Ji Han Da Sima

Chapter 414 King Huainan

The winter nights in Hefei are cold and quiet. After several days of snow, the inside and outside of the city have long been covered in white snow.

The moonlight shines on the snow on the windowsill, reflecting the orange candlelight. The cold air tried to invade the house, but was driven away by the warmth from the stove inside. The light shines through the window screen, and the figures inside the house are vaguely visible.

Da Qiao used scissors to cut off the excess candle wick, and the room suddenly became a little brighter again.

"It's cold when the snow melts, husband, you should go to bed early!"

Da Qiao walked carefully to the case, put the fallen cloak back on Huo Jun's shoulders, and said softly.

Huo Jun held Da Qiao's catkins in his hands and said, "My husband has some important matters to deal with. You should go back to the house and rest first."

"How long?" Da Qiao asked.

"When Mr. Zitong arrives, we can have a brief chat!"

Huo Jun patted Da Qiao's plump buttocks and said with a smile: "Go and warm the bed for your husband."

"Then I'll go back to the house first."

Wait until Da Qiao's graceful figure disappears from the house. Huo Jun picked up Liu Bei's letter and read its contents again.

There are widespread rumors in Wuhan that he wants to be crowned King of Huainan. Not only the officials in the city know about it, but even the wives and concubines in the house know about it. Trainer Bu was worried that something had happened, so he asked someone to send a letter to Huo Jun, telling him about the changes in the city.

Not long after receiving Bu Lianshi's letter, he received another letter from Liu Bei asking about his current situation.

In the letter, Liu Bei didn't say much, he just asked about Huo Jun's body, and then talked about Gan Ning's body. Ba Yu was cold and gloomy, and Gan Ning suffered from pain in his waist and legs due to rheumatism, making it difficult to walk. He needed help when needed. It no longer has the style of the past when thousands of enemies were on the water, galloping across the river.

During the letter, Liu Bei lamented that many of his old friends left. Not only did Lu Su leave this year, but Sun Qian, who had followed him for many years, also passed away due to illness. My old friend Jian Yong is also lying ill on the bed, and I don't know how his condition is.

A few two to three hundred words reveal Liu Bei's reluctance to let go of his old friend and his lamentation over his growing age and deteriorating physical and mental condition.

If someone who doesn't know the details reads the contents of the letter, I'm afraid it will just be based on feelings. However, with the timely notification from the good wife and trainer, Huo Jun felt sad in his heart.

Once upon a time, those stories and cases that could only be seen in history books actually happened to him now.

At that moment, Huo Jun was confused inside. Various historical figures, whether similar or not, flooded into Huo Jun's mind at that moment.

The stories of Sima Yi, Cao Shuang, Zhuge Liang, Tan Daoji, An Lushan, Li Jing, Guo Ziyi, Li Guangbi, Yue Fei, Wu Sangui, etc. appear in turn.

Historical stories are historical stories. After thinking about it carefully, Huo Jun gradually calmed down.

Everyone has different backgrounds and temperaments, and the monarchs they face are also different. How can we generalize.

Did Liu Bei think too much?

To say that I didn't think much about it would be a lie, otherwise I wouldn't have sent the letter.

To say it was suspicion, it is certain that Liu Bei was not too suspicious, otherwise it would not have been a letter, but an order for him to enter the capital.

Therefore, according to Huo Jun's guess, when Liu Bei's trust index is converted into a data percentage, trust in him accounts for about 80%, and suspicion of him may account for about 20%.

However, Liu Bei had 80% trust in him, and for Huo Jun, that was enough.

Except for simple-minded people, most people in the world cannot trust someone 100%. Especially for the ruling monarch, it is even more impossible to trust others 100%.

Liu Bei has been fighting in troubled times for many years, has experienced the bitterness of the world, and has seen countless intrigues. It is enough for him to be able to maintain his rational judgment and not be affected by those past events. He can give 80% trust to a minister who has the ability to separate kingdoms. Something terrible.

Liu Bei may only keep 90% of his trust to Guan Zhang and his own children.

As for 100% trust, I'm afraid Liu Bei can only keep it to himself.

The candlelight flickered and while Huo Jun was thinking, Jiang Ji knocked on the door.

"Master, Mr. Jiang is here!"

"please!"

Hearing that Jiang Ji was outside the house, Huo Jun stood up, opened the door, and greeted him personally.

A cold wind swept into the house, and the candlelight dimmed for a moment. Then as Jiang Ji entered the house, the fallen lights stood up again.

Huo Jun invited Jiang Ji to take a seat and said, "If you invite Zitong here late at night, there will be a lot of chatter!"

"nothing!"

Jiang Ji took off his coat, put it on the hanger, and said with a smile: "It's snowing heavily, the night is cold and silent, Ji can't fall asleep, and he is worried that there is no one to talk to."

"I wonder if the governor called Ji here late at night. What's the important matter?" Jiang Ji asked.

Huo Jun pondered for a while and said: "It's a long story. Rumors came from unknown sources in Wuhan City, saying that I wanted to take over the Huainan King and separatize Jianghuai. The rumors became more and more intense and spread throughout the center of Wuhan. The king knew about it and wrote to a certain person. Zhongduo talks about human relationships and reminisces about the past, not business matters."

"Can you send the letter to Ji?" Jiang Ji said.

"Can!"

After handing the letter to Jiang Ji, Huo Jun said: "Based on my reading of the letter, King Gai should have no suspicion. I wonder what you think, sir?"

Huo Jun has the character of two generations. He cannot be said to be a villain, nor is he a foolish and loyal person. Whoever treats him with sincerity will be rewarded with loyalty. If someone wants his life, he will definitely fight back.

He dare not forget the past affairs of Tan Daoji and Yue Fei; he disdains the examples of An Lushan and Wu Sangui.

Jiang Ji pondered for a long time and said: "Your Majesty's letter is all about old things. Gai wants to tell the governor that your achievements in the past are all in your heart and you will never forget them. Rumors about being granted the title of King of Huainan, even if they are rumors, cannot be easily believed."

"good!"

All the pressure in Huo Jun's heart disappeared. As a player in the game, he and Jiang Ji, an outsider, had the same judgment, so they should not make mistakes.

Sure enough, Liu Bei is still the same Liu Bei. Even if the historical process has changed, people's hearts will never change.

Huo Junchang exhaled and said: "Although your Majesty may trust me for the time being, I am afraid of people's words. Over time, Your Majesty will inevitably be provoked by others. I wonder if Zitong has a plan to teach me so that I will not be slandered by rumors."

Jiang Ji stroked his beard and said with a smile: "This matter is not difficult. The king writes about old friendships in letters, and the governor writes back about the Zhengdan gift, which can dispel the rumors."

"A formal gift?"

Huo Jun muttered thoughtfully for a few times and then understood what Jiang Ji meant.

The Spring Festival in the Han Dynasty fell on the Zhengdan day. Every year on the Zhengdan day, ministers would pay homage to the monarch, which in popular terms was called New Year greetings. When ministers pay New Year greetings to the monarch, they need to give gifts. When the monarch accepts the gifts, he must hold a banquet, treat the ministers to a meal, and accept toasts from the ministers.

Jiang Ji asked Huo Jun to write a letter to discuss the etiquette of Zhengdan, but in a different way, he expressed to Liu Bei that he would be a minister. It is the best thing to do to deal with people privately and pretend not to know the rumors about Wuhan.

It should be noted that the more explanations there are, the more mistakes will be made. Why not let the emperor and his ministers talk about their private affairs tacitly, so as to make a good story.

"good!"

Huo Jun smiled and praised, "Zitong is a wise man!"

Just when Jiang Ji was about to say something, rapid footsteps sounded outside the house.

"who?"

Huo Jun looked at the figure outside the house, frowned, and asked.

"Captain, Ding Feng has something to ask for!"

"Enter!"

Jiang Ji stood up and opened the door, only to see Ding standing in the night snow wearing armor and robe, with a worried look on his face.

Huo Jun got up from the couch and said, "It's cold outside Chengyuan, please come inside to talk."

"Someone is dirty and cannot enter the hall."

Ding Feng refused to enter the house and said: "Feng Yu captured Cao's traitor and spies outside the city. His surname was Jiang. He claimed to be a friend of the governor, and he was from the same clan as the governor. I'd like to see you tonight. I want to see the governor. I said We have something important to discuss."

Huo Jun and Jiang Ji looked at each other, vaguely aware of something unusual.

Huo Jun thought about it for a long time and said, "My friend named Jiang, could it be Jiang Qian from Jiujiang?"

"It seems to be him!" Ding Feng was not sure, so he said, "Feng is not sure, I just feel familiar."

It has been more than ten years since the last time Jiang Gan persuaded Huo Jun to surrender. More than ten years have passed, and unless one has an outstanding memory, it is really difficult for ordinary people to remember those people they met briefly.

Jiang Ji stroked his beard and said: "Jiang Qian came to Hefei at night and asked to pay homage to the governor. There may be something urgent. Why don't the governor see him and see if he is an enemy or a friend?"

"good!"

Huo Jun was still very interested in Jiang Gan's arrival.

Following Huo Jun's instructions, two attendants came with Jiang Gan. Among them, Jiang Gan was still carrying a baggage, which seemed to contain something.

After a while, Jiang Gan entered the hall carrying his baggage and saluted Huo Jun and Jiang Ji.

Huo Jun waved his hand to the attendants to close the door and leave. He looked at Jiang Qian, whose hair was gradually turning gray, and said with a smile: "We have not seen each other for more than ten years, but Ziyi's style is still the same!"

"Don't dare!"

Jiang Qian sat in the banquet and said respectfully: "For more than ten years, the monarch has been powerful and famous all over the world. Qian Hao is the first to read the scriptures, how dare he say that his style remains the same."

Touching his mustache, Huo Jun asked: "Ziyi came all the way from the Central Plains and visited late at night. What's the important matter?"

Jiang Gan looked at Jiang Ji and Ding Feng who were present, and seemed to be in a dilemma.

Huo Jun poured himself a cup of tea and said nonchalantly: "Zitong and Chengyuan are both close friends of mine. It doesn't matter what you say!"

"good!"

Jiang Qian lightly waved his sleeves and said: "To be honest with you, Qian came all the way to plan your future. You are proficient in military strategy, and you can compare with Han and Bai. With your own strength, you defeated the king of Wei at Jinkou, and east Defeat Hefei, aid Hanzhong from the west, and help Liu Jun lead the south."

"Therefore, since you are so talented in the world, why should you live under others for a long time, working for them and only getting a little wealth and honor? The King of Wei praised your great achievements, and now you are willing to grant him the title of Jianghuai, and make you the king of Huainan!"

When the three characters "Huainan King" came out, everyone changed.

Jiang Ji stopped stroking his beard, Ding Feng subconsciously held his sword, and both of them looked at Huo Jun.

Huo Jun's heart beat violently. Through Jiang Qian's foreshadowing and the rumors in Wuhan, he gradually guessed what Jiang Qian might have said. But now, when I really heard the words "Huainan King", my heart was filled with a mixture of excitement and hesitation. That feeling was hard to describe.

Picking up the tea cup, Huo Jun drank tea to hide his expression and try to calm himself down.

"How can Jun Hede be called the King of Huainan!" Huo Jun said lightly.

Jiang Gan chuckled a few times and said, "Chen Sheyan, does the prince and general Xiang Ning have the guts?"

"In the past, Emperor Gao used his position as pavilion chief to build the foundation of the Han Dynasty for four hundred years. Do you dare to ask if you have any kind of talent?"

"Emperor Gao is so powerful and wise that Jun dare not compare with him!" Huo Jun put down the tea cup and said.

"What about Han Xin?"

Jiang Gan didn't take it seriously and said: "Han Xin is a man of unparalleled talent. He used to be a ranger in the Huaihe River, but he eventually became the king of Qi. I want to ask you, does Han Xin have the talent?"

Seeing Huo Jun's silence, Jiang Gan changed the subject, emphasized his tone, and said: "In ancient times, those who had great achievements and commanded large armies often aroused the fear of monarchs. The monarchs are more talented than Han and Bai, but don't forget the miserable plight of Han and Bai. ."

"General Han Xin is invincible in the world, his achievements are unparalleled, and he will never be seen again. He holds Xiang Yu with great authority and is known as the Supreme Emperor Gao. At that time, the world was unified, and Emperor Gao was jealous of him, so he killed him in Chang'an, and the three tribes perished."

"Bai Qi led his army, anticipating the enemy's rebellion, and made endless surprises. His voice shocked the world. He conquered Yanying in the south and Changping in the north. He was ill on the couch and refused to obey the emperor. He was bullied and humiliated, so he drew his sword and died."

"Wail!"

Jiang Qian sighed sadly and said: "It is the fundamental thing for a minister to support the emperor. However, when the rabbit dies and the dog is cooked, and the bird is hidden behind its bow, this is the tragedy of the human world!"

"Even though Han Xin was full of wisdom and tricks, he was invincible in the world, but he died at the hands of a woman; Bai Qi defeated countless troops, his voice shocked China, and he died under his own sword."

"Isn't this sad!"

Then, Jiang Gan spoke sharply and asked, "I don't know if the king wants to follow Han Xin's example or go to Bai Qi's old business!"

"Be bold!"

Ding Feng held the sword hilt in his hand and shouted angrily.

Jiang Qian was not afraid and said: "Today the two points are divided, and the north and the south will each gain their own benefits. Why don't the kings rise up, hold the three-foot sword, and dominate the thousands of miles of Huainan. When the Han attacks, they will seek help from the Wei, and the Wei prisoners will be close to the Han ."

"Even with the king's strategy and high reputation, if he gets help from the King of Wei, he may not be able to completely conquer Yangzhou and become the king's hegemony. Being controlled by others, fearing Han, and letting go of the past is not a long-term solution!"

Huo Jun was turning the tea cup with his hand, and his thoughts were complicated.

He said that he wanted to be the king of Huainan, which he found ridiculous. But now Cao Cao really made him the King of Huainan, and it was purely false to say that he had no intention of moving him.

Of course, there are no exceptions for people with high moral character and no desires or pursuits. But Huo Jun is not like that. He loves beauty and longs for fame and fortune.

As what Jiang Qian said is true, it will not be difficult for him to seize control of Huainan now. Even if done properly, it is not difficult to separate Jiangzuo.

At that time, it will be no problem to rely on Cao Wei and become the Huainan King of the Great Wei Dynasty to protect himself within the limits of the territory. Of course, it is definitely hopeless to hope for the Northern Expedition or the unification of China.

Desire is desire, but for Huo Jun, there are other more important things than fame and fortune.

Huo Jun was unmoved and asked: "The King of Wei has granted me the title of King of Huainan. Is it just you?"

"The prince is laughing!"

Jiang Gan opened the baggage and suddenly took out the Huainan King's Seal and Cao Cao's canonization document.

After sealing the seal of the King of Huainan and the document, Jiang Gan said: "Your Majesty, here is the seal of the King of Huainan and the book written by the King of Wei!"

Huo Jun picked up the gold royal seal and looked at it in his hands.

It has to be said that the royal seal is exquisite. It is made of pure gold and is shiny. There is a turtle button on the top and the four characters "Huainan Wang Xi" are engraved on the bottom.

Seeing Huo Jun playing with the Huainan King's Seal and showing affection, Jiang Gan changed his words and said: "The king raised his troops when Liu Bei raised his troops to attack. The King of Wei sent soldiers to support and selected envoys to go south to confer the title. When Liu Bei's troops retreated, the King of Wei came out Shouchun and the king thought it was a place for the king to stay."

"Shuchun?"

Huo Jun looked away from the royal seal and said with a smile: "The reward from King Wei is really generous!"

Jiang Gan stroked his beard and smiled, and said: "Your Majesty is a man of extraordinary talent and unparalleled talent in the country. The King of Wei loves him so much, how can he not reward him?"

"If I were the king, I'm afraid the King of Wei would be the emperor!" Huo Jun said with emotion.

Jiang Gan smiled silently. The King of Wei had the right to make him king. Only the Emperor of Wei had this right. Cao Cao used Huainan King and Na Shouchun to turn Huo Jun and Liu Bei against each other. On the occasion of shocking the world, proclaiming himself emperor will be a natural thing.

Moreover, Shouchun was not given to Huo Jun unconditionally, but Huo Jun turned against Liu Bei and accepted Cao Cao's canonization. After defeating Liu Bei, Cao Cao gave Shouchun to Huo Jun to live in. After all, Hefei could not be used as the center.

You can say that Sun Quan is good at fighting, but you really can't say that Sun Quan's political skills are bad!

"What do you think, Your Majesty?" Jiang Gan asked.

Huo Jun pretended to be reluctant to give up and put down the royal seal and said, "This matter is important. Please step aside and rest first while Rong Jun discusses it."

"Your Majesty, we need to make a decision quickly, not too late!" Jiang Gan advised.

"Ok!"

Huo Jun smiled and said: "You have been working hard all the time, so please step back and rest first. Jun will definitely have an answer in the morning!"

"promise!"

Seeing that Huo Jun had his own opinion, Jiang Qian had no choice but to quietly withdraw. Only by thinking about how Huo Jun liked Wang Xi just now can he feel relieved.

After Jiang Gan retreated, Huo Jun put away his smile and asked with a neither happy nor worried expression.

"Have you heard what Jiang Qian said? Do you have any insights?"

(End of this chapter)