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

Chapter 282
However, it was said that the general Zhou Qi led his troops back to Xiangyang, and the civil and military officials in his tent contacted each other privately, saying: "One of the two sons of the late emperor was killed by Yuan Shu, and the other was imprisoned by Yuan Shao. Now that Yuan Shao has proclaimed himself emperor in Yecheng, falsely claiming to be the Son of Heaven, the fate of the Han Dynasty has been ruined."

"The general has fought in all directions, protected the country and the people, turned the tide when it fell, and supported the building when it fell. He has made great military achievements and has unparalleled martial prowess. How can he be inferior to Yuan Shao's traitor in the three states in the south that he currently controls?"

"Why don't we jointly submit a letter to nominate the general as emperor?"

When all the officials heard the words, they all said good things.

There were not many people under Zhou Qi who were truly loyal to the Han Dynasty.

What's more, now that the situation in the world has become clear and a confrontation between the north and the south has taken shape, the strongest ones are Yuan Shao and Zhou Qi.

Since Yuan Shao has proclaimed himself emperor, the usurper of the Han Dynasty is Yuan Shao. The Han Dynasty has almost been declared destroyed. Even if Zhou Qi follows suit and proclaims himself emperor now, he will not be infamy.

On the contrary, if Zhou Qi continued to call himself a general, even the Han Dynasty would no longer exist. What would be the use of this official position?

Nowadays, having Zhou Qi as emperor is not only beneficial to the rule, but also a great blessing for the officials who follow Zhou Qi.

Who doesn’t want to have the power of the dragon?

Therefore, there was basically no objection from anyone under Zhou Qi. Even if some people were hesitant, they did not dare to show it, and they all asked for a joint letter to elevate the general as emperor.

However, becoming emperor is not a trivial matter, but everyone did not dare to make a mistake and immediately reported it to military advisor Xu Shu.

Xu Shu frowned slightly. He didn't agree with the general proclaiming the emperor at this time, but he didn't dare to say anything more. He immediately excused himself and said: "This matter is serious, please allow me to discuss it with Yuan Hao, Wen He and Wen Li Gong. Make a decision."

Xu Shu immediately found Jia Xu, held a courteous ceremony, and said: "Now Yuan Shao has rebelled and proclaimed himself emperor, and the Han Dynasty has been destroyed. It is the time when the princes are rising together, and heroes are watching. The civil and military officials in Jingzhou have the heart to support the emperor as the emperor. Sir, I think how?"

Jia Xu said calmly: "The so-called public opinion is the will of God. Since all the ministers want to make the lord the emperor, the military advisor can only persuade the lord."

When Xu Shu heard this, he couldn't help but secretly curse Jia Xu as an old fox, but he did not continue to argue with him. Instead, he said: "I will ask Yuan Hao and Wen Li Gong again. If all the ministers have this intention, what will they do at that time?" Mr. Wang, together with us, urges the lord to proclaim himself emperor."

After sending Xu Shu away, the bookboy said doubtfully: "Didn't Sir, you said before that it was not appropriate for your lord to proclaim the emperor too early? Why did you change your mind when you faced the military advisor's inquiry?"

Jia Xu looked at his book boy and said, "You can only say this in the house, and it is not allowed to spread outside. Do you know?"

The book boy hurriedly agreed.

Jia Xu, a thousand-year-old fox, would never speak out against Zhou Qi rashly before he understood Zhou Qi's intentions.

On the contrary, if you follow the crowd and act together with the ministers, you will at least be safe.

After bidding farewell to Jia Xu, Xu Shu found Tian Feng again and told him what he had said to Jia Xu before.

Tian Feng frowned slightly when he heard this.

He thought for a long time, then shook his head and said: "I think it is inappropriate to proclaim the emperor at this time."

When Xu Shu heard this, he couldn't help but get excited and asked, "Why did you say this, sir?"

Tian Feng said: "My lord was greatly favored by the late emperor and was entrusted with the important task of entrusting me with the task. He has always regarded himself as a loyal minister of the Han Dynasty. If you claim to be emperor at this time, you will inevitably be criticized. This is one of the reasons."

"Although Yuan Benchu ​​has proclaimed himself emperor, his time is still short. Even if the Han Dynasty exists in name only, there are still many people's hearts towards the Han Dynasty. If my lord proclaims himself emperor, these people will be greatly disappointed. This is the second reason."

"Although my lord occupies three states, he is still inferior to Yuan Shao. He can only compete with Liu Xuande and Cao Mengde by forming an alliance. If my lord becomes emperor, it will be difficult to maintain the alliance. This is the third reason."

When Xu Shu heard this, he couldn't help but let out a long sigh of relief, and then bowed to Tian Feng: "Sir, your eyes are like a torch, I respect you!"

Tian Feng returned the gift and then said: "For the current plan, it is best to take Hanzhong first and seize the entire territory of Yizhou."

Xu Shu said goodbye to Tian Feng and went to see Bian Rang again.

As the teacher of the general, Bian Rang was not only a highly respected celebrity, but also the nominal governor of Jingzhou. Even though he had no real power, his influence should not be underestimated.

Therefore, the attitude of giving in is crucial.

Xu Shu bowed to the students and gave in, and he accepted it calmly.

This is not because Xu Shu deliberately cultivated a relationship, because Xu Shu once studied in Lujiang Academy. Even if he was kicked out in the end, he still graduated from Lujiang Academy.

What's more, after Zhou Yu made the truth public, Xu Shu became famous in Lujiang. The masters of Lujiang Academy came to apologize in person and planned to re-invite Xu Shu to study at the academy.

However, Zhou Yu had already planned to form Lujiang Shangjia at that time. It was the time to hire people, so he directly recruited the talented Xu Shu.

After obtaining the official position, it was naturally impossible for Xu Shu to continue to study in the academy. The two parties had finally settled their differences, and the academy still recognized Xu Shu's status as a student.

Although the dean of Lujiang Academy is Chen Wen, the founder also made concessions.

Therefore, Xu Shu was worthy of his reputation as a student.

After listening to what Xu Shu said, Bian Rang was silent for a long time and couldn't help but sigh deeply.

To be honest, if Zhou Qi becomes emperor, Bian Rang will be the emperor's master. This title is no small honor, even for a famous person like Bian Rang, it is quite attractive.

It's just that he not only read the books of sages, but also didn't have much affection for the Han Dynasty like many young people.

Bian Rang was not young and had lived under the rule of the Han Dynasty for many years. He was somewhat attached to this dynasty.

After a long silence, Bian Rang finally sighed: "The change of dynasties is a cycle of heaven. If it is really necessary, I will not object to Ziyi becoming emperor."

"However, after all, I was a minister of the Han Dynasty before. If my son becomes emperor, please forgive me for resigning and returning to my hometown."

Bian Rang did this because he did not want to hinder his students from making further progress as a teacher, and he also did not want to bear the reputation of being disloyal. He chose to retire and return to his hometown, which was not a threat to Zhou Qi.

Xu Shu knew what he meant, and immediately stood up in awe, saying, "Sir, you are so righteous!"

At the General's Mansion, Zhou Qi looked at the news coming from Bajun with an expression of interest on his face.

At this moment, Xu Shu walked in and said, "Greetings, my lord!"

When Zhou Qi saw Xu Shu arriving, he immediately smiled and said, "What's the purpose of Yuan Zhi coming here?"

Xu Shu said seriously: "Now that Yuan Ni has usurped the throne, the Han Dynasty has been destroyed, and my lord occupies the land in the south, how can he succumb to the rebels? All ministers want to invite my lord to ascend the throne and proclaim himself emperor!"

When Zhou Qi heard this, he looked at Xu Shu with a smile but not a smile, and asked, "What is Yuan Zhi's opinion on this matter?"

The ministers are working together to make themselves emperor, but how can they hide it from Zhou Qi?
He even knew that Xu Shu had visited Jia Xu, Tian Feng and Bian Rang, and he wanted to know their opinions.

Xu Shu carefully observed Zhou Qi's expression, and then said tentatively: "I think it is understandable for my lord to proclaim himself emperor, but there is no need to rush."

Zhou Qi showed a smile on his face and asked, "Yuan Zhi has something to say, but it doesn't hurt to say it."

Xu Shu breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Zhou Qi's expression, and then told Zhou Qi what Tian Feng had said, and added: "Even Duke Wenli still has feelings for the Han Dynasty, how much more can he say about the people in the world?"

"My Lord, you might as well make him a king first, and then wait for a few years to wait until people's hearts leave the Han Dynasty. Then he can proclaim himself emperor."

According to Xu Shu's idea, since Yuan Shao has proclaimed himself emperor, the Han Dynasty will no longer exist. People will gradually accept the existing facts. When they no longer think about reviving the Han Dynasty, it is the best time for Zhou Qi to proclaim himself emperor.

When Zhou Qi heard this, he couldn't help but sigh: "What Yuan Zhi said is exactly what I want. Let's not mention the matter of proclaiming the emperor anymore."

When Xu Shu saw that Zhou Qi only said not to mention the matter of proclaiming the emperor again, but did not mention a word about his previous suggestion of becoming the king, Xu Shu immediately understood.

After Xu Shu retreated, he hurriedly summoned Jingzhou civil and military officials to meet with the general.

Zhou Qi pretended to be confused and asked: "What big thing happened today? Why do you all come here together?" Xu Shu stepped forward and worshiped: "Yuan Shao usurped the power of the Han Dynasty, leaving the people without a master. The Lord's famous masterpieces are all over the world, and now he has been pacified. There are two rivers, as well as the land of Jing and Yang, where one can obey the people of heaven, that is, the throne of emperor, and have a legitimate name to fight against the traitors of the country."

"Without further delay, I would like to ask my lord to choose a good and auspicious day to ascend the throne as emperor!"

"Please, my lord, choose a good and auspicious day to ascend the throne as emperor!"

All the officials behind Xu Shu also said in unison.

Zhou Qi's face changed drastically and he said, "The military advisor's words are wrong."

"Although Zhou Qi controls the three states, he is still a minister. If he does this, he will be rebelling against the Han Dynasty."

Xu Shu said: "The one who opposes the Han is Yuan Shao, not my lord. Today there is no master. If Qin loses his deer, the whole world will chase him away. With my lord's martial prowess, how can he not ascend to this position?"

Jia Xu also said: "Today, the world is falling apart, and heroes are rising together, each dominating his own side. Talented and virtuous people from all over the world are willing to sacrifice their lives to work for their superiors. They all want to climb up to the dragon and follow the phoenix to establish their fame. Now my lord avoids suspicion and abides by his righteousness. I'm afraid I have failed everyone's expectations. I hope my lord will think of it carefully."

Zhou Qi shook his head and said: "I have received great kindness from the late emperor and was entrusted with important responsibilities before my death. I must not arrogantly assume the position of honor!"

All the generals said in unison: "My lord, if you just refuse, everyone will be scattered."

However, Xu Shu took the opportunity to say: "The Lord is righteous in his life, and he calls you the title of honor even if you don't agree. Now there are Yangzhou, Jingxiang, and Liangchuan. He can be the king of Chu for the time being."

Xu Shu's words were beyond everyone's expectations, but the matter had come to this, and since the general did not want to proclaim himself emperor, it would not be a big deal to be crowned king first.

The generals immediately said in unison again: "Since my lord does not want to be emperor, you can first be crowned king!"

Zhou Qi still refused and said: "Although you want to respect me as the king, Gaozu once swore an oath on a white horse. He was not the Liu family but the king, and the whole world attacked him. Now there is no clear edict from the emperor, and it violates Gaozu's oath. This is It’s arrogance.”

Xu Shu said: "Today it is better to obey power and not to stick to common sense."

Afterwards, Xu Shu winked at Xu Chu and Dian Wei.

Xu Chu immediately shouted: "The generals followed my lord to conquer the north and south, and fought in bloody battles. All they did was to climb the dragon and the phoenix and establish their fame. My lord neither wants to proclaim himself emperor nor can he be crowned king. Aren't we heartbroken?"

Dian Wei also shouted: "If the master does not enter the king's title, how can we be promoted? If you are so coy, why don't we disperse!"

When the generals saw that Xu Chu, Dian Wei and other close generals dared to speak such lies, they immediately understood in their hearts and shouted: "My lord, you can be called the king today, or you can be called the king if you are not!"

Facing the persecution of the generals, Zhou Qi showed a bitter look on his face and said: "You are persecuting me like this, aren't you committing injustice?"

Huang Zhong said loudly: "This is our persecution. Who dares to say that the lord is unjust?"

Gan Ning also shouted: "Anyone who dares to speak lies will be killed himself!"

Zhou Qi refused repeatedly and had no choice but to agree.

In the seventh month of autumn in AD 201, Xu Shu ordered people to build an altar in Mianyang, with a radius of nine miles and distributed in five directions, with flags and honor guards in each direction.

All ministers are arranged in order.

Wang Can wrote a petition and appealed to heaven and earth:

The emperor succeeded to the throne at a young age, but there were no sacrifices in the ancestral temple and no throne in the country. Now the princes have risen together, and a group of fierce covetous people have divided China.

Fortunately, he was born with a great general who has the world in mind and helps the country.Defeat Pengtuo in Runan, defeat the Yellow Turban in Runan, punish the kingdom in Chencang, and defeat Han Sui in Long County.

Liu Biao separatized Jingzhou, and Liu Yan and his son ravaged Yizhou with evil intentions, causing the people to resent. Fortunately, the general was wise and brave and led the army to attack it, so that the people in the south could live and work in peace and contentment.

There was also Yong Kai's rebellion and rebellion in the south. The barbarians refused to obey the king. The general crossed Lu in June and went deep into the barren area.

Today, in the three southern states, the politics are clear and the people live and work in peace and contentment. This is all due to the great general.

In the past, Dong Zhuo was in trouble for the first time. Later, Li Jue and Guo Si occupied the Western Capital, kidnapped the young emperor, and oppressed the ministers. The people wailed, and bones filled the wilderness. The country was destroyed here, and the people fled south.

Yuan Shu rebelled and committed the act of killing the emperor; Yuan Shao usurped the Han Dynasty and established a puppet dynasty in Ye, which made the emperor's life fall to the ground.

The general has the merits of calming the people and regulating the world. He emphasizes his virtues, spreads his reputation throughout the country, promotes beautiful customs, teaches diligently, and is careful in punishment. His officials do not rule harshly, and the people have no complaints.Loyal to the Han Dynasty, showing unparalleled inheritance, old virtues and previous achievements, regardless of rank.

Now I want to advance to the throne of Chu, conquer Yuan Ni in the north, attack Buchen, support the country, and revive the Han Dynasty. I would like to express my gratitude to heaven and earth with this token!
……

Wang Can eloquently wrote a thousand-word essay detailing Zhou Qi's achievements.

Later, Bian Rang and Tian Feng invited Zhou Qi to ascend the altar, put in the crown and seals, and sat facing south. They were greeted by civil and military officials and congratulated Zhou Qi on becoming the king of Chu. He made his capital Xiangyang. They also ordered people to recall the eldest son Zhou Ji to return and establish him as the crown prince. , gave Zhuge Liang the nickname Kongming.

Feng Bian Rang was appointed Tai Tu, Tian Feng was appointed Shangshu Ling, Jia Xu was promoted to Jin Wu, and Xu Shu was appointed military advisor, responsible for prime military and state affairs.

Feng Dianwei was the leader of the central army, with the title of general of the leader, commanding the Imperial Guard, and was the first of the three generals; Xiang Hong was the general of Annan, Xu Chu was the general of Anxi, Xu Huang was the general of Anbei, Zhou Cheng was the general of Andong; Zhang Liao was the general of Zai. General Pingdong, Gan Ning as General Pingxi, Huang Zhong as General Pingbei, Gao Shun as General Pingnan; Yan Yan, Zhou Tai, Chen Wen, Cai Mao, Wenpin, Gaoding, and Shi Huan are all generals with various titles.

Tian Feng, Jia Xu, Xu Shu, Bian Rang, Dian Wei, Xiang Hong, Xu Chu, Xu Huang, Zhou Cheng, Zhang Liao, Gan Ning, Huang Zhong and Gao Shun were all awarded the title of marquis.

Yan Yan, Zhou Tai, Chen Wen, Cai Mao, Wenpin, Gaoding, and Shi Huan were all awarded the title of Marquis of Guannei.

The rest of the civil and military personnel will be awarded officials and titles based on their merits.

It can also be seen from this that Zhou Qi is quite nostalgic. The military commanders are ranked higher in the ranking. Regardless of their merits, they are the earliest confidants who follow him.

Zhou Qi did this, even Zhang Liao, Huang Zhong, Gan Ning and others who later made great military exploits were speechless.

Sometimes, choice is more important than hard work.

Facts have proved that Xiang Hong and others' choice was not wrong.

Xiang Hong, Dian Wei, Xu Chu, Zhou Cheng, Xu Huang, and Gao Shun, the first generals who followed Zhou Qi, went through the most difficult period with Zhou Qi, and naturally ranked at the top of the military generals.

Although Xiang Hong, Zhou Cheng, and Gao Shun did not have outstanding military exploits, they were Zhou Qi's newest member of the Yuancong faction, especially Gao Shun, who had been training quietly behind the scenes for so many years, and Zhou Qi took it to heart.

Zhou Qi will naturally not treat these people badly.

The Siping generals below are almost all generals with real abilities. Except for Gao Shun, they all have great military exploits.

Since Zhou Qi became the king of Chu, he drafted an official document and announced it to the world. The article said:
Qi, with his meager talents, was appointed as general, governor of the three armies, and resigned. However, he was unable to eliminate the bandits and calm the royal family. As a result, his majesty was robbed and Yuan Ni was proclaimed emperor.Today, within Liuhe, there is no peace, but worry and anxiety, and sickness like a sick head.

In the past, Dong Zhuo pretended to be in chaos. From then on, a group of murderers roamed freely and slaughtered people all over the sea.Fortunately, the destiny of the Han Dynasty was either loyal and righteous, or heaven sent punishments, and violent rebellions were combined with death, so that the ice gradually faded away.

Only Yuan Shao had not been eliminated for a long time, and he invaded and usurped the state power. He was extremely arrogant and wanted to establish a puppet dynasty.

Qi Xi was entrusted with an important task by the late emperor. Even though he was not as capable as Yuan Ni, he should still try his best to protect the country and the people, and help the country.

The officials thought: In the past, the "Book of Yu" described the nine tribes, the common people were enlightened and their wings were spread, and the emperors passed it on from generation to generation. This way should not be abolished.The second generation of Zhou Jian, together with the concubines, relied on the help of Jin and Zheng.The great ancestor Long Xing respected the prince and his younger brother, opened up the nine kingdoms, and killed all the Lu to bring peace to the great sect.Today, Yuan Shao is evil, upright and ugly, and has many followers. He harbors evil intentions and usurps the country to become emperor.

Since the Han Dynasty was weak and the imperial family had no throne, we considered the ancient method and found an expedient way to appoint the King of Chu.

I have experienced the three provinces alone: ​​I have been favored by the country, but I am in one place, my efforts have not been effective, and my gains have been passed. It is not suitable to return to a high position, and I will slander you with serious crimes.The group of officials saw the pressure and forced the lonely person to act righteously.I retreat alone but the thieves and bandits are not afraid, the national crisis is not over, the ancestral temple is in danger, the country is about to fall, I am lonely and worried about the day when my heart breaks.If you should comply with the changes in power and make the holy pilgrimage peaceful, you will have to go through fire and water, but you will have no choice but to say goodbye.He always obeys everyone's opinions and worships and receives the seal to respect the country's prestige.

I admire my title, I am in high position and favored by you, I think about serving you, I am deeply worried and responsible.The fear subsides, as if you are in the valley, if you dare not try your best to show your sincerity, reward the six divisions, lead the group of righteous people, follow the fate of the world, and bring peace to the country.

I would like to express my gratitude to the world.

However, it is said that after the general became the king, he rewarded the three armies, rewarded the civil and military leaders, and granted amnesty to the world. The people of Jing, Yang, and Yi states were all rejoicing, and the civil and military administration was praised by everyone. People call themselves.

(End of this chapter)