Ji Han Liu Zhang

Chapter 198
In April of the second year of Xingping.

It has been more than a month since Wang Lian took up the post of Jin Cao to supervise salt and iron affairs.Naturally, when Liu Zhang was discussing matters with Wang, the chief official, he couldn't help but talk about Wang Lian and discuss whether the first and second Wang Lian were qualified as Jincao.

Talking about Wang Lian, Wang Shang first said with certainty: "Wang Jincao is indeed talented. He is very knowledgeable about the salt and iron matters. Even an old man who has worked in the salt and iron industry for many years." I'm afraid the officials are not as good as him... In the past few days, Wang Jincao has single-handedly set up the matter of salt and iron monopoly. Xiao Guicao followed him later. With Wang Jincao here, the treasury will surely be in trouble sooner or later. If you have plenty, you don’t need to worry about lack of goods.”

Wang Shang, who was not good at covering up flaws, thought about it and said calmly: "However, Wang Jincao is still too young, not experienced enough, and his actions are somewhat unsatisfactory, but in short, given time and hard work, In addition, Wang Jincao is very useful because he has experienced people to teach him... Ming Gong knows people well and does not leave sages in the wild, which makes Shang admire him very much."

Hearing this, Liu Zhang nodded in recognition of Wang Shang's evaluation. As Wang Shang said, Wang Lian was too young and not experienced enough in handling government affairs. But think about it, after all, he was almost twenty years ahead of schedule. Wang Lian was placed in the position of managing Salt and Iron.

In history, Wang Lian served as county magistrate in many places after entering Shu. After more than ten years of training in local government affairs, he was chosen by Liu Bei after Liu Bei entered Shu and was able to serve as the Secretary of the Salt School of Shu Han. Wei, responsible for the operation and dispatch of Shuhan Salt and Iron.

However, in terms of ability, Wang Lian is sufficient, but in terms of government experience, there is still something missing. With this thought, Liu Zhang told Wang Shangdao: "I need to trouble Wang Qing here more, and check Wang Jincao's actions. If so, Wang If there is anything inappropriate in Jin Cao's behavior, I would like to give you some advice... The matter of salt and iron is a top priority for the country, so it would be best if no major mistakes occur."

"Shang takes the order." Wang Shang handed over his hand and accepted the order. In fact, as the chief official after Liu Zhang opened the government, he had the responsibility and obligation to take care of all the affairs in the government, as well as the many officials above and below him.Even if Liu Zhang didn't say anything, he would teach Wang Lian well and make up for the shortcomings in Wang Lian's actions.

After discussing Wang Lian's affairs, Liu Zhang asked about the movements of the two men: "Gong Heng and Zi Yuan must have arrived at the place."

Of the Huang Quan and Wu Yi he mentioned here, he sent one to Baishui Pass and the other to Brazil County to go to the front line to make preparations for the Hanzhong strategy.

Although Liu Zhang planned to reorganize his army after the summer harvest this year and send troops to Hanzhong because of the frequent wars last year and the lack of food and grass this year, before the summer harvest, he could not help but visit the points in advance to see whether Hanzhong's idea was hard or soft.

Relying on the fact that Bashu had more registered residences than Hanzhong and the people were more prosperous, Liu Zhang prepared to march into Hanzhong through multiple routes after the summer harvest, marching all the way from Baishui Pass to Yangping Pass, and all the way from Micang Road to Nanzheng. However, considering that Jinniu Road was less powerful than Micang Road, The road to Cangdao is spacious and convenient, so the main force is to march from Baishui Pass to Yangping Pass.

Therefore, Liu Zhang sent Huang Quan, who was in charge and the leader of the Central Army, to Baishui Pass to explore the geography and customs of Yangping Pass with Yang Huai, the Zhonglang general who guarded Baishui Pass, and to prepare for the advance of the army into Hanzhong.

Huang Quan, who was the chief minister and the leader of the army, went to Baishui Pass. Wu Yi, who was a slightly less important general and military commander, went to Brazil County and prepared the march to Micang Road with Meng Biao, the governor of Brazil County. preliminary preparation work.

Upon hearing Liu Zhang's inquiry, Wang Shang immediately reported back: "Based on the distance traveled and the news reported by messengers, Master Huang and Wu Zhonglang should be considered to have arrived at the place, and documents may be delivered in the near future."

Liu Zhang nodded, and said in an attentive tone: "The army behind us is heading north, and we may need to trouble Wang Qing a lot to deal with the food, grass and baggage matters, as well as other important local affairs."

"This is my duty. I can't say whether I have to worry about it or not." Wang Shang said humbly.

After discussing for a while, Liu Zhang stood up and watched Wang Shang leave. Looking at Wang Shang's leaving figure, Liu Zhang felt somewhat lucky in his heart. People with Xiao He's talents like Wang Shang were hard to find.Not to mention that Wang Shang is loyal and upright, and he is even more diligent in his actions. Compared with Boss Cao's Xun Yu and Emperor Wu's Zhang Zhao, he is no less generous.

'I'm afraid Wang Shang is slightly better than Xun Yu and Zhang Zhao. Liu Zhang had a calm smile on his face. After all, Xun Yu, who had worked harmoniously with Cao Cao for many years, was unusually fierce when it came to Cao Cao calling him the Duke of Wei. Xun Yu and Cao Cao both expressed their opposition. There is a serious gap between them.For Sun Quan, although Zhang Zhao was in charge of government affairs all year round, Zhang Zhao's intention to surrender when facing Cao Cao's army going south has always made Sun Quan worried. Sun Quan even teased Zhang to his face when he proclaimed himself emperor. Zhao made the relationship between the two quite bad.

But Wang Shang is different. Wang Shang, Xiao Hezhiren, has no fundamental conflict with Liu Zhang. He thinks of Liu Zhang wholeheartedly in his words and deeds.He and Liu Zhang may have one or two different views on major matters. For example, when Liu Zhang went south to conquer the barbarians, Wang Shang felt that it was not appropriate. He thought that the son of a rich man could not sit down in the palace, and the south was plagued by malaria. It was enough to send good generals to conquer it. There was no need. Liu Zhang, the Yizhou shepherd, personally conquered, but at Liu Zhang's insistence, Wang Shang finally nodded in agreement and settled in Chengdu to stabilize the rear area, always loyal to Liu Zhang.

"Fortunately." Liu Zhang sighed as he stepped in the corridor, feeling lucky to have a minister like Wang Shang.

"Your Majesty, what did you just say?" Caiwei, the maid with a slightly bulging belly and a slightly fat face, asked Liu Zhang when she met Liu Zhang at the corner of the corridor and heard Liu Zhang talking to himself.

The first moment he saw Caiwei, Liu Zhang smiled. He stretched out his hand to support Caiwei, who was about to give a gift, and said with relief: "I have told you several times that you are pregnant now, so there is no need to give a gift." Well, next time we meet and give you a gift, I will punish you."

Although Liu Zhang threatened punishment in his words, Caiwei knew Liu Zhang's thoughts from Liu Zhang's tone, and understood that Liu Zhang was feeling sorry for her. Caiwei, who was moved in her heart, nodded in agreement: "No, your Majesty just did something." Any instructions?"

"There are no instructions, nothing happened." Liu Zhang shook his head and changed the topic: "Have the doctors checked over the past few days to see if there is anything inappropriate?"

"No, the doctor said everything is fine. Just keep it like this. There is no big problem."
-
In the mountains near Brazil County and Hanchang County, the early summer wind is like a transparent river, nourishing the grass and trees in the mountains. The branches and leaves are lush, and the tops of large and small hills are covered with a layer of emerald green. It looks like the earth is covered with green clothes.Zhonglang General Wu Yi, surrounded by a group of personal guards, watched the mountains and forests full of vitality in early summer, with all things competing for growth.

"Mr. Meng, as winter turns to spring, and spring turns to summer, we know that the dead are like this, and they don't give up day and night." Wu Yi saw that the scenery of the mountains and rivers were very different, and the four seasons were distinct. He sighed with emotion to Meng Biao, the governor of Brazil County.

Meng Biao nodded and said with the same emotion: "Year after year, time flies like an arrow, and the sun and the moon fly by. After last year's winter, a lot of white hair appeared on my head out of thin air. Time is not forgiving. … I’m afraid I won’t be able to hold the post of governor of Brazil County for too long because I’m getting old and my health is failing.”

Meng Biao looked at Wu Yi in front of him, but he saw that Wu Yi was tall and tall, with a majestic appearance. Just by Wu Yi's appearance, he knew that Wu Yi was a rare and good general, not to mention Wu Yi's outstanding temperament and bright eyes. A pair of eyes seemed to contain endless flames, burning fiercely.

"Hey, Meng Jun is only 43 years old, how can he be an old man? In the past, Lian Po was seventy years old and he was not old. He ate buckets of rice and ten pounds of meat. He wanted to serve the country... Meng Jun should set Lian Po as an example and live a good life. I will take care of my health and serve the Ming Dynasty until I am 70 years old." Wu Yi's words were rough, but his words were delicate and caring.

Meng Biao shook his head when he heard this, and sighed deeply: "I know the condition of my bones. I am lucky to live to sixty. How can I dare to see seventy... Just for Ming Gong If I serve, as long as my bones can still move for one day, then I will serve Ming Gong one more day."

Meng Biao's true feelings are revealed here. Although he held a huge reputation in Ba County in the past and was known to everyone in Ba County, he was very unknown in his official career. smoothly.Probably because Liu Yan, the former pastor of Yizhou, was suspicious of Yizhou scholars, only one Wang Shang could hold a high position in the state. A famous scholar like him from Ba County could only serve in local places. The highest position he held was that of county magistrate.

Now that Liu Zhang valued him, and Liu Zhang divided Bajun into three parts, Meng Biao was able to serve as the prefect of a county, with a salary of two thousand dan, which made the Meng family's family proud. Therefore, Meng Biao was extremely devoted and loyal to Liu Zhang. Li Duo wanted to devote himself to Liu Zhang and die.

"It should not only be effective, but should be accomplished. Otherwise, it would be ruining your reputation as Lord Meng... Since entering Brazil County, the people of Brazil County have been singing about the virtues of Lord Meng, and I have heard it. It's a cocoon." Wu Yi laughed loudly, his words were extremely heroic.

Hearing Wu Yi's words of praise, Meng Biao showed a look of shame on his face. He cupped his hands and said: "How can I afford the praise of the Brazilian nobles... Previous time Zhang Lu sent the thieves Pu Hu and Yuan Yue Going south to Brazil, two thieves, Pu and Yuan, pretended to be businessmen and opened the gate of Baiqu Market. Many civilians were killed and injured. As the governor of Brazil County, I have the responsibility of guarding the territory, but I was unable to protect the stability of this place. It was very serious. Ashamed.”

Meng Biao's expression became depressed, as he was concerned about the two thieves Pu Hu and Yuan Yue, and the fact that the two thieves did not follow martial ethics, pretended to be business travelers, and broke into Baiqu Market.On the one hand, he held a grudge and wanted to kill the two thieves Pu Hu and Yuan Yue with a thousand knives. On the other hand, he felt ashamed of the civilians who died and were injured in Baiqu Market. At the same time, he felt ashamed of Liu Zhang's regard for him. Liu Zhang regarded him as Brazil. The prefect of the county allowed him to fulfill his wish of two thousand stones, but he failed to take good care of Brazil County, and he was accidentally taken advantage of by thieves.

"It's no wonder that Lord Meng is responsible for this. The thieves Pu Hu and Yuan Yue are really cunning, and they have absolutely no morals in their hearts... Although Hanzhong and Shu were at odds with each other in the past, the business and travel exchanges between the two places were not interrupted. Yes, Micang Road may be rugged and difficult, and there are not many business travelers, but on Jinniu Road, there is a long line of business travelers... According to common sense, when the two armies are fighting, there is no reason to attack the business travelers. Let us judge it based on common sense. However, the thieves did not pay attention to common sense, so they were taken advantage of by the thieves, and the Baiqu market was destroyed. This was not a crime of war, but the enemy's lack of faith." Wu Yi comforted him.

Wu Yi had great contempt for the thieves Pu Hu and Yuan Yue. Pu Hu and Yuan Yue could not conquer the fortified city, so they attacked the market. Such behavior was simply despicable and despicable, just like rats. You can find it in a cave in the dark night, but you can't see the blazing sun.

"Having said that, as the governor of Brazil, I have also experienced... The wise and generous man did not blame me for this matter, which makes me even more ashamed." Listening to Wu Yi's relief, Meng Biao looked good. He made a mistake, but his immediate superior, Liu Zhang, did not criticize him even a word, but only asked him to subsidize the common people in Baiqu Market.

Meng Biao couldn't let go of Liu Zhang's generosity compared to blaming him. He had the pride of a celebrity and wanted to make some achievements to repay Liu Zhang.

Now the opportunity has come. Wu Yi, the Zhonglang general in front of him, came to Brazil County with the documents from the Prefectural Mufu Office, and replaced Gao Pei, the Andong Zhonglang general who was originally guarding Brazil County. He was different from Gao Pei who was guarding the county. , Wu Yi led his troops to Brazil County, intending to invade Hanzhong from Micang Road.

Gao Pei has led his troops back to Jiangzhou to guard. Now Hanzhong and Shu are about to fight. Although Yizhou and Jingzhou have become allies, Yizhou Shepherd Liu Zhang has not completely tied the peace between Yizhou and Jingzhou. In the paper covenant, for the sake of safety, Gao Pei was arranged to guard Jiangzhou to defend against the enemy coming from Jingzhou, although the probability was low, but it was inevitable.

Meng Biao looked at Wu Yi with burning eyes. Wu Yi was his opportunity to win the battle and make achievements. As the governor of Brazil County, he only had to sit in the rear, arrange the food and baggage, and help Wu Yi to make contributions to the army. This can wash away the dirty water that Pu Hu and Yuan Yue splashed on him, so that he will no longer be stained by the incident at Baiqu Market.

"Mr. Meng, there is no need to worry. Although Mr. Meng made some small unintentional mistakes today, but now that he is about to send troops to Hanzhong, Mr. Meng should make some achievements to repay the Ming Dynasty, and at the same time make up for his mistakes with his merits, so as not to worry about it." Wu Yi gave Meng Biao a meaningful and lenient sentence. At the same time, he looked far away at the mountains and rivers to the north, with blazing fire in his eyes. As a military general, it was his long-cherished wish to make achievements, and now the opportunity was right in front of him.

"What Wu Jun said is true." Meng Biao also looked north. Compared with Wu Yi's eyes only on the mountains and rivers in front of him, his eyes seemed to have crossed the Daba Mountains, saw the Han River, and saw Nanzheng. Seeing an opportunity to wash away the shame.

Wu Yi withdrew his gaze and got down to business: "We will have to wait until after the summer harvest to send troops to Hanzhong, but you and I can make preparations early. I heard that the Mi Cang Road has not been repaired for a long time and is difficult to pass. It needs to be repaired in a lifetime. March into Hanzhong."

Meng Biao waved his hand and responded generously: "No need to worry about this matter, just leave it to me."

(End of this chapter)