Cao Thief

Chapter 775
Huanlang's farm was almost completely destroyed by the white camel soldiers.

More than half of the house was burned, and nearly a hundred people were injured.Huan Lang was so angry that he impeached Cao Peng in court the next day.Unexpectedly, there was no one who stood up and responded to the civil and military affairs of the Manchu Dynasty.

On the contrary, someone stood up and accused Huan Lang of being domineering in Ye City.

Pile after piece of evidence was placed in front of Huan Lang, and Cao Hong said darkly, "If you didn't look at the name, you would think it was Dong Zhuo's resurrection. Your son is so majestic, do you think Yedu is your backyard? "

If these words come from someone else's mouth, it is nothing.

But Cao Hong is different, he is Lao Cao's confidant and close minister.These words were extremely heart-breaking, making Huan Lang sweat profusely.

On the same day, Cao Cao issued an edict to dismiss Huanlang Zuozhonglang and order him to live in seclusion in Xudu and not to stay in Yecheng.It is equivalent to driving Huan Lang out of the power center, and it will be quite difficult to return to Yecheng in the future.

With Huan Lang dismissed from office, the matter came to an end.

On that day, Cao Peng went to the king's capital to meet Madam Bian, and under Madam Bian's introduction, he made Qin Lang the post of Shi Yu of the General's Mansion.There are still many vacancies in Cao Peng's team, so it's not a big deal to install Qin Lang.Also compared to Mrs. Bian, she also felt that she had a lot of face...

Time passes day by day.

Before you know it, fifteen is past.

Cao Ji will return to Xudu, and Cao Nan will also go to Bingzhou to join Deng Ji.

Before leaving, Cao Nan entrusted his youngest son, Deng Wang, to Cai Yan and others, asking them to take care of him.It's bitter cold in Shuobei, and Deng Wang is still young, so I'm afraid it's not suitable.However, Guo Yu did not accompany him, but stayed in Yecheng.

She was pregnant again, and she returned this time just to give birth.

Therefore, although Cao Nan left, Guo Yu and Deng Quan's mother and son stayed in Yedu.In any case, Guo Huan is Guo Yu's biological younger sister, and staying in Yedu is convenient for her to take care of her. Naturally, Cai Yan and others will not object.

On the 21st day of the first lunar month, the old lady decided to return to Xingyang.

Accompanying him are Xia Houzhen, Bu Luan and Zhen Mi...

The old lady missed the farm in Xingyang, and she didn't like the atmosphere in Yedu either.

In terms of prosperity, Yedu is booming, not as good as Xudu, and not as good as Chang'an and Luoyang; but the atmosphere is a bit depressing, and many things happen every day, which makes people feel nervous.The old lady has heard that when the city of Yedu was broken, Cao Cao ordered the massacre of Yedu, killing more than 4 people.

Of course the old lady felt uncomfortable in such a city.

So after repeated requests from her, Cao Peng could only agree...

Fortunately, Xingyang is not far from Ye, and it is also very close to Xudu.Whether it is Cao Peng or Cao Ji, it is convenient to communicate.

It's just that Cao Peng still feels a little lost when his mother leaves.

After pleading with Cao Cao, he sent the old lady across the Yellow River and landed in Yanjin before returning to Yedu.

When parting, he told Xia Houzhen and the three to take good care of the old lady.

"Your Majesty, why has Your Majesty made no arrangements since dismissing the captain of Sili? Could it be that he wants to stay in Yecheng?"

When Cao Peng boarded the ship, Xia Houzhen suddenly asked softly.

"I'm afraid not!"

Cao Peng thought for a while and replied: "I asked Feng Xiao, but I didn't get an answer. However, from his words, it seems that the king has an important mission for me. It is estimated that after a while, an imperial edict will be issued to appoint me.

I would like to stay in Yecheng, but the king may not agree.

As for where they will be dispatched, it is hard to say at the moment... I have heard some rumors that the king is going to implement the government military system in Liangzhou, Bingzhou, Youzhou and Caozhou.If this is the case, I am afraid that this appointment has something to do with this matter.And look again, it won't be too long before there will be accurate news. "

"Your Majesty..."

"Ok?"

"There is something I want to discuss with you."

"Ma'am just talk."

Xia Houzhen blushed, and after hesitating for a moment, he said softly: "My eldest brother doesn't want to stay in Yedu, but hopes to go to the frontier and build up his achievements. If there is a vacancy, can my eldest brother go with you? But if it's difficult, forget it ...The concubine just wanted to help my elder brother because he was depressed all day long."

Xia Houzhen's parents died early, and there is only one elder brother, Xia Houshang.

Now Xiahou is still the Sima of Wei County, and he cooperates with Bu Zhi to defend the capital of Ye.But in his heart, Xia Houshang still longed to make achievements, but he never had the chance.Xiahouzhen and Xiahoushang brothers and sisters have a very good relationship, so they pleaded with Cao Peng.

Cao Peng thought for a while, then nodded and said: "You just need to rest assured about this matter, if elder brother is willing to accompany you, I have no objection."

Xia Houzhen felt relieved.

Another ten days passed, and it was already February.

The weather is getting warmer and everything is recovering.

Cao Cao personally plowed the fields in Yedu and encouraged the people to reclaim wasteland and farm. Then on the eighth day of February, he issued a third order to promote talents.From the 12th year of Jian'an to the 15th year of Jian'an, three times in the past three years, the order of meritocracy was issued, which shocked the world.Countless poor scholars couldn't help being moved by it, and responded one after another.

However, the practice of meritocracy, not asking about virtue, only asking about ability, also caused some troubles.

On this day, when Cao Peng was cooking wine with Cai Yan and others in the back garden, admiring the spring scenery in the courtyard, he suddenly heard a report from his retainers: General Guo Jia, the military adviser, came to visit.

Cao Peng rushed out to greet him, but saw Guo Jia, Liu Ye, Dong Zhao and others all coming.

After welcoming him into the study, Cao Peng ordered someone to serve drinks, and then asked doubtfully, "Why are you all visiting today?"

Guo Jia showed worry, and said softly: "Your Majesty has issued orders for meritocracy three times, can Youxue know?"

"Of course!"

"Your Majesty is thirsty for talents, I will naturally understand in my heart.

It's just that, behind this meritocracy, there are some problems after all.Since the first time the talent promotion order was issued, His Majesty has indeed recruited a lot of talents.However, there were also many troubles. "

As Guo Jia said, he took out a stack of letters and handed them to Cao Peng.

Cao Peng took it, opened it, and saw that it was all about the reports of officials from various places.

Many of the reports said that some officials corrupted the law, amassed money, colluded with local tyrants, and committed crimes.

Dong Zhao said in a deep voice: "It's good to learn from friends and to be talented, but good and bad are mixed, and it is inevitable that some people will make trouble.

Talent, of course, is important.

But if there is no strict restriction of virtue, the greater the talent, the greater the harm caused...

The play table sent by Chen Jiao said that the local officials had broken the law.And that person was the one who came to take effect after the first meritocracy order was issued.This talent is there, but his virtues are lacking.It's fine if you are an assistant official, and you can still be restrained.But now as a county magistrate, it really makes life difficult for the people. "

It can be seen that Dong Zhao is quite resistant to the order of meritocracy.

And Guo Jia and others are also worried about this matter.

After pondering for a moment, Cao Peng said: "My gentlemen's intention..."

"Youxue, we are going to play together and explain this matter to the king.

This talent is important, but one should not just focus on talent and ignore virtue.As everyone knows, being virtuous without talent is certainly harmful, and having talent without virtue is equally harmful.You can't be careless about this matter. "

As soon as Cao Cao issued the third meritocracy order, Guo Jia and others wanted to write a letter to refute it, which was a bit of a slap in the face.

Cao Peng frowned, and asked after a while, "Does Shangshu Xun have any ideas?"

"Wen Ruo also feels that this matter must not be avoided, otherwise the harm will be huge."

"Then, do you have a plan?"

"This one……"

Guo Jia shook his head with a wry smile, "If there is a plan, why is it so embarrassing?"

Only talent!

This sounds simple, but it is actually a hassle.

I am afraid it is difficult to say clearly whether it is better to be talented but not virtuous, or to be virtuous but not talented.Cao Peng knew that apart from this aspect, there was another matter, which was the worry of those wealthy and aristocratic families.Using a large number of poor families will inevitably cause the loss of the interests of the rich and aristocratic families.The relationship between Cao Cao and the aristocratic clan is very delicate, that is, they need to use each other and guard against each other, so they are entangled and troublesome.

Cao Peng said: "This matter, it's better to be cautious.

His Majesty issued a meritocracy order, and he wanted to go to the court to order the King to cancel it. Wouldn't it make people dissatisfied to change the order every day?The face with the king is also dull.It is best to wait for a while and find a proper way to solve this matter. Otherwise, don't write a letter rashly. "

Guo Jia frowned, "Then what should these officials do?"

"Before there is no proper solution, I think it is the best policy to treat things and not people.

Strengthen supervision. If you encounter people who harm the village, corrupt the law, and abuse the people, you should be punished by torture.Although it may not be able to completely eradicate it, it can also restrain it... Gentlemen, what do you think? "

Guo Jia and others went to Cao Peng out of helplessness.

They also know that if they write a book rashly, they may not be able to achieve the desired results.

In particular, when Cao Cao ascended the throne of Wei Wang, he would protect his own face.Isn't it a blatant slap in the face that this is a meritocracy on the front foot, and a letter to ban it on the back foot?Cao Peng's idea is indeed a well-established method of seeking the country.After Guo Jia and Dong Zhao looked at each other, they nodded and agreed.

"Besides, regarding the inspection of officials, laws should be established as soon as possible so that they can be acted upon.

As for how to operate, please take care of yourself.Peng is not familiar with this, so he will not participate in this matter. "

"Well, that's the way it is, and that's the only way it can be."

In fact, five words emerged in Cao Peng's mind at this time: Jiupin Zhongzheng System!
This system, which is entirely based on safeguarding the interests of the aristocratic family, solved to a certain extent the phenomenon of mixed good and bad after the promotion of meritocracy in the early stages of implementation.At the same time, it also safeguarded the interests of the family to a large extent.But in the later period, the nine-rank Zhongzheng system became the plaything of the aristocratic family... The so-called high-rank no-nonsense people and low-level no-noble people, to a large extent, also originated from this system.

The person who established the Jiupin Zhongzheng System was Chen Qun.

And Chen Qun himself was from a high-ranking family, so what he had to consider was naturally the interests of the powerful family.

But now, there are still ten years before Chen Qun proposed the Nine-Rank Zhongzheng System.

The people who participated in the formulation, including the elites of the aristocratic and poor families, presumably can solve this problem to a large extent.Guo Jia and Jia Xu, these are representatives of poor families, while Xun Yu and Dong Zhao are outstanding figures from high families.Now the conflict between the poor family and the high family is not particularly serious. For example, Guo Jia and Xun Yu are excellent friends, which can explain some things...

It is not impossible for the two parties to cooperate to formulate a system that safeguards the interests of both parties and achieves the goals at the same time.

Cao Peng really wanted to participate in it, but after thinking about it again, although he knew the concept of the Nine-Rank Zhongzheng System, he couldn't explain its content.Furthermore, if you don't understand the laws of the Han Dynasty, it is better to let those professionals do it. It is best for him to stand by and watch.

There is another solution to the conflict between poor scholars and high-ranking scholars, which is the imperial examination!

But Cao Peng is very clear that the current social situation and the conditions for the imperial examination are not mature... Scholars are always only a small part, and they cannot meet the conditions for the imperial examination at all.The best way is to increase the construction of academies, cultivate more talents, and gradually cultivate the conditions to mature.

However, this requires a process, and it cannot be done in one moment.

Fuxishan Academy is an attempt by Cao Peng.

Next, he will implement them one by one in Hexi, Nanyang, and Xuzhou, slowly creating an environment for the imperial examination.

Maybe ten years, maybe 20 or 30 years, or even longer.

As long as it continues, one day, the ultimate goal can be achieved.

Guo Jia and others talked with Cao Peng for a long time, and they didn't leave until it was almost night.

Before leaving, Guo Jia deliberately took a few steps behind, took Cao Peng's hand, and said in a low voice: "Ah Fu, I have something to ask."

"what?"

"Xiao Yi has completed her studies, she came out of Fuxishan Academy, and now she is at home without any arrangements.

Wen Ruo said that he can go to Shangshufu to work, and the king also said that he can go to Thirteen Cao to practice.It's just that I think it's not good for Xiaoyi to get in touch with the center too early.He didn't have any experience, so joining the center rashly would be counterproductive.So, I want him to practice under your sect, is it possible? "

Guo Jia was talking about his precious son Guo Yi!
Historically, Guo Jia had only one son, Guo Yi.

But now, as his health improves, he has two more children, a boy and a girl.The boy's name is Guo Zhao, and the daughter's name is Guo Xiang.As for the name Guo Xiang, it was Cao Peng's idea.When Guo Jia's daughter was born, he was not with his wife, and was rushing to Xiangyang, planning to persuade Cao Cao to stop his eastward expedition to Jiangdong.

When he got the good news, Cao Peng happened to be at the side, so he smiled and said: Why don't you call Guo Xiang!

It was a joke, but Guo Jia took it seriously.

Even forcing Cao Peng to become Guo Xiang's adoptive father... Of course, there is a price for this adoptive father!Guo Jiasheng snatched 5.00% of the shares of Fuzhilou from Cao Peng, claiming that it was a gift from Cao Peng to his goddaughter.

Cao Peng was also helpless, and at the same time secretly rejoiced.

Fortunately, he didn't mention Guo Fu's name at that time, otherwise I don't know what will happen...

"If Xiao Yi is willing to come, I naturally welcome it.

However, is there any news about Brother Feng Xiao?Could it be that Your Majesty wants to send me out? "

"Hey, in a few days, I will know in a few days!"

Guo Jia boarded the carriage with a wry smile and left.

Cao Peng patted his forehead, watched Guo Jia's vehicle disappear, and then turned and walked into the mansion.

"Shi Yuan, what are you discussing?"

From a distance, Cao Peng saw Pang Tong, Fa Zheng, Wang Ping and others together, discussing intensely.

So he walked forward, only to find that in the gazebo, there was a huge sand table, which was full of the topography of Xichuan.

The battle of Xichuan broke out sooner or later.

As Cao Peng's masterminds, Pang Tong and Fazheng also attached great importance to this matter.

Although Cao Peng left Guanzhong, their deduction of the Xichuan war never stopped.

Seeing Cao Peng coming, the two hurriedly bowed their hands in salute.

Pang Tong laughed and said, "We are talking about how to use troops in Xichuan."

"Uh?"

Cao Peng was very interested and stood aside.

"Xichuan is mountainous, making it difficult for an army to move...the terrain is quite similar to Jingnan, so we must not be careless.

Both Zijun and Bolong believed that if they wanted to capture Xichuan, they needed a capable army.

This army should be good at fighting in the mountains... The son was in Jingnan before, so it was the most suitable for Wei Yan to train mountain soldiers.However, to capture Xichuan, it is best to train an elite mountain army. "

Mountain soldiers, mountain soldiers again!
With the war in the north over, the battle will tilt to the south.

The northern infantry and cavalry, which were able to cross Chicheng before, will be weakened in power and their role will gradually decrease.Instead, the three arms of the navy, sword and shield soldiers, and mountain soldiers must shine.

Now the naval army is drilled by the generals Gan Ning and Du Ji, and Zhou Cang Kanze of Dongling Island is in charge, so the problem should not be too big.

As for the sword and shield soldiers, Cao Cao also began to practice.

Since last year, Heyi Workshop stopped making spears and focused on making horizontal knives and large shields.Cao Ji took up the post of Da Si Nong and stayed in Xudu. On the one hand, it was because the spring plowing was about to start, and on the other hand, Cao Cao transferred the Zhuye Supervisor to the Da Si Nong Mansion, and Cao Ji was in charge.Cao Ji himself is a master of smelting, and he has Pu Yuan, the master of casting soldiers (that is, Cao Ji's nephew from the same school) to help him.

At the same time, Zheng Hun, the master craftsman, and Ma Jun, the chief minister, are also proficient in this aspect of affairs.

He Yi Workshop can be regarded as a workshop single-handedly supported by the Cao family, and Guo Yong, the supervisor of Zhuye, is also a member of the Cao family.Cao Cao secretly built swords and shields and trained swords and shields for the future battle of Jiangdong.

In terms of mountain soldiers, Wei Yan's mountain soldiers are more similar to the prototype of sword and shield soldiers, and they are still somewhat lacking in mountain combat.

Therefore, what Cao Wei currently lacks the most is mountain soldiers, a real mountain soldier.

This mountain soldier is not easy to form, and the requirements are very high.

It is the basic requirement to have a strong body and a burly physique; you must be familiar with the environment in the mountains and understand the combat methods in the mountains.It is also one of the requirements to be flexible and not too bulky.

In short, it is not easy to become a mountain soldier.

The right time, place and people are in harmony, and the three are indispensable, so so far, it has always been a concept.

"Young master, it's actually not hard to find soldiers."

"how do I say this?"

Wang Ping hesitated for a moment, and said in a deep voice: "In the early years, the horse ministers in Yizhou rebelled and claimed to be the emperor. They gathered more than [-] people and defeated Bajun. Ma Xiang, Liu Yan entered Xichuan later. At that time, General Jia Long used all the barbarians from Nanzhong, who were the mountain soldiers mentioned by the son. Ping once heard his grandfather talk about this matter, and his grandfather was Jia at that time. General Long's subordinates also know his fighting methods, and all of them will be taught to Yu Ping afterward..."

"Zijun, do you know how to fight in mountains?"

"Know a thing or two."

Cao Peng was immediately pleasantly surprised.

Cao Peng didn't pay much attention to Wang Ping at the beginning.

In other words, Wang Ping is far less important than Ma Di and Xiang Chong.In his opinion, Wang Ping was just luckier, his talent was above average, and he could not be considered a general.But I don't want to, this guy actually knows the mountain combat mode.

Who is Jia Long?

Cao Peng didn't know.

But from Wang Ping's introduction, he seems to be a genius.

Unfortunately, as early as the second year of Chuping, he died at the hands of Liu Yan...

"The soldier, how to find it?"

Wang Ping laughed and said, "My lord, General Jia Long's soldiers and horses were recruited from the Nanzhong barbarians. Now you have General Sha Moke, why don't you send people to Wuxi Man to recruit soldiers and horses? Although Wuxi Man is not here Xichuan also lives in the mountains, so he is no stranger to the mountain environment."

"Go!"

Cao Peng was overjoyed to hear that, and nodded his head again and again to express his praise.

He hurriedly waved his hand and asked Sun Shao to come over, "Bowen, go find Shasha and tell him that I have something important to tell him."

"Here!"

Sun Shao hurriedly turned around and left, and after a while, he saw Sha Moke running over with a bruised nose and a swollen face.

"Shusha, what's wrong with you?"

"Hey, it's okay... I was fighting with Zilong just now, and I was accidentally hit by him...

But don't worry, young master, he didn't take advantage of it.We punched him hard a few times, and he is probably in pain right now. "

Cao Peng clearly saw that Sun Shao curled his lips aside!
Obviously, there was a lot of water in Sha Moke's words, and Zhao Yun was probably trying to clean him up.

However, Cao Peng didn't take it to heart, he didn't ask Sha Moke for the results of his battle with Zhao Yun.

"Shasha, you Wuxi barbarians, do you have anyone who is good at fighting in the mountains?"

Sha Moke was startled, then grinned and said: "My lord, don't be joking. I am a Wuxi barbarian. I grew up in the mountains, and everyone can fight in the mountains. Not to mention men, even women should not be underestimated. "

"I want three thousand elite soldiers, can you recruit them for me?"

"what?"

Sha Moke was stunned for a moment, but immediately nodded again and again, "Don't say three thousand, five or six thousand, 1 people are enough."

"I don't want ten thousand, nor five or six thousand, only 3000 people are enough.

However, my selection this time will be extremely strict... After the selection, you will be the captain and command the troops.I will let Zijun accompany you back to Wuximan, and after recruiting, Zijun will be in charge of training, would you like it? "

"I am the captain?"

Sha Moke was surprised and nodded repeatedly.

"Then you should prepare right away and leave early tomorrow morning at the latest.

After arriving in Wuling, you will contact Taishou Deng and General Pan.After the men and horses are assembled neatly, they will train with the locals.When will you be able to train, and when will you report to me again, understand? "

"I will understand at the end!"

Cao Peng has always been quick to cut through the mess, and he did what he said.

Since the mountain infantry was to be trained, the best environment was in Wuling.

Although Hanzhong is also good, it is not suitable to continue to station troops at this time, so as not to make Liu Zhang nervous.

In Wuling, Deng Fan and Pan Zhang are there, and Shamoke is in charge of the troops, which can save Wang Ping from many unnecessary troubles and train the troops with all his strength.

"My lord, since you formed an army, what name should you call it?"

Cao Peng thought for a while, then suddenly smiled and said, "Wudang is called Wudang Flying Army. What do you think?"

(End of this chapter)