Kuangfu Han Dynasty

Chapter 26 Warm Wine
Cao Cao's shogunate secretaries were very efficient and had already started on the next topic, Du Xi's third plan to secure the hearts of Jingzhou, "sealing the tomb of Prince Bigan".

Cao Cao had already guessed how this was going to be carried out. He stroked his beard and said with a smile: "It must be to move the tomb of the late Changsha Governor Zhang Xian, and even put up an inscription to commend him."

Du Xi said: "Of course, it seems that this is what the prime minister had in mind."

This happened eight years ago. In the fifth year of Jian'an, Cao Cao and Yuan Shao finally turned against each other, and the two major military groups faced off in Guandu.At that time, Cao Cao had just expelled Liu Bei from Xuzhou and recruited Zhang Xiu from Nanyang. Sun Ce from Jiangdong was also assassinated. The only force that was still worried was Liu Biao in Jingzhou.

Liu Biao was Yuan Shao's nominal ally. During the Jian'an period, he repeatedly fought with Cao's army to compete for the Nanyang area.Although this person has no ambitions in all directions, as long as he sends troops to respond to Yuan's army, it is enough to make Cao Cao vulnerable to enemies from both sides.At this critical moment, Zhang Xian, the governor of Changsha under Liu Biao, united with Wuling, Lingling, and Guiyang to raise troops in the name of responding to the Xudu court. The south of the Yangtze River was suddenly no longer owned by Liu Biao.

At the same time, Zhang Xian also sent an envoy to Cao Cao in the north. Cao Cao was worried that Liu Biao would stab him in the back, and he was very worried about Liu Biao's back stabbing.

It's a pity that Zhang Xian didn't last long and was defeated and retreated to Changsha. After he died of illness, the city was destroyed and all his disciples were killed by Liu Biao.However, Zhang Xian and his son restrained all Liu Biao's troops, bought Cao Cao precious months, and survived the most difficult stage of the confrontation.

Of course such a person deserves heavy praise!Cao Cao had long since granted Zhang Xian the title of Tinghou, and asked Du Xi, then the magistrate of Xi'e County, to recommend the sons of Zhang Xian's clan as officials.It's just that at that time, he was beyond the reach of Jingnan Changsha and couldn't care about Zhang Xian's death. Now that Jingzhou is at peace, he can indeed make up for the tombstone.

Du Xi had already inquired clearly: "Liu Biao hated Zhang Changsha deeply. After he captured the city, he dug up his grave and dumped his body. Fortunately, the local scholars and people were kind to him, and they collected his bones again and buried him beside the Xiang River."

Cao Cao sighed: "How can the bones of a loyal and good man stay in a humble place for a long time? After Changsha surrendered, he immediately sent people south to move Zhang Jun's tomb! He was returned to his hometown of Xi'e County, Nanyang County, and was buried with the honors of a noble prince. The tomb had an embroidered wall inscription. Let’s gather together and erect a big monument to commemorate our achievements.”

He immediately looked at Ruan Yu, who was in charge of the recording office, and said: "Yuan Yu, since the Zhongxing Dynasty, the trend of inscriptions on stele and tombstones has been rising. However, for the erudition of essays and the profoundness of language, there is no one better than Cai Bozhe. Yuan Yu studied under Mr. Bozhe. Now that the tablet has been authenticated, you will be the one to write Zhang Jun’s epitaph, how about it?”

Cai Bojie was Cai Yong. He was talented and knowledgeable, and his inscriptions were well-known in both the government and the public. All officials and celebrities were proud to ask Cai Yong to write inscriptions after their death, and there were many famous inscriptions.For example, the "Guo Youdaolin Zong Stele" by Guo Tai, the leader of the Qing Dynasty, and the "Gu Taiwei Qiaogong Temple Stele" by Qiao Xuan, the friend of Cao Cao, were both written by Cai Yong.

It was undoubtedly appropriate for Ruan Yu, a disciple of Cai Yong, to inscribe the tombstone. However, Ruan Yu declined and said: "Although the late master mostly wrote tomb inscriptions for noble people, he was quite regretful in his later years and once said to the minister. 'I have many inscriptions on the tombstones.'" Yes, there are many people who are ashamed of their virtues, why? I don’t know many of the tomb owners, and I don’t know their behavior in detail. I am just entrusted with a lot of money and reluctantly write. Therefore, the words are empty and the feelings are not true. You must not follow me'!"

Ruan Yu said solemnly: "I remember the words of my ancestors, so unless I have known him for a long time, I will never make an inscription easily. Since I and Zhang Changsha are not from the same hometown, I have never met, and I don't even know his appearance when he was alive, how can I dare to write this? What’s the final outcome of his life?”

After saying that, without waiting for Cao Cao to show his displeasure, Ruan Yu promptly recommended another person and looked at the literary official Wang Can who was standing beside him: "Wang Zhongxuan has worked with Zhang Changsha in the same house for many years. I heard that he also traveled south to Xiangyuan and worked with Zhang Changsha. Zhang Changsha was having a banquet, chatting and laughing. In addition, Zhongxuan's literary talent is unique among Jinghan and Han Dynasty, and everyone knows it. I think he is the best candidate to write an inscription for Zhang Jun!"

Cao Cao nodded and felt that it made sense, and looked at Wang Can, but Wang Can was already embarrassed at this time. It was neither good to agree nor to refuse. In the end, he could only reluctantly smile and agree: "The Prime Minister has an order, and I should try my best to try it." .”

Immediately, Wang Can raised his hand to Ruan Yu again and thanked him through gritted teeth: "Thank you so much, brother Yuan Yu, for giving me the credit!"

That day in Ji Nancheng, Xu Qian and Wang Can had a quarrel, but Ruan Yu, who was the adjutant of the recording office, remained silent.Wang Can originally thought that, after all, they were both Cai Yong's disciples, and Ruan Yu would favor him, but he didn't expect that the dug hole was waiting here!
Xu Shu, who was standing by, saw the two literati's gestures in his eyes and couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Cao Cao didn't know the secret, but Xu Shu was in Jingzhou at that time, so he naturally knew it.When Zhang Xian raised his troops, Liu Biao led his army to attack him. In order to show that his division was famous, he ordered Wang Canlai of the palace to write a propaganda article.

Wang Can admitted everything, so he wrote a "Three Auxiliary Theory", angrily denounced Zhang Xian as "Changsha is unruly and dares to commit chaos", and said that Liu Biao was "going to be violent and obedient".Then there was the flattery of "Liu Mu followed the road with wisdom, kept his track and showed his glory, swept away the captives, and wiped out the filth."

This article did not reach Cao Cao, but Ruan Yu, who was also a scholar, knew about it, so he deliberately passed the job to Wang Can today.

Wang Can is also in trouble. If he refuses and says that he has scolded Zhang Xian and is not suitable for writing, Cao Cao will laugh.Ruan Yu, Xu Shu and the others will have fun if they bite the bullet and accept the task now.

The tomb inscription is meant to speak well of the deceased, and this performance, which is full of political meaning, must be exaggerated and praised.Just wait and see how Wang Can goes back on his words and shamelessly blames Zhang Xian for all his flattery to Liu Biao.

Now that Wang Can had suffered the loss of being mute, he was not willing to accept it. He wanted to make Ruan Yu know how powerful he was, so he suggested to Cao Cao: "Prime Minister, since you want to commend Zhang Changsha, why did you lobby Zhang Jun to raise a volunteer army and planned for him?" Shouldn’t that wise man also be recruited and appointed together?”

"Oh? Is this happening?" Cao Cao looked at Du Xi. Because they were too far away, he didn't know the specific details of Zhang Xian's rebellion, let alone who the mastermind was.

Du Xi didn't know, after all, he had already returned north to Cao Cao at that time.

Wang Can then secretly felt proud and said: "Very few people know this matter in detail. In fact, Zhang Changsha's adviser is none other than my good friend, Changsha County Xiaolian, Huan Jie, and Huan Boxu!"

……

After a while, Cao Cao listened to Wang Can tell about Huan Jie's deeds. He raised his palm and praised: "This is a true hero! Back then, Zhang Changsha and Huan Boxu should share half of the merits of Liu Biao."

But he immediately showed suspicion: "Since Huan Boxu's plot was hidden and not revealed, and even Liu Biao didn't know the inside story, how did Zhongxuan know about it?"

Wang Can said: "Because I visited Linxiang when I traveled to Changsha in my early years, and I have an old relationship with Huan Boxu. Later I heard about this from the Changsha scholars who knew the inside story."

Cao Cao then relieved his doubts and smiled: "In that case, when Zhang Changsha's coffin goes north, I will send someone to recruit Huan Boxu and join me in the shogunate. Zhongxuan will also compile a book for me and send it to persuade him to become an official!"

"No!" Wang Can agreed, and immediately glanced at his fellow senior fellow student Ruan Yu. The meaning was obvious: Although you and I are both famous for our articles, unlike you, I can also recommend talents to the prime minister in military matters. Counselor one or two are more useful than you!With the help of these candidates in the future, I can still climb higher than you in my official career!
Ruan Yu understood, but just smiled lightly and didn't care.

And Cao Cao sighed because of the Huanjie incident: "There are so many talented people in Jingtu, but Liu Biao can't know the good people. This is the reason for his defeat. Zixu, I want to win all these talented people who are hiding in the rivers and lakes." And use it!”

Cao Cao was famous for his love for the virtuous. After he captured Xiangyang, he chatted with Kuai Yue for a few words during the march. After hearing his advice on the situation in Jingyang, he happily wrote to Xun Yu, who was staying in Xudu, saying: "No. I am happy to have Jingzhou, and I am happy to have Kuai Yiduer."

"The Prime Minister has already thought of taking the lead." Du Xi smiled and said, "This is exactly the fifth strategy I want to propose for Dingjing, which is to say, 'Common people are as rich as ordinary people.'"

This is the same as the first three strategies of Du Xi, and they all come from the section of the Book of Rites "King Wu conquered Yin and rebelled against Shang", so Cao Cao knew what was missing in it, so he said: "Wait a minute, Zi Xu, your fourth strategy is Shi Ji How about imprisoning the son so that he can do business and resume his position?"

Du Xi said: "Because of the first half of this sentence, the Prime Minister had already ordered me to do it! The 'Ji Zi' in Jingzhou was when I was ordered to go to Jiangling first. The Prime Minister told me to be released from prison after entering the city. Han Song, Han Degao."

Cao Cao was no stranger to Han Song. He came from a poor family in Yiyang County, Nanyang County. Although he was a poor scholar, he was eager to learn and learn. He gradually became famous in his hometown. By chance, he became a disciple of Guo Tai, a famous scholar who was also poor and humble in his childhood. Since then, he has also been labeled as a "party member".Han Song fled into the mountains when the party was imprisoned. When Qingliu came back to power, Yuan and other three Dukes recruited Han Song to serve as officials several times, but he repeatedly refused.After Dong Zhuo's Rebellion, Han Song took refuge in Hannan and was appointed as a lieutenant by Liu Biao, who was also the leader of the party. However, Liu Biao only wanted to take advantage of Han Song's reputation but did not really use him.

Later, the two families of Cao and Yuan were in conflict, and Liu Biao sat back and watched, so he ordered Han Song as an envoy to visit Cao Cao in Xudu in the name of paying tribute to the emperor to see what was going on.Cao Cao had just defeated Guandu at that time and treated Han Song courteously, which gave him an excellent impression. So after Han Song returned to Jingzhou, he told Cao Cao about his power and virtue, saying that he would definitely be able to destroy Yuan Shao and rule the world in the future.He also advised Liu Biao not to hesitate any longer and to send his son as a hostage as soon as possible and surrender.

Liu Biao was furious and suspected that Han Song had been bribed by Cao Cao and planned to betray Jingzhou, so he prepared to find an excuse to kill him.Later, after the urging of Mrs. Cai and Cai Mao, Han Song was spared his life, but he was still imprisoned in Jiangling to frighten the capitulationists. He remained in this prison for several years.

Du Xi had already released Han Song on Cao Cao's order, and said at this moment: "Han Degao is a disciple of Guo Linzong. He comes from a pure family. He is well respected in Jingzhou and is known as the 'Hope of Chu'. He was also the first among Liu Biao's officials to propose surrender to the prime minister. I think that the Prime Minister should also promote his official position and make him a senior official, just like King Wu treated Jizi, reinstating him and making him an official who regards business, etiquette and music."

"And if the Prime Minister wants to recruit talented people, he can just let the highly respected Han Degao come forward to do it. He can judge the merits and demerits of the people in the state and promote and use the scholars who are still hiding in the world. In this way, Jingzhou will be able to conquer all The heart of a native guest and scholar!”

After saying this, Du Xi bowed down and said: "These are all the five strategies I have to conquer Jingzhou and win people's hearts. I hope the prime minister will adopt it."

Xu Shu, who had witnessed the whole process of these five strategies, only had deep fear in his heart. Indeed, as Du Xi said, as long as Cao Cao implemented them one by one, it would be enough to influence the hearts and minds of the scholars in Jingzhou. After losing the help of the scholars Guan clan, he and himself It becomes even more difficult for Ah Shao to "bring Jingzhou back to its dark side".

At the same time, Xu Shu was also very afraid of Du Xi, a fellow villager, and thought to himself: "Du, who ranks second among the four scholars of Yingchuan, is so good, how good must Zhao, who is the leader, be?"

"Good, great good!" Cao Cao was overjoyed, helped Du Xi up and said, "Where is Han Degao now? Why didn't he see him in Jiangling Civil and Military Affairs today?"

Du Xi said: "Because Han Degao is quite old and has been detained in prison for a long time, his legs and feet are cold and it is difficult to walk. Therefore, he did not go out of the city to meet the prime minister. Now he is resting at his home in Jiangling."

Not only did Cao Cao not feel dissatisfied, he also said: "I will visit his home in person as a gift of friendship."

It was only then that Cao Cao discovered that the sky outside the window had already darkened. Cao Cao, the servant, was leading people to light lamps and candles in the hall. At this moment, he came to Cao Cao again and asked: "Prime Minister, are you still going to the other courtyard of Caijun's house?" "

"Of course not!" Cao Cao waved his hand and asked Cao Cao to send away Cai Mao, who was still waiting outside. He then laughed at his ministers and said: "Gentlemen, I am more virtuous than lustful!"

The door of the hall opened, and Cao Cao was about to take Xu Chu and others out, but he felt the chill outside. The servants waiting nearby immediately held up fur coats and put them on Prime Minister Cao. Cao Cao glanced at Du Xi, who was wearing slightly thin clothes, and said The waiter Cao said: "Bring the hot wine quickly!"

……

The attendant, Cao Cao, knew Cao Cao very well and had already ordered the food officials to prepare drinks. At this moment, he immediately went out and waved to the large and small people in the school who were warming up the wine.

"Second uncle, I'm waiting for you."

Zhang Shao had sharp eyes and reminded Xiahou Ba. At this time, the water in the wine-warming stove had already boiled, making the fine wine in the bronze goblets slightly hot. Xiahou Ba took out the two goblets and put them on the food table together with the Bronze Lord , took Zhang Shao and walked towards the hall.

Seeing that it was Xiahou Ba who came, with Zhang Shao following behind, Cao Cao, the servant, was stunned for a moment, but he couldn't care less because Cao Cao also happened to lead everyone out of the hall.

Zhang Shao saw Xu Shu walking at the end of the crowd, while Cao Cao was at the front, his long beard ruffling in the cold wind.

Cao Cao said to Du Xi behind him: "Zixu, you are right. Although Jingzhou has surrendered, it is still undecided. Well, it is like cold wine in winter. Although you have held it in your hand, your teeth are still cold in the mouth."

Cao Cao saw the wine, but he didn't seem to notice the difference between the waiters. He only had eyes for world affairs, so he only ordered Xiahou Ba to pour the steaming scalding wine into the two nobles respectively.

This is the "Animal Head, Round Belly, Kui Pattern and Flat Bottom" specially customized by Xu Du Kao Gong for Cao Cao. The specifications are quite high. Cao Cao picked up one of them and felt warm in his hand.He turned back and handed it to Du Xi. Du Xi hurriedly said he didn't dare, but Cao Cao forced the jue into his hand and said with a smile:

"But these five strategies of Zixu are like a gentle charcoal and a slow fire. They appear to be neither strong nor burning, but in fact they moisturize things silently. They can help me slowly warm and scald the cold hearts of Jingzhou! Such a good plan can defeat the enemy. Li Zuoche offered Han Xin a plan to suppress Zhao Fugu, and I will reward you!"

Prime Minister Cao picked up another prince, holding it with both hands, and presented it to his official Du Xi.

"Come on, Zixu, you and I will drink together."

"This wine is warm!"

……

After drinking, Cao Cao took Du Xi, Wang Can and several other subordinates who had dealt with Han Song in Jingzhou to visit Han's family overnight.Although Xu Shu was also a scholar living in Jingzhou, he was still a marginalized member of the prime minister's shogunate, and Cao Cao didn't even remember to bring him along.

Chief Shi Yuan Ba ​​had the highest position among those who stayed, so he arranged work for everyone: "Gentlemen, the Prime Minister is thinking of our hard work, so he has ordered the servants of the county governor's house to prepare meals and deliver them, and put them in the courtyard next door. Go and get some food, I have to continue holding candles and busy writing papers tonight."

Everyone agreed and walked towards the gate of the next door one after another. Xu Shu followed behind and passed by Zhang Shao and Xiahou Ba who were still packing up the wine warmer and wine vessels in the school.Before Xu Shu could decide whether to stop talking to Zhang Shao or whether it would arouse others' suspicion, Zhang Shao took a step forward and greeted Xu Shu openly and respectfully.

"The student has seen the master!"

……

PS: I have seen everyone’s comments and I really want to say sorry.In fact, most of these contents were written a few months ago. There was no reader interaction at that time, and it is inevitable for a person to feel happy after writing for a long time.I also ask for your understanding. After all, July is an old guy who has been away from the Internet for a year and a half. His hands are indeed a bit raw. Sometimes what I want to express deviates from what readers expect to see. This is my problem. , kowtow.

Now that I reflect on it, the pace is indeed a bit too slow. Fortunately, this is only the public period. Although it will definitely affect the results, at least it does not let everyone waste money.It is currently expected to be released on September 9, and the pace will speed up after the release. In July, we will learn from the lessons of the public period, coordinate the proportion of content, and improve the cost-effectiveness of each chapter. Thank you to readers for their tolerance.

(End of this chapter)