the world, the only one who can compete with Zhou Ziyi is probably Yuan Benchu."

Wang Shang also nodded and said: "General, we occupy the dangerous lands of the Huaihe River, Han River, and Yangtze River, and the sacred lands of Yongjing and Yangzhou. Now we even occupy Ba County. If we can capture the entire territory of Yizhou, we can occupy half of the country. At least he can divide the river to rule, and split the earth to create a king."

"Compared to the general, Liu Zhang may not even be able to defend his own foundation. Isn't it obvious who is the master?"

Zhao Wei's expression moved slightly and he asked, "Does Wen Biao want to surrender to Zhou Ziyi?"

Wang Shang did not hide anything and nodded: "Since the general occupied Bajun, he appointed Yan Yan as the governor of Bajun and Xu Shu as the magistrate of Bajun, and promulgated many policies that are beneficial to the people of Bajun."

"In fact, even the Ba people from various tribes received the blessings and began to live and work in peace and contentment."

"The general is from Bajun. He must know very well about the current changes in Bajun."

When Zhao Wei heard this, he sighed and said: "Whether it was during the late emperor's time or when Liu Yan ruled Yizhou, the people of Bajun have never lived and worked in such peace and contentment."

Wang Shang nodded and said: "Not only that, even the big families who rebelled in Jiangzhou were pardoned and entrusted with important positions."

"General, you may wish to think about it. After the general occupied Ba County, he not only reused the local scholars of Ba County, but also treated the common people and the people of Ba County with kindness and kindness."

"On the other hand, under Liu Zhang's rule, Yizhou scholars were bullied and jealous, and the people were exploited."

"If that's the case, why should you be loyal to Liu Zhang?"

"Ganning, who welcomed the Jingzhou army into Bajun, was just a bandit before, and his reputation was far less than that of the general. He could become the third lieutenant general under the general."

"Assisting the general to pacify Yan Yan in Ba County, he also became the prefect of a county."

"The general's reputation far exceeds the two of them. If we welcome the general to Chengdu, how can such achievements be compared to those of Gan Ning and Yan Yan?"

"At that time, not only the generals can be reused, but the Yizhou scholars and people can also be treated fairly. Isn't it wonderful?"

It must be said that Wang Shang's words were well-founded and Zhao Wei was quite moved.

However, remembering that he had led the troops to stop the Jingzhou army, Zhao Wei said with some hesitation: "Although I have this intention, I am afraid that I will be hated by the Jingzhou civil and military forces when I led the troops to fight with the general."

"I'm also worried that the general won't tolerate it."

When Wang Shang heard this, he smiled and said: "The general's words are too small to underestimate the general's ability."

"I think back in those days, when Zhang Wenyuan led his troops to raid Lujiang and killed Huang Shao, the captain of Lujiang County, he was pardoned by the general and finally entrusted with important tasks."

"When the general first attacked Jingzhou, the famous general Huang Hansheng under Liu Biao also defeated the Yangzhou army several times. In the end, he was personally invited by the general and became his confidant."

"With such a broad mind and such a generous attitude, why should the general worry about it?"

When Zhao Wei heard this, he couldn't help but suddenly realized, and said: "If I hadn't been reminded by Wen Biao, I might have misunderstood the general."

Then, Zhao Wei said hesitantly: "Although I have this intention, I have no way out."

"What's more, now I only have a false position, and I am also powerless. There is no way to welcome the general to Chengdu!"

"If there is a will, there is a way. As for whether we can welcome the general into Chengdu, we can discuss it later."

As soon as Zhao Wei finished speaking, a clear voice came from outside the door.

Zhao Wei was horrified when he heard this. He quickly stood up and took the sword hanging on the wall. He drew the sword in his hand and shouted sharply: "Who dares to eavesdrop outside!"

"Crench!"

At this moment, the closed door was pushed open, and a strange face appeared in Zhao Wei's eyes.

With murderous intent on his face, Zhao Wei stepped forward and stabbed the man directly in the chest.

No wonder Zhao Wei is like this.

What was discussed today is so shocking that if it reaches Liu Zhang’s ears, both Zhao Wei and Wang Shang will die without a burial place.

It may even affect the whole family.

Therefore, Zhao Wei already showed strong murderous intent towards this unfamiliar face in front of him.

"clang!"

Unexpectedly, the man also drew his sword, struck first, and deflected Zhao Wei's attack with one strike. Then he turned the long sword in his hand and aimed it straight for Zhao Wei's throat. His swordsmanship was obviously very good.

Zhao Wei was horrified and hurriedly took several steps back before escaping the man's attack.

"General, Yuan Zhi, please don't take action!"

Long story.

However, from the moment Zhao Wei stood up and drew his sword until the young man drew his sword to block and counterattack, almost everything happened in a flash.

Only then did Wang Shang react and hurriedly stood up to dissuade him.

The person who was called Yuanzhi was none other than Xu Shu, the Prime Minister of Bajun.

He looked at Zhao Wei with a surprised and uncertain look on his face, and couldn't help but smile softly, then sheathed his sword and bowed to Zhao Wei: "Prince Xu Shu of Ba County, pay your respects to the general!"

Hearing Xu Shu introduce himself to his family, Zhao Wei showed a look of disbelief on his face, then turned to look at Wang Shang and asked, "Why is Xu Yuanzhi here?"

Wang Shang stepped forward and asked Zhao Wei to put away his sword. Then he went to close the door and said with a smile: "Ever since Yuan Zhi became the governor of Ba County, we have been exchanging letters with me."

"At first I was reluctant to communicate with him, but as time went by, I felt more and more that Liu Zhang was not the master."

"On the other hand, Yuan Zhi is so knowledgeable and talented that I am deeply impressed by him."

"He ventured into Chengdu this time just for the sake of the general!"

(End of this chapter)