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

Chapter 371 Asking for help
"What, tens of thousands of Xuzhou troops have left your defense line, and it is suspected that the main force of the Xuzhou army has been dispatched?"

Gao Lan bowed to the ground and said with sincerity and fear: "The heavy rain caused the sight to be blocked, and the Xuzhou army did not display a flag. The final general only recognized that the leading soldiers were indeed Guan Yu and Zhang Fei."

"Since His Majesty had previously sent an edict to let the general go, the general was worried that the two armies would be too close to each other and would cause conflicts, so he led the troops to withdraw and allowed the Xuzhou army to pass the checkpoint."

"By the time the general realized something was wrong, all Xuzhou troops had already left the checkpoint."

"The general did not dare to neglect. While he sent people to pursue him, he also rushed forward to report to His Majesty himself."

"If the general's prediction is correct, this must be Liu Bei's secret plan to seize Chencang. I'm afraid Tan County today has become an empty city."

After listening to Gao Lan's narration, Jushou's face didn't look good. He hurriedly stepped forward and said to Yuan Shao: "If you want to judge whether this is the case, you only need to send troops to Tan County to find out!"

Yuan Shao did not care to blame Gao Lan at this time and hurriedly asked Gao Gan to lead a troop of troops to Tan County.

as predicted.

Not long after, the senior officials came with a well-known elder in Tan County. When this man saw Yuan Shao, he trembled and wanted to prostrate himself to the ground.

Every autumn, local officials conduct a census of the population within their jurisdiction. Once an elderly person is found, they must be registered and a grand ceremony will be held for them.

The so-called Chidao is a road specially designed for the emperor's carriages and horses. Even princes and princes are not allowed to walk beyond the etiquette. This shows what privileges the elderly enjoyed in the Han Dynasty.

The holder of the royal staff can also farm without paying rent and do business without paying taxes.

Although Yuan Shao maintained his identity, he also knew that he should respect the elders. Seeing this, he hurriedly stepped forward to support the old man and said: "I can't bear the elder's great gift!"

During the reign of Emperor Cheng of the Han Dynasty, Liu Ao, the imperial court directly lowered the minimum age for enjoying elder-respecting treatment from eighty to seventy.

After Emperor Wen of the Han Dynasty ascended the throne, he also ordered the world to uphold the idea of ​​"I am the old and the old is the same as the old" and must treat the elderly well.

Tian Xuan, a miser of Dongxiang in Chang'an City, and Sima Hu, the chief of the pavilion in Nanjun, were both sentenced to abandon the city for recruiting, binding and detaining the owner of the king's staff without authorization.

In the edict of the Western Han Dynasty unearthed in later generations, it is clearly written: "In the old year, the king's staff (jade staff) is given, with a dove on it, so that the people can see it, and compare it to the festival... The king's staff is more than seventy years old, and it is better than the six hundred staff. Stone, there is no tendency to enter the government."

People over fifty years old who are willing to do good deeds and are willing to lead their neighbors to do good can serve as the "three elders". From the township to the county, officials at all levels must "teach them through things" and are exempted from the "three elders" "For the corvee laborers, the government would also give them meat and wine every October.

Moreover, these policies were not limited to the period of any emperor, but ran throughout the entire Han Empire. The laws and regulations on respecting the elderly have been consistent for hundreds of years without interruption, and every once in a while, the court would update the laws on respecting and caring for the elderly and incorporate them into the laws. An edict is issued to the world.

Han law also stipulates that governments at all levels are strictly prohibited from recruiting or detaining elderly people without authorization. Even if the elderly break the law, they are not allowed to insult or beat them. Violators will face the penalty of "abandonment of the market."

The edict stipulates that all elderly people over eighty years old can enjoy the special treatment of "nurturing the elderly, giving them a few sticks, and eating rice porridge."

The political status of the elderly does not stop there. When negotiating with local officials, the elderly can sit on equal terms with them and can "walk on the other side of the road."

To what extent did the Han Dynasty respect their elders?
At the beginning of the founding of the Western Han Dynasty, the country was in dire straits and was waiting to be revitalized. As soon as the world regained stability, Liu Bang, the founder of the Han Dynasty, issued several edicts on elderly care.

The Han Dynasty did a very good job in respecting the elderly. Although Yuan Shao changed dynasties, he grew up in an environment like the Han Dynasty. The idea of ​​respecting the elderly is naturally deep-rooted.

In addition to political power, in the Han Dynasty, elderly people over eighty years old were given one stone of corn, twenty kilograms of meat, and five measures of wine every month; those over ninety years old were given two pieces of cloth and three kilograms of cotton wool every month. Ensure that the elderly have no worries about food and clothing and can live a long and healthy life.

In fact, the status of county magistrates in some small counties is not as good as that of an old man over seventy years old.

In other words, as long as an elder reaches the age of seventy, his political status is equivalent to a six hundred stone official, which is equivalent to a county magistrate.

Those who are over seventy years old are "taught with a jade staff and fed with rice porridge." Those who are over eighty years old are "given additional gifts." Among them, the jade staff is decorated with a dove. The dove represents "no choking", which means that the elderly are prayed for good health. .

Zhang Ao, the chief of Baishui Pavilion in Yunyang County, Runan County, beat and pulled the owner of the royal staff and forced him to repair the road. He was reported and sentenced to abandon the market.

Wang Anshi, a man from Runan County, and Zhang Tang, a man from Longxi County, were vicious and treacherous. They beat the owner of the king's staff and broke his staff. They were sentenced to abandon the market.

A man from Runan County was also sentenced to abandoning the market for insulting the owner of the royal staff.

Wu Shang, who traveled to Bubu, Xiling County, Runan County, ordered his followers to beat the owner of the royal staff. The emperor finally ordered Wu Shang and his followers to abandon the market.

Abandoning the market means the death penalty.

The criminal law for the elderly in the Han Dynasty was somewhat similar to that of later generations.

The law of later generations stipulates that the death penalty is not applicable to people over the age of seventy-five, except for those who cause death by particularly cruel means.

The law of the Han Dynasty stipulates that elderly people over the age of seventy will not be prosecuted or investigated for crimes other than murder and injury; elderly people over the age of eighty who commit crimes will not be prosecuted because they do not have many days to live. immunity from prosecution.

The respect for the elderly in the Han Dynasty was also in fulfillment of the national policy of "ruling the world with filial piety".

The old man who came to meet Yuan Shao in front of him was over eighty years old, and he walked tremblingly. If the senior officials had not prepared a luxurious carriage that could cover the rain, and he was traveling very slowly, he might not have dared to let this man pass. The old man was too bumpy.

After Yuan Shao supported the old man, he still had a look of fear on his face and asked, "I wonder what the elder is doing here?"

The old man did not continue to salute, but said tremblingly: "To be honest, I am here for the people of Tan County."

"Before Mr. Xuande left, although he took away the soldiers and horses who were unwilling to surrender to His Majesty, there are still many people in the city who are reluctant to leave their homeland and are unwilling to follow Mr. Xuande."

"Gong Xuande was worried that he would anger His Majesty after he left, so he personally paid a visit to me. I hope that I can apologize to Your Majesty on behalf of Duke Xuande and save the people of Tan County!"

In fact, if it hadn't been for the heavy rain and the need to break through the defense lines of Gao Lan and Wen Chou, perhaps many people would be willing to follow Liu Bei and leave.

But now Liu Bei has become a lost dog, and he still doesn't know what the future holds. Naturally, he doesn't want to drag down the people in the city, so he insists on letting them stay.

Liu Bei was worried that his actions would anger Yuan Shao and bring disaster to Tan County, so at Chen Gong's suggestion, he asked the old man to visit Yuan Shao in person to intercede for the people in the city.

When Yuan Shao heard this, although he secretly scolded Liu Bei for being cunning, he still said sternly: "Elder, please rest assured that the soldiers and horses I lead are imperial troops and will not harm the people. Even before, Liu Xuande was forced to surrender by breaking the embankment. It’s just a show.”

"Even if Liu Xuande is unwilling to surrender in Kaicheng in the end, I will never flood Donghai County."

"The elder can rest peacefully in the camp first, but if necessary, just ask the guards. When the rain stops and the road is clear, I will personally send someone to escort the elder back home!"

When the old man heard this, he hurriedly said: "Your Majesty is so generous and kind, which is really a blessing to the people!"

After coaxing the old man away, Yuan Shao's expression became extremely gloomy. Yuan Shao did not deceive the old man just now. If Liu Bei still does not open the city to surrender by the deadline, he will never burst the dike and flood Donghai County.

Yuan Shao is not Cao Cao. What he wants is the complete Xuzhou, not a ruin.

not to mention.

If Liu Bei doesn't care about the life and death of the people, then even if he can survive in Tan County for the time being, his foundation will be damaged and he will become a prisoner sooner or later, so why bother?
What Yuan Shao didn't expect was that Chen Deng, who had been secretly communicating with him before, would stab him in the back at the last moment.

Although Yuan Shao gained Tan County, all the main forces under Liu Bei's command in the city broke through without any damage. If they went south to join Zhou Qi, and both sides joined forces, they would pose a great threat to Yuan Shao.

He was still imagining that after Liu Bei surrendered and collected all his troops, the Zhao State would be greatly prestige at that time, and then he would go south with a great victory and wipe out the Chu State in one fell swoop.

But now, although Liu Bei has lost Xuzhou, he still has tens of thousands of troops under his command, and his foundation is intact. As long as he can find a place to settle down, he can rise again at any time.

"Send an order to Wen Chou to stop Liu Bei north of the Huaihe River at any cost!"

Yuan Shao's eyes were full of murderous intent, and he was obviously really angry.

He then looked at Gao Lan and said, "You and your five thousand elite cavalry must catch up with Liu Bei. After the rain stops, I will personally lead the army to pursue him!"

"This is your opportunity to commit a crime. If you can catch up with Liu Bei and delay their move south, your previous guilt for letting them go will be wiped out."

"If this matter continues to fail, then both crimes will be punished at the same time. I will never give you mercy!"

"only!"

Gao Lan hurriedly followed the order and secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

But after Liu Bei secretly crossed Chencang and led his troops to break through Gao Lan's defense line, he did not dare to relax his vigilance. He ordered Tai Shici to lead his troops to cut off the rear and be careful of Yuan Jun's pursuit.

At the beginning, when Taishi Ci saw Gao Lan's deputy general chasing after him, he was a little nervous.

However, the opponent didn't seem to see him, and just turned around twice before leading his troops to retreat.

Taishi Ci hurriedly reported back to Liu Bei.

After Liu Bei got the news, he was a little stunned and couldn't figure out what medicine was sold in Gao Lan's gourd.

Chen Gong was slightly moved in his heart, and asked the soldiers who came to report the news: "Is it Gao Lan who leads the pursuit?"

The soldier shook his head and said, "I didn't see Gao Lan, just his deputy general."

Chen Gong continued to ask: "How many are the pursuers?"

The soldier replied: "The specific number is unknown, but it is roughly estimated that there are three to five thousand people."

Chen Gong pondered for a long time, then smiled at Liu Bei and said: "This must be Gao Lan's deliberate act. If my prediction is correct, I am afraid that we have already gone to Yuan Benchu ​​to apologize."

"But Ming Gong cannot let down his guard."

"After Yuan Shao learned that Ming Gong led the soldiers and horses in the city to withdraw, he must have become angry and sent cavalry to pursue him."

"The Xuzhou army is mostly infantry, and their marching speed is far slower than that of cavalry. If we sit back and watch the enemy catch up, it will delay our speed. If we wait until Yuan Shao personally leads his troops to chase us, we may all be in danger of our lives!"

Liu Bei felt awe-struck and asked, "Does the military advisor have any strategy to break the situation?"

Chen Gong pondered for a long time, and then said: "Don't worry, Ming Gong. If the army advances a few miles, it will pass through a narrow mountain road. If Ming Gong sends troops to guard here and blocks the road with rocks and trees, the cavalry will not be able to pass through. easy."

"If the cavalry takes a detour to pursue, it will delay the journey for two more days. By then, the messenger for help must have arrived in Guangling County."

"If Zhuge Kongming leads his troops across the Huaihe River to rescue us, Wen Chou will not be able to look at each other, and we can calmly deal with the pursuing troops."

The worst situation would be to be blocked by Wen Chou and then pursued by pursuers.

If they only deal with the pursuing troops, the pressure on the Xuzhou Army will be much less.

But Liu Bei said with a sad face: "Since the battle in Xuzhou, Zhou Ziyi has not sent a single soldier to come to the rescue. This time he abandoned Tan County and led his troops to rush south. The Chu army will really come. Accept it?"

This is not only a problem that Liu Bei is worried about, but most civil and military officials in Xuzhou also have such doubts.

When Chen Gong heard this, he said: "Ming Gong, there is no need to worry too much. Zhuge Jin will be the messenger for help this time, and Zhuge Liang will surely be able to send troops to rescue him."

"Even if the worst situation comes true, there is no need to worry too much. I have my own way to protect Ming Gong."

Chen Gong had an idea that he didn't express clearly, for fear of shaking the morale of the army.

If Zhuge Liang really refuses to save him, then the Xuzhou Army will inevitably be attacked from both sides, and defeat will only happen sooner or later.

Rather than being defeated and killed, it would be better to lead his troops and surrender directly to Yuan Shao.

Although Liu Bei had deceived Yuan Shao before, which would definitely make the other party angry, but when faced with Liu Bei's surrender, Yuan Shao would definitely greet him and treat him well.

First, because Liu Bei has tens of thousands of soldiers and horses under his command, and he really has to fight against all odds. Even if Yuan Shao can win in the end, he will inevitably suffer huge losses.

On the contrary, if Liu Bei could surrender directly, not only would Yuan Shao's troops and horses be preserved, but tens of thousands of Xuzhou troops and horses would also be obtained for free. Wouldn't it be wonderful?
Compared with these huge benefits, what is the anger of being deceived by Liu Bei before?
Secondly, as a prince and a clan member of the Han Dynasty, if Liu Bei could voluntarily surrender to Yuan Shao, it would be equivalent to recognizing Yuan Shao's orthodox status.

Even Zhou Qi knew that he treated Liu Biao, Liu Zhang, and Zhang Lu favorably when they surrendered.

Yuan Shao came from a noble family, how could he not understand this truth?
Even if Liu Bei had no choice but to surrender because he was forced, Yuan Shao would not be stingy with rewards and titles, at least letting Liu Bei be an idle king with a different surname.

But Zhuge Jin dressed up in disguise and traveled day and night to Guangling County. He didn't even have time to change his clothes, so he went to see Zhuge Liang in the dust, hoping that the other party could send troops to assist Liu Bei.

Zhuge Liang couldn't help but be shocked when he learned about the changes in Xuzhou.

He hurriedly called Ma Chao and his subordinate Wenwu to discuss whether to cross the Huaihe River and send troops to meet the Xuzhou Army.

(End of this chapter)