Ji Han Da Sima

Chapter 362 The battle for heirs

Yecheng, second floor of the wine house.

Guan Qiu moved the wooden box to Sun Quan and said with a smile: "A meager gift is not respectful."

Sun Quan opened the wooden box and saw five ingots of gold placed in the box, sparkling and dazzling.

Sun Quan closed the lid, picked up the tea cup, and said calmly: "I'm afraid the post of governor is not easy. All the ten counties under the rule of Wei are filled with sages and sages. There may be bandits from the south in the four states of Qing, Xu, Yan, and Henan, or they may be In a prosperous county, the King of Wei personally appointed me, so I am afraid it will be difficult for me to interfere."

Guanqiu Xing understood Sun Quan's intention, nodded and smiled flatteringly, and said, "What Marquis Wu said is reasonable, but Xing dare not ask the governor of the Central Plains."

As he spoke, Guanqiu Xing took out something covered with black cloth at both ends from his side, opened the black cloth to reveal the brightly colored and soft Shu brocade, and personally delivered it to Sun Quan.

Wuqiu Xing stroked the Sichuan brocade, which was as smooth as skin, and said with a smile: "If Xing can get the position of border governor, that will be enough!"

When Sun Quan saw that it was Shu brocade, he cheered up, put down the tea cup, reached out and touched the brocade face, showing his affection.

"This brocade comes from Chengdu and is called Shu Brocade. It is worth thousands of gold and is exquisite and gorgeous. If it is made into ready-made clothes, it would be in line with the temperament of the Marquis of Wu." Guanqiu Xing said.

Sun Quan touched the Shu brocade and said: "Most of the Shu brocades I saw in the past were of inferior quality. Today's Shu brocades are of outstanding quality, soft and smooth, and are extraordinary."

After Zhuge Liang established the Shu Brocade as an official business, he adopted two strategies. He used the advantages of the official business to increase the production of inferior Shu Brocade, lower the price, and let merchants sell it. He used bad currency to drive out good currency to defeat Xiangyi Zhiwen and seize the market share of small and medium-sized enterprises. The market of nobles.

Second, integrate the high-end Shu brocade industry, recruit skilled craftsmen from Shu, select the Shu brocade with the best sales, vigorously produce, reduce prices, and compete with Xiangyi Weaving.

Official direct operation, large-scale production, and lower prices. If these methods continue, it will not take long for Xiangyi Zhiwen to compete with the government-run Shu brocade due to the problem of high costs due to family workshops and small-scale operations.

When Guanqiu saw that Sun Quan liked him, he rubbed his hands and asked, "What about me?" "

Sun Quan nodded with satisfaction and said with a smile: "The counties in Hexi have calmed down, and the King of Wei is looking for capable ministers and generals to take over. With the king's ability, he will be on the list of the King of Wei."

Hearing this, Guan Qiu was overjoyed and said, "In that case, I will trouble Marquis Wu more with my affairs."

"You're welcome!"

Sun Quan asked his men to put away the Shu brocade and the wooden box, pick up the tea cup, and said confidently: "With my operation, in less than five days, the governor's appointment will be sent to the general."

"Thank you, Marquis Wu!"

Suddenly there was a commotion on the street outside the building's window, and then the sound of a carriage driving in the distance was heard.

Sun Quan stopped talking and looked out the window.

However, pedestrians and common people were seen standing on both sides of the street, watching a carriage approaching not far away.

The carriages and horses are not luxurious. What is striking is the person sitting in the carriage. He is about 20 years old, dressed casually, with a handsome face. His movements reveal an unpretentious and extremely free and easy temperament, which attracts everyone's attention.

Guanqiu Xing squinted his eyes and said, "Marquis of Linzi?"

"Exactly!"

When Sun Quan saw Cao Zhi, his expression became cold.

Guanqiu Xing looked at the car driving away and said: "The Marquis of Linzi is a world-famous literary scholar and is deeply favored by the King of Wei. I will be considered a good man with good facial features~"

Sun Quan interrupted Guanqiu Xing's words and warned him: "Behave in your words and deeds. There are some things that you cannot discuss."

Guanqiu Xing looked solemn and said, "I don't dare, I'm just worried about the Marquis of Wu!"

Sun Quan stroked his beard and said with a sneer: "What disaster will happen to me? The general went to Hexi to take office. He should be more careful about the barbarians."

"promise!"

Not to mention the conversation between Sun Quan and Guanqiu Xing, Cao Zhizhuang went to the palace to pay homage to Cao Cao.

Cao Cao took Cao Zhi's scarf and the manuscript of Cao Zhi's poem in his hand, and recited softly: "...Looking far away, thousands of miles away, you can see the plains day and night. Martyrs are more compassionate, and villains take their own leisure. The country's hatred is not blocked, and it is willing to think about it. Mourning Yuan. Holding the sword and looking southwest, thinking about going to Mount Tai..."

After reading, Cao Cao put down the poem and said with a smile: "Zijian's literary talent is extraordinary, this poem is wonderful!"

"Thank you very much, Father, for your compliments!"

Cao Zhi cupped his hands and said, "My son, I still have some shortcomings, and I still need my father's guidance."

Cao Cao stood up, walked around, and said with a smile: "Zijian's literary talents are beyond my ability to point out. However, Zijian should pay more attention to his military strategy."

As he said that, Cao Cao stroked his beard and asked, "Do you have any drafts in mind about the Longxi military affairs that I gave you to answer questions about half a month ago?"

Cao Zhi calmly took out the scarf from his arms, presented it to Cao Cao, and said, "Father, I have been thinking deeply for many days and asked all the ministers for advice on how to build Qishan Fort to prepare for the southern thieves."

"Qishan Fort?"

Cao Cao couldn't help but look at Cao Zhi and asked in surprise: "Why does Zijian think Qishan Fort can ward off southern thieves?"

Cao Zhi's face was not red, his heart was not beating, and he said: "From Yizhou to Shu, the only major roads are Qishan Mountain and Qinling Mountains. Therefore, blocking the Qishan Mountain Road will prevent the enemy from invading Longxi."

"After Wudu and Yinping, if you want to build a city again, if you look at the Qishan Road for one or two hundred miles, only the Qishan Castle can hold the enemy in the mountain road."

"The Qishan Fort stands on a protruding peak above the plains, tens of feet high. It is located on the north bank of the Han River. It is surrounded by many miles and is cut on all sides. It is very tall and steep. A camp and fort is set up on the Qishan Mountain. Only the southwest gate can enter the castle. Then along the The winding path leads to the top of the mountain with twists and turns.”

"Thousands of people can be stationed on the mountain. The land is vast, with water to draw and fields to cultivate. The cliffs below are steep and dangerous. When the southern bandits invade, even tens of thousands of people will find it difficult to conquer the mountain fortress. Qishan cannot be conquered. The food route to the south is in danger, so this will not be a cause for concern."

Looking at the content on the scarf, Cao Cao nodded in praise and said: "Qishan Fort, Zijian and Gu's thoughts are consistent. The words of garrison and garrison can be said to be true insights."

In Cao Cao's Longyou defense plan, Ma Chao was stationed in Wudu as an outpost; if Ma Chao was defeated, he could retreat to Qishan Fort to defend the enemy.

The Qishan Fort held fast, like a nail stuck in the throat of the southern thief. The southern bandits want to bypass the Qishan fortress and seize Longyou, but the grain route is vulnerable to threats. Such an arrangement, relying on the nearly a thousand miles of Qishan Road, is enough to overwhelm the Southern Bandits' logistics.

It borders Qishan Mountain in the west, Xiangfan in the middle, and Shouchun in the east.

This was Cao Cao's strategy to defend against the enemy, but I have to say that Cao Cao's military strategy was outstanding.

Not to mention what the current plane is like, in history, Sun Quan never even crossed Hefei in his life, and he never saw the shadow of Shouchun City. When Ge Gonger came out of Qishan, although he achieved victory, he was always stuck in Qishan Fort. Live, didn't take it down.

So was this Qishan Fort proposal letter written by Cao Zhi?

Of course not, there are only a few people such as Yang Xiu and Sima Yi who can be so knowledgeable about Longyou's military situation. There is no one other than Yang Xiu who can give such advice to Cao Zhi.

"Thank you for the compliment, Father!"

Seeing Cao Zhi standing there with a cool and relaxed expression made Cao Cao like him even more.

Putting down the scarf, Cao Cao asked, "Does Zijian know whether Wang Can is under Liu Bei's command?"

"My son has heard it quite well!" Cao Zhi replied.

"good!"

Cao Cao took out an announcement from the desk and said angrily: "Liu Bei, son, learned that his father had ascended to the throne of Wei. He ordered Wang Can to write an article to refute and insult our Cao family. How can we bear it now?" , I want you to write a copy of the edict, refute it, and tell the public that Liu Bei is disobedient and deliberately plots rebellion."

Cao Zhi took the letter, read the whole text, and said with a smile: "Father, don't worry, I have already given you some advice. I will write it tonight and submit it to my father's desk tomorrow."

"color!"

Cao Cao stopped and said with a smile: "Liu Bei weaves mats and sells shoes. He has been a soldier all his life. How can he discuss the depth of family knowledge with me, Cao Cao!"

"My son, please leave for now!"

"good!"

Looking at Cao Zhi's back, Cao Cao stroked his beard and smiled, with pride, warmth and relief in his laughter.

I have to make Cao Cao happy. In terms of talent and learning, both Cao Pi and Cao Zhi have literary talents, and this literary talent is real talent and learning, not the result of outsiders' praise.

"There should be a lot of questioning on military and state politics!"

At nightfall, Yang Xiu learned about today's events and came to see Cao Zhi secretly.

In the study room, Cao Zhi was dressed casually and behaved freely. He personally poured wine for Yang Xiu, who was more than ten years older than him.

"What did the King of Wei meet with the Young Master to discuss today?" Yang Xiu asked, holding the bottle to express his gratitude.

Cao Zhi put the wine spoon into the wine bowl and said with a smile: "My father is questioning a certain Longxi military affairs. Fortunately, my ancestors gave me some advice and talked about the key to the Qishan Fort. Zhi wrote this and dedicated it to my father. My father was very pleased with me. Many compliments.”

Yang Xiu stroked his beard and asked, "Besides, is there anything else you can say about it?"

Cao Zhi suddenly understood, pointed to the scarf on the table, and said: "My father proclaimed himself king, and Liu Bei ordered Wang Can to write a letter and make it known to the world, scolding my father. My father was furious, and asked Zhi to write a letter to refute Liu Bei and say something. Bad intentions.”

"Writing a message should be easy for the prince."

Stroking his beard, Yang Xiu frowned and said, "Can the king bring up the matter of establishing an heir to the young master?"

Cao Zhi sat down with his knees bent, drinking from a bottle, and said with a smile: "My father is still here, and I have an eldest brother. Why do you ask this?"

Yang Xiu pointed to the table and said: "The king is getting older. He is already sixty this year. As he gets older and becomes king, how can he not think about the future generations?"

"Young Master is extremely talented and has great ambitions. How can he not seek to achieve great status?"

As he said that, Yang Xiu looked serious, raised his hands and asked, "May I ask you, Master, if he ascends to a high position in his youth, what will his Yuanzhi be like?"

Cao Zhi pondered for a while and said: "If I get the right time, I will work hard to improve the country, benefit the people below, calm the troubled times to rejuvenate the country, build an eternal industry, and make contributions to the gold and stone, so that I can live up to the name of a gentleman."

Yang Xiu nodded slightly and praised, "Young Master is so talented and ambitious that Xiu admires him!"

"Come!"

Yang Xiu raised the wine bottle and said, "Xiu is willing to help you, and I hope your ambition will be rewarded."

"Ha ha!"

Cao Zhi raised his bottle and responded with a smile: "Now we have Lao Dezu!"

"Don't dare!"

After the two drank, Cao Zhi took a wine spoon to pour wine for Yang Xiu and said: "Poems, lyrics and rhymes are what Cao Zhi is good at. However, it was only about military and national policy. Cao Zhi was still young and could not get the essence. At that time, he used the excuse of not knowing geography and delayed it later. Time. From now on, my father will ask for more details, and Zhi may not be able to respond."

Yang Xiu took out the scarf from his sleeve and said with a smile: "Sir, all the military and state affairs that King Wei has been busy with in recent days are all on this scarf. Master, browse at your leisure, read a lot, and remember the content. If the King of Wei asks, , respond accordingly, there is nothing wrong with the information."

Cao Zhi opened the page to browse, laughed happily, and said: "Dezu can not only know my heart, but also the heart of my father. With Dezu's help, what should I fear?"

"Please drink it, Dezu!"

"Thank you, sir!"

Cao Zhi and Yang Xiu chatted all night. Cao Pi learned about what happened today, and out of concern, he also called Sun Quan and Sima Yi to discuss.

"Zhongmou, Zhongda!"

Cao Pi sat on the couch and said worriedly: "I heard from the palace people today that Zijian's theory of guarding Qishan Fort against thieves was highly appreciated by his father. His father was happy and asked Zijian to write a memorial, thinking that he would refute Wang Can's essay. . The magnificence of Zijian’s literary talents is hard to match by Pi.”

"In recent days, my father has become more and more fond of Zijian. This is not a good sign. I wonder if you two have any good advice for me?"

Sima Yi pondered for a long time and said: "Sir, from Yi's point of view, the third master is good at poetry and poetry, but short on military and political theory. From this point of view, Qishan Fort's theory of guarding against thieves is probably written by Yang Xiu."

"Yang Xiu?"

Cao Pi felt dissatisfied and said: "Yang Xiu is close to Zijian. He relies on his position as prime minister to inquire about military and state secrets and inform Zijian. This person is really hateful."

After saying that, Cao Pi looked at Sun Quan and asked: "At that time, Zhongmou kept Yang Xiu alive, but I don't know what's the use of it?"

Facing Cao Pi's question, Sun Quan calmly raised his hand and said: "Master Qi, Yang Xiu has a little wisdom, but not a big one. The third son has a free and easy temperament and is informal. Yang Xiu can assist the third son in the army, but he cannot correct his character. His character is not right. , how can you be the prince?"

Before Cao Wei, the emperor's heirs and the kings' heirs could all be called princes. Starting from Cao Wei, the prince was changed to the heir apparent. Today, when Cao Wei was not established, the king's heir was called the prince.

"Based on power, the position of the prince must belong to the young master. Yang Xiu made plans for the third prince and presented military and national policies in response to the king of Wei. If the king of Wei learns of this, he will be furious, and neither the third prince nor Yang Xiu can escape punishment. .”

Sun Quan really didn't panic. For him, Cao Pi was in an advantageous position in seizing the throne. Although Cao Cao loved Cao Zhi, he did not lose his mind, but his love was limited.

Of course, it cannot be said that Cao Cao did not want to establish Cao Zhi, but Cao Zhi's character is a taboo for a monarch, and Cao Pi has an introverted character and a strong character, which has an advantage over Cao Zhi.

As for why Cao Cao had the idea of ​​establishing another prince, it is actually not difficult to understand.

According to Sun Quan, Cao Pi's ability was too low. Indecisive, unable to make decisions, and narrow-minded. However, it is commendable for its emphasis on emotion and its outstanding literary talent.

Cao Pi thought for a long time and said: "Zhong Mou's words are not unreasonable. However, although we know Yang Xiu's plan for Zijian, we have no evidence. How can my father believe it if it is empty talk?"

Sun Quan stroked his beard and smiled, and said: "Young Master is a middle-ranking general with five senses, and he is favored by the King of Wei. The person who is worried now is not the Young Master, but Yang Xiu. If Quan is unexpected, Yang Xiu will throw himself into a trap."

"As for the young master, making friends with ministers is the first priority. Now that Duke Xun (Xun You) is seriously ill, the young master should ask the King of Wei for orders to visit Duke Xun on behalf of the king of Wei, to show the young master's love for the virtuous and respect for the elderly."

"You should follow Zhongmou's words!"

"Drink!"

Sima Yi secretly looked at Sun Quan, feeling extremely worried.

(End of this chapter)