Ji Han Da Sima

Chapter 566: Respect and Decentralization

Huo and Ge had no intention of taking up the position of chief assistant, so Liu Bei had no choice but to seek advice from his courtiers.

At dusk, the setting sun shines through the windowsill into the house.

Liu Bei sat back on the couch, his face sallow and his voice much deeper.

"Zihua, come closer!"

"Chen is here!"

Wuhan Yin Shou Sima Zhi took a few steps forward and stopped four or five steps away from Liu Bei.

"Since you have been the Yin Shou of Wuhan, you have enforced the law fairly, renovated people's livelihood, built bridges, and made great plans for farming. The soldiers and the people are solemn, they don't close their homes at night, and the families have enough food. This is your contribution!" Liu Bei praised.

"I acted according to the imperial edict, and the achievements I have made today are all due to your majesty's respect." Sima Zhi replied.

Because he has been engaged in farming for a long time, Sima Zhi's political philosophy is not only different from that of Zhuge Liang, but also different from that of Wuhan Yin Shou in the past.

After a few words of greeting, Liu Bei asked directly: "Do you know my intention of recruiting you to the palace?"

Sima Zhi lowered his head slightly and said, "Excuse me for being stupid, I don't know the meaning of your Majesty's edict."

If there is a flood disaster, acres of fields around Wuhan will be flooded, and food prices will skyrocket.

While developing agriculture, Sima Zhi also vigorously developed infrastructure, renovated barns, built pontoon bridges, leveled roads, and renovated cities.

Thanks to Sima Zhi's long-term efforts, Wuhan's agricultural affairs have made progress, and people's homes gradually have more than enough food.

Sima Zhi's political philosophy was to emphasize agriculture and suppress business. He often believes that although business travel can make people rich, in troubled times, the harvest from its output is not as good as the harvest from the fields.

"Of these three, Prime Minister Ge is not as good as Huo Du. How can he be ranked higher than Huo Du now?"

Sima Zhi cupped his hands and replied: "Among the Han Dynasty today, in terms of achievements, Ge Xiang is not as good as Huo Du; in terms of guarding the Jianghuai River and the Wei army did not dare to attack south, Ge Xiang is not as good as Huo Du; in terms of leading troops in battles and the Northern Expedition to the Central Plains, the Han Dynasty was established in Jiji. Ge Xiang is not as good as Huo Du."

Liu Bei looked indifferent and said: "I am not in good health. I have asked you to come to the palace many times, maybe to discuss matters after your death. Now I have decided to entrust you to the ministers. However, Huo Du and Cheng are humble to each other and do not want to take the lead. "You have a lot of contacts with Huo and Ge. Who do you think can take on this important role?"

With permission, Sima Zhi led his officials to the countryside and traveled throughout the counties in Yinnei, Wuhan, and found many fields suitable for farming. They were divided among the poor people in the county and ordered to plow rice, grow wheat, harvest and build fields.

Sima Zhi considered it carefully and said: "Your Majesty, although Zhi was once a servant of Huo Du, but to be fair, Zhi thinks that someone other than Huo Du is not enough to bring peace to the world!"

Due to the humidity in Wuhan, unless you are a wealthy family, ordinary people do not have a granary at all. In order to let the people have surplus food, Sima Zhi built granaries at high places for the people to store food.

Once Liu Bei dies and the backbone of the people is gone, there will inevitably be turmoil, barbarian rebellion, or general turmoil. Except for Huo Jun, no one can replace him who can use his prestige to suppress the unscrupulous forces in the south.

The territory of the Southern Han Dynasty was vast, and there were people from Huaisi, Yuancong, Bashu, Jingchu, Wuyue and other parties in the country. In the past, Liu Bei relied on his personal charm to convince others and through the exchange of interests, he made the southern civil and military forces work for him.

Therefore, after Sima Zhi came to power, in addition to verifying concealment, he vigorously developed agriculture. Zhuge Liang disapproved of Sima Zhi's agricultural strategy on the grounds that the land in Wuhan was barren.

Zhuge Liang, who had previously opposed the agrarian strategy, couldn't help but admire Sima Zhi's ability when he saw Sima Zhi's outstanding political achievements. Ability is a matter of ability, but with Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang framing the structure, it was also difficult for Sima Zhi to change Wuhan's positioning of focusing on business.

Later, as the population of Wuhan skyrocketed, the food produced locally was no longer enough, and it had to be purchased from peripheral counties such as Changsha and Yuzhang.

Sima Zhi's tone increased and he said: "If your Majesty unfortunately dies, who else in the world, except Huo Du, can have the prestige to conquer the world and make arrogant soldiers and generals surrender?"

Sima Zhi saw that Zhuge Liang did not agree, so he directly dismissed Liu Bei. Liu Bei didn't want to agree at first, but after Sima Zhi's tireless efforts, he finally agreed to Sima Zhi's development strategy.

"Why?"

In the previous dynasties, Wuhan Yinshou followed Zhuge Liang's opinions and adapted measures to local conditions. Based on Wuhan's geographical location, they vigorously developed commerce and despised agriculture.

Liu Bei was silent for a long time and then said: "What Zihua said is the same as what I think. However, the matter is very important. Please step aside and let me think about it."

"It's getting late today. You can rest in Taichung."

"promise!"

Soon after Sima Zhi withdrew, Sun Shao entered the palace.

"I pay my respects to Your Majesty and wish Your Majesty a speedy recovery!"

"No gift!"

Liu Bei coughed a few times, pointed to the chair where Sima Zhi had been sitting, and said, "Come forward and talk!"

"promise!"

"Your Majesty is the minister, an important minister of the country, and has been serving me for a long time. I can't hide it from you now. I am seriously ill. Everything has been arranged. However, I only have the position of chief assistant, but I don't know who Huo Du and Prime Minister Ge can take it." ?”

Liu Bei took the trouble and said: "The two monarchs shirk each other and agree to follow my edict. But I can't make a choice, so I want to send you to the stage to consult me ​​on important matters."

Sun Shao pondered for a while and said: "This matter is not worth worrying about. Shao thinks that Prime Minister Ge is not qualified to govern."

"how you said that?"

Sun Shao said: "Huo Du is not as good as Ge Xiang in being close to the people and pacifying the barbarians; in replenishing the treasury and taking charge of the overall situation, Huo Du is not as good as Ge Xiang; in governing hundreds of officials and assisting the young master, Huo Du is not as good as Ge Xiang. And Huo Du has already taken control of it. If the military power were to take over the country again, I fear that it would be beyond the control of the country.”

Liu Bei looked slightly dissatisfied and said: "Zhong Miao and I have known each other for more than 20 years. In the past, Cao Cao gave King Huainan a gift but did not accept it. How could he do anything wrong now. Chang Xu, don't talk nonsense to hurt the relationship between the king and his ministers."

Sun Shao's expression remained unchanged and he said in a deep voice: "It is for the sake of the integrity of the monarch and his subjects that your Majesty should order Prime Minister Ge to take charge."

"Ok?"

Seeing that Liu Bei was confused and thinking deeply, Sun Shao directly asked: "Your Majesty knows that Huo Du has no evil intentions, but can you know the intentions of his subordinates and soldiers?"

Sun Shao bowed his head and bowed, and said: "If the officials and soldiers want to serve the dragon, even if Huo Du has no intention of doing this, he may be kidnapped by his subordinates. Since your majesty has the love of all monarchs and ministers, you should ask for an order." Prime Minister Ge is in charge, checks and balances each other, and is a good story for the whole world."

"The words of Changxu are really what I am thinking about. However, the matter is very important, so let me think about it for a while. It is already late today, so you can stay in Taiwan and rest."

"No!" Following Liu Bei's instructions, Sun Shao stepped out of the palace and, guided by his attendants, came to the side hall to rest. However, coincidentally, Sima Zhi was also arranged here by Liu Bei.

When the two met, although they were in a daze, they quickly understood that the other party was also called to the palace for questioning by Liu Bei.

While dining together, Sima Zhi couldn't help but asked curiously: "Your Majesty ordered you to enter the palace. I wonder if you are recommending Huo Du or Prime Minister Ge as the main ruler?"

Sun Shao did not want to disclose the detailed content of the chat, but said vaguely: "Your Majesty is worried about this, and a certain prime minister has been appointed as prime minister."

Hearing this, Sima Zhi frowned slightly and said, "I want to discuss the two of you with you, is that okay?"

Sun Xu was reluctant and said: "The minister of the first assistant is beyond your control. If your Majesty knows about this, I am afraid he will be dissatisfied!"

"otherwise!"

"If Your Majesty doesn't want you and me to argue with each other, why would you let us live in the same room?"

Sima Zhi looked at the empty house and said: "The position of chief minister is related to the rise and fall of the Han Dynasty. If you appoint Ge Xiang as the prime minister, Zhi is afraid that you will harm the country's affairs!"

As Sima Zhi said, Liu Bei let the two live together because he actually wanted to see if they would argue over this, so as to gain a detailed understanding of Huo Jun and Zhuge Liang, who was suitable for the role of first assistant.

Seeing Sima Zhi criticizing himself, Sun Shao was slightly dissatisfied and said, "Since you want to discuss it, am I willing to listen to your opinion?"

Sima Zhi bowed his hands and asked: "To command the three armies and make the soldiers sacrifice their lives so that the enemy does not dare to make plans, which of the two kings is stronger?"

"Hodo!"

Sima Zhi paid his respects again and said: "Kuang Fu Your Majesty, revive the Han Dynasty. In terms of merit and prestige, which of the two monarchs is stronger?"

"Huo Du!" Sun Xu replied calmly.

"good!"

Sima Zhi smiled lightly and said: "Guarding the Jianghuai River and seeking China will prevent the Wei people from going south. Which of the two kings is stronger?"

"Hodo!"

Sima Zhi couldn't understand and asked doubtfully: "Since you know that Huo Du is stronger than Ge Xiang, why do you make Ge Xiang higher than Huo Du?"

"Manage the army and expand the territory, become powerful in China, and have a far-sighted vision. Ge Xiang is not as good as Huo Du!"

Sun Shao returned the greeting and bowed, saying in a deep voice: "But if Your Majesty unfortunately passes away, the situation in the south at that time will be that the ruler is young and the country is in doubt, the ministers are worried but have no support, and the people are panicked and uneasy. At this time, who can help the crown prince and comfort the people? I wonder who should be the governor Huo or the prime minister Ge?"

Then Sun Shao said: "In the past, when your Majesty was fighting for the southern territory, Prime Minister Ge often sent troops to make up for it, so that tens of thousands of people would not be trapped by food. In the Battle of Chrysostom, Huo Du defeated Cao Cao outside, and Prime Minister Ge rushed to the left of the Yangtze River , contact the scholars to stabilize the six counties on the left side of the Yangtze River."

"When Your Majesty entered Jingchu, Prime Minister Ge established the official etiquette, regulated the laws, and upheld the law to serve the public. He was solemn both inside and outside. Although this achievement is not as good as that of Huo Du, how can it be said less now?"

Sima Zhi was silent for a long time and said: "As you said, political affairs come from Ge Xiang. However, military affairs must come from Huo Du. In the changing times, Huo Du's reputation is not enough to convince the officials. "

Sun Shao sighed loudly and said: "It is up to Ge Xiang and Huo Du to work together to manage the country. It is not possible for you and me to explain the advantages and disadvantages of the two monarchs."

In fact, the dispute between Sima Zhi and Sun Shao was finally coming to an end. But since they couldn't say a lot, the two of them stopped talking, and it ended in an anticlimax.
After a while, Liu Bei learned the content of the argument between the two after being informed by his attendants.

Leaning on the couch, Liu Bei sighed and said: "Zhongmiao has great achievements and prestige. Without Zhongmiao, we cannot keep the four directions in peace. Kongming is trustworthy and good at governing the country. Without Kongming, we cannot rule the Han territory."

After Sun Shao's words, Liu Bei was already leaning towards Zhuge Liang as the chief minister. But Sima Zhi's recommendation of Huo Jun was also reasonable. Moreover, due to Huo Jun's high achievements, Liu Bei could not let Zhuge Liang take power.

As for who should be consulted as the first assistant, Liu Bei not only asked the two people today, but also asked Wang Can, Xu Shu, Ma Liang and other officials and ministers.

Because Zhuge Liang became prime minister, most officials recommended Zhuge Liang. However, because of Huo Jun's outstanding achievements, many officials with whom he had good relations recommended Huo Jun.

Today's verbal discussion between Sima Zhi and Sun Shao was basically a concentrated feedback of everyone's words.

"Zilong, do you have any insights?"

After looking at the dragon pattern curtain for a long time, Liu Bei suddenly looked at Zhao Yun and asked.

Zhao Yun was the leading general and commanded the palace guards. After Liu Bei recuperated in Huanghutai, Zhao Yun accompanied him to protect him.

In the past few days, any official summoned by Liu Bei never avoided Zhao Yun. Of course, Zhao Yun was like wood and stone, only listening but not speaking, standing silently.

Zhao Yun bowed and said: "Your Majesty, I am a bodyguard and it is inconvenient for me to express my views on politics!"

"Now, Zilong and I, what can't we say?" Liu Bei said, leaning on the cushions.

Zhao Yun pondered for a while and said: "What all the kings said is reasonable, but I think that only Sun Lingjun's words should be words of profound and clear insights. Your Majesty, it is better to follow Sun Lingjun's words and let Ge Xiang take charge of the overall situation."

"It may be unconvincing to treat Zhongmiao as a subordinate minister," Liu Bei said.

"Yun once asked Huo Du as the chief assistant. Huo Du's words were numerous and complicated, and he was afraid that he would not be able to handle them, so he was willing to resign and give way to Prime Minister Ge. Therefore, your Majesty, it is better to make Governor Huo higher than Prime Minister Ge, and Prime Minister Ge will uphold the chancellery and be in charge of the country's affairs. The power; Xu Jun took charge of the imperial court and presided over the state law and discipline."

Zhao Yun cupped his hands and said: "When the center is stable, it can be compared to the present time. Huo Duwai is holding Jianghuai, Prime Minister Ge and Jun Xu are working together to govern the country, and Jun Lu is planning for Longyou."

Zhao Yun's words made Liu Bei's eyes light up.

During the Qin and Han Dynasties, the emperor often used censors to supervise and contain the prime ministers. When Liu Bei ordered Xu Shu to return to the capital, he actually planned to use him to contain the chief minister.

Now I highly respect Huo Jun, and the political power belongs to Zhuge Liang, under the supervision of Xu Shu. The military, administration, and supervision check and restrain each other. And due to the different statuses of the three, the closer to Liu Chan, the lower the official position. Coupled with the fact that Zhao Yun is secretly there, it is enough to ensure the stability of Liu Chan's position.

If everyone wants to change the emperor, Huo Jun needs to take the lead, Zhuge Liang and Xu Shu will cooperate, and finally they have to pass Zhao Yun. Everyone is indispensable.

Liu Bei smiled and said approvingly: "You should follow Zilong Gao to speak, treat Zhongmiao with respect, govern by Kongming, and oversee by Yuanzhi."

"Shallow opinions are not worthy of Your Majesty's praise!"

(End of this chapter)