Ji Han Liu Zhang

Changan.

The sun rises as usual, casting its warm and bright sunshine on the ancient capital of Chang'an. Driven by the morning light, the scholars and common people living in the capital also get up and start their busy day.

In the official residence in Chang'an, Liu Zhang got up early as usual to deal with the complicated government and military affairs. The first thing he listened to was the situation of the summer harvest.

Agriculture is the foundation of a country. Food issues are the foundation of a country, especially in today's agricultural era. Liu Zhang is particularly concerned about agricultural production and harvest.

Xun You, who was the chief clerk, said, "After dredging the canals and tilling the land last year, the summer harvest in Guanzhong this year is very good. Most of the counties in the three prefectures reported a bumper harvest."

After talking about the happy event, Xun You added with a worried look on his face, "It's just that Guanzhong has suffered from wars for years, and the population has been dwindling, and the people have scattered. Although Guanzhong has been stable recently, many refugees from Guanzhong who were displaced from all directions have returned to Guanzhong, but the population is still not high. Therefore, there are fewer cultivated lands, and the newly cultivated land needs several years of maintenance, otherwise the fertility of the land is insufficient."

"It will be enough if we can have a good harvest this year. As for the problem of population, there is no need to rush." ​​Liu Zhang seemed to be comforting Xun You, but also seemed to be comforting himself.

Guanzhong was known as Tianfu in ancient times. It can be said to be a place where the dragon rises. Hundreds of years later, it became the foundation for the rise of the Sui and Tang dynasties, and had not yet become the barren land of the Song and Yuan dynasties.

Therefore, Liu Zhang was very optimistic about the situation in Guanzhong. Although Guanzhong could not be fully developed for the time being due to population problems, the soil was still fertile. He only needed to take good care of the people and there was no need to worry about the development of Guanzhong.

"How is Shu?" Liu Zhang asked about the situation in Shu.

Xun You responded, "Since Li Xiu repaired the plank road of Ziwu Road, the transmission of news from Shu to Chang'an has become faster. Now there is news of summer harvest in Shu. It is said that after the Dujiangyan was repaired last year, there is no need to worry about floods or droughts, and there is no need to rely on the sky. It is a scene of a bumper harvest."

Liu Zhang nodded, a hint of joy on his face. His hard work in maintaining and repairing the Dujiangyan Irrigation System was now rewarded.

That's right. Since the Dujiangyan Irrigation System was dug by Li Bing and his son, the governor of Shu during the Qin Dynasty, it has to be repaired and patched up every year, otherwise the function of the Dujiangyan Irrigation System will be difficult to play. Just like in history, when Zhuge Liang ruled Shu, he sent 1,500 soldiers to repair the Dujiangyan Irrigation System and established the position of the Irrigation Officer. Now Liu Zhang is just imitating Zhuge's wisdom.

"Now that we have enough food and soldiers, we should plan to conquer Hedong." Liu Zhang declared to Xun You.

Xun You nodded: "Hedong is an important place, adjacent to Guanzhong, and is only separated from Guanzhong by a river. If it is obtained by Yuan clan, it will be a great threat to Guanzhong... As you said, we should make plans early."

"At present, we have Lou Fa and Fa Zheng in Puyang. I intend to send another general to be the governor of Hedong to command the war in Hedong." Liu Zhang stroked the jade ruyi in his hand and made his plan clear.

Xun You heard the voice and asked: "The one sent by Yuan Shao to attack Hedong is his nephew Gao Gan. You should not go there in person, otherwise it would be disgraceful. It is more appropriate to send a general. But I don't know who you want to send as the commander?"

"When all the generals gather tomorrow, they will announce the candidate for the governor of Hedong." Liu Zhang played a riddle and hid the identity of the candidate for the governor of Hedong first.

On the second day, in the official residence in Chang'an, generals Gan Ning, Zhang Ren, Zhang Xiu, Yin Pu, Ma Chao and others gathered in the Mingtang of the official residence, waiting for Liu Zhang to announce the candidates for the governor of Hedong.

Hedong was in danger at the moment. The former Hedong prefect Wang Yi was defeated by Gao Gan and the Xiongnu coalition force. Donghuan was unfortunately lost and Jiangyi was almost occupied. All the generals knew that the date for sending troops to Hedong was approaching, and many of them had heard that Lord Liu Zhang was not going to go there in person this time, but would send a general instead.

Before Liu Zhang arrived, all the generals present at the meeting whispered to each other with their acquaintances and discussed the candidate for the governor of Hedong.

The Thunderbolt Captain Yin Pu lowered his voice and said to Meng Dayan beside him, "It is most likely Gan Ning or Zhang Ren. These two have been with you the longest and are your most trusted."

"Yes." Meng Da nodded upon hearing this, and whispered back: "If only one of Huang Quan and Wu Yi were here, there would be no need to speculate on the selection of the governor of Hedong. It must be Huang or Wu."

"That's right." Yin Pu responded solemnly. Everyone at that time knew that Huang Quan and Wu Yi were blessed with great fortune, and their family would prosper. If Liu Zhang really succeeded, the Huang and Wu families would have a hundred years of prosperity.

Gan Ning closed his eyes and rested at this moment. Unlike in the past when he chatted with others, he just waited quietly for Liu Zhang's arrival. Zhang Ren, who was next to him, sat upright as usual and did not whisper to anyone.

Not long after, when most of the participants had arrived, Liu Zhang walked out from behind the screen behind the main seat and took his seat calmly.

"Ming Gong."

"Ming Gong."

As soon as they saw Liu Zhang, everyone in the meeting stood up, bowed their hands and saluted Liu Zhang, and many even knelt down to show their respect for Liu Zhang.

"No need to be so formal." Liu Zhang waved his hand and asked everyone to take a seat. The complicated etiquette of Confucianism was a torture to him. Although etiquette could be divided into upper and lower levels, what was the point of using vulgar Confucianism in this time of chaos and conflict.

After everyone sat down, Xun You stood up. He coughed lightly and then announced, "There are many things to discuss this time. One is the war in Hedong, one is the Qiang rebellion in Longyou, and the other is the Di people in Wudu and Yinping. Recently, because they were relocated to Fufeng and Tianshui to be registered as citizens, many of them are planning to rebel. We need a good general to go and fight them."

Hedong, the Qiang Rebellion, and the Di Rebellion. Hedong was Guanzhong's family affair, and the Qiang Rebellion and the Di Rebellion were Liu Zhang's close concerns. But the Hedong Rebellion was more important than the Qiang and Di Rebellions. After all, the Qiang and Di were incompetent and could not accomplish anything, but the senior officials of Hedong had the support of Heshuo and might cause great trouble.

Therefore, the first thing to be discussed during this meeting is the affairs of Hedong.

"Wang Yi, the governor of Hedong, was dismissed by the court and replaced by Gao Gan. However, Wang Yi could not leave his post because of the people's wishes." Xun You investigated the root cause of the war in Hedong: "Gao Gan wanted to take office as soon as possible, so he led his troops to attack Hedong and lured the people of Rongdi, such as Qubei, the right wise king of the Southern Xiongnu. The barbarians were cruel and reckless, and the land of Hedong suffered greatly from them."

"Now Donghuan has been defeated by Gao Gan, and its troops are heading towards Anyi. The situation in Hedong is particularly critical, and the governor of Hedong, Wang Yi, has sent someone to write to you, asking you to take charge of the overall situation in Hedong and prevent the evildoers from carrying out their ambitions and the common people from committing crimes."

After introducing the situation in Hedong, Xun You took a step back, sat down calmly, and handed the stage to Liu Zhang. The generals below instantly focused their eyes on Liu Zhang, waiting for Liu Zhang's arrangements and plans for Hedong.

"Hedong is an important place that cannot be lost, and it should not be taken by Gao Gan or the Yuan family." Liu Zhang said bluntly: "I intend to send a general to Hedong to drive out Gao Gan and ensure peace in Hedong."

Although Liu Zhang had the intention to take over Hedong, his words were very clear. He was thinking about the people and common people of Hedong, without any selfish motives. As Liu Zhang's words reached the ears of the generals below, they pricked up their ears one by one, ready to listen to Liu Zhang's announcement of the candidates for the governor of Hedong.

"Mengqi." Liu Zhang called out a name, but the owner of this name - Ma Chao, did not respond to Liu Zhang's call for a while. It was not until he spent a few breaths to confirm that Liu Zhang was calling out his name that Ma Chao hurriedly stood up.

"My lord." Ma Chao arrived and saluted Liu Zhang respectfully.

As Ma Chao arrived, Meng Da showed an expression of disbelief. He exchanged a glance with Yin Pu beside him and saw the incredulity in each other's eyes: "How could it be him? It's not right for him."

Seeing Ma Chao calling Liu Zhang to his seat, Gan Ning was distracted for a moment. He was actually prepared to attend. After all, he believed that the post of Governor of Hedong was the right one for him. Even if it wasn't him, it should be Zhang Ren who was beside him.

How could Ma Chao, a newly recruited military general who was also young, be qualified to be the governor of Hedong?

Zhang Ren, who was standing beside Gan Ning, looked calm and indifferent to the fact that Ma Chao might take over as the governor of Hedong. He seemed to be indifferent to the world. He was not too eager for the position of governor of Hedong and only wanted to obey Liu Zhang's orders.

"Mengqi, are you willing to go to Hedong on my behalf?" Liu Zhang asked. His tone was clearly one of inquiry, but to Ma Chao's ears, it sounded like an unquestionable tone.

Ma Chao bowed his head and said, "I will obey your orders, sir. I will drive out the high officials and clear the land in Hedong."

Faced with the extremely unexpected position of Hedong Governor, Ma Chao did not modestly push it forward. He accepted it loudly and made a promise at the same time to help Liu Zhang conquer Hedong.

"Courageous." Liu Zhang nodded with a smile and praised Ma Chao. He was wondering before whether Ma Chao would refuse and say something humble. Now it seems that Ma Chao is indeed the Xiliang Jin Ma Chao in history who competed with Cao Cao for supremacy in Tongguan and made Cao Cao sigh that if Ma Chao is not dead, I have no burial place.

After the appointment of the governor of Hedong was agreed upon, the next topics of discussion were the Qiang rebellion in Longyou and the Di rebellion in Wudu and Yinping. Both the Qiang and Di tribes were among the main culprits of the Five Barbarians' Invasion of China.

Liu Zhang is stationed in Guanxi today, and the area under his jurisdiction is where the Qiang and Di tribes live. He will certainly not miss such a good opportunity. He can cut off the Qiang and Di tribes when they are still two young seedlings, so as to prevent them from growing into adult beasts that will wreak havoc on China.

As for the person who would go to Longyou to quell the Qiang rebellion, Liu Zhang appointed Zhang Ren, and the person who would go to Wudu and Yinping to eliminate the Di rebellion, Liu Zhang entrusted the task to Gan Ning. Zhang Ren and Gan Ning would not go alone, but both of them would be commanders-in-chief, and would lead several generals and officers.

Hedong is important, but internal stability is also extremely important to Liu Zhang. He must ensure peace both inside and outside, and unity between the top and the bottom.

The parliament ended, and the generals dispersed. They gathered in groups of three or four to discuss the day's agenda.

"I didn't expect it. I really didn't expect it." Meng Da shook his head and said, "How could it be that kid Ma Chao? He is just a surrendered general from Liang Province. His father and brother were killed by Han Sui. He was so poor that he had no choice but to surrender. He actually bypassed Gan Ning and Zhang Ren and took the position of governor of Hedong from you, my lord."

"You didn't expect it, and neither did I." Yin Pu said lazily, "If I hadn't heard it from your own mouth, and just based on a transfer order announcing that Ma Chao was the governor of Hedong, I'm afraid neither you nor I would have believed it."

"But things in the world are so unpredictable. Who knows what benefits Ma Chao has given to you, my Lord?"

"Hiss." Meng Da was enlightened by Yin Pu's words. His eyes lit up and he stroked his beard and said, "Ma Chao seems to be too fair-skinned and has a good figure."

"Hmm?" Yin Pu did not understand the true meaning of Meng Da's words for a moment. He quietly moved away from Meng Da a step or two, and then said tentatively: "Zijing, are you a homosexual and have taken a fancy to that pretty boy Ma Chao?"

"What are you talking about?" Meng Da glared and explained angrily, "I mean..." Meng Da was halfway through his words when he felt it was inappropriate to say such a thing, so he stretched out his finger and pointed upwards.

Yin Pu understood now. He nodded, but soon shook his head again: "I have never heard that you have such a hobby!"

"There wasn't any before, but maybe there will be now." Meng Da curved his eyebrows and showed a mischievous smile.

Yin Pu still shook his head: "Even if this happened, you would not give the post of Hedong Governor to Ma Chao because of this matter... Maybe Ma Chao is indeed extraordinary, and you have a good eye for talent, so you sent Ma Chao to be the Hedong Governor."

"Maybe. Let's see if Ma Chao's ability can cope with the battle situation in Hedong." Meng Da nodded. He thought he needed to wait and see.

Meng Da and Yin Pu were talking privately here, while Gan Ning and Zhang Ren were walking in parallel over there. The two of them looked at each other involuntarily.

"Is Gongyi disappointed today?" Gan Ning spoke first.

Zhang Ren shook his head: "I'm not worried, so why would I be disappointed..."

"Gongyi is a man of great generosity." Gan Ning said with a sigh of relief: "I thought the post of governor of Hedong would go to you, Gongyi, if it wasn't for me. I didn't expect it to fall into Ma Chao's hands."

"Ma Chao is known for his bravery in Liang Province. He is qualified to be a commander-in-chief. There is nothing wrong with you appointing him." Zhang Ren spoke in a brisk tone to defend Liu Zhang.

Gan Ning said: "That is true, but Ma Chao is a new surrendered person, and his qualifications are not enough to be appointed as the governor of Hedong."

"Really?" Zhang Ren asked in confusion, and then asked Gan Ning, "Xingba used to be a county official, and was promoted to a captain by your Excellency. I wonder if he is qualified enough... I used to be a minor official in the Shu army, and was promoted by you to a captain of cavalry. I think in Xingba's eyes, my qualifications are not enough."

Upon hearing this, Gan Ning couldn't help but burst into laughter. He laughed very happily. After a long while, Gan Ning stopped laughing. Then he bowed to Zhang Ren and thanked him, saying, "I am indeed humble... Let's see what kind of talent Ma Chao has that you have promoted him to be the governor of Hedong."

After hearing what Zhang Renyi said, Gan Ning, who had been feeling a little aggrieved for not getting the post of governor of Hedong, was relieved. He planned to see whether Ma Chao's future performance in Hedong was worthy of the recognition from the wise Lord Liu Zhang.

"Yeah." Zhang Ren nodded, still looking calm and composed. (End of this chapter)