Three Kingdoms.

Chapter 3506: Lord and minister, father and son

During the brief pause when there was no war on the Western Front, it stands to reason that Shandong should step up its repairs and make solid preparations to meet the thunderous strike that the Cavalry General might make at any time. However, in fact, during this brief pause, the Shandong children However, preparations for overthrowing Cao Cao were started in full swing.

This is almost a semi-open secret...

Unity?

It’s okay to rally around yourself.

If you unite with others, it depends on the reward.

Nowadays, anyone who offers free contributions or free support will most likely be considered a fool or have ulterior motives.

No one wants to be a fool.

For example, Cui Yan is certainly not a fool.

When the official position reached Cui Yan's level, it was considered beyond promotion.

Continuing up, you will enter the central system of the court, and this opportunity is obviously not given by the Yuzhou faction.

In ancient official circles, most of the people who made the rules would not think there was anything wrong.

Nepotism?

If it's not nepotism, why should you appoint someone who works against you every day?

Wouldn't that be causing trouble for yourself?

Therefore, once there is a lot of talk in the feudal court, expressing the need for "execution", it is often the time when nepotism is most likely to appear!

Only with "nepotism" will it happen that no matter how outrageous the orders above are, there will still be no objections and they will be carried out in one go!

Cui Yan is obviously not a "nepotism" member of the Yuzhou sect, so once he reaches his position, it will be difficult for him to move up.

These days, Cui Yan went to the palace uncharacteristically often and appeared in front of Liu Xie. In fact, since Cui Yan was promoted to the governor of Yizhou, he rarely saw Liu Xie, and he never showed such attentiveness.

When Liu Xie saw Cui Yan acting like this, he would not refute Cui Yan's face at court. He also cooperated and summoned Cui Yan from time to time to interview him and inquire about the situation and local customs in various places.

Liu Xie was actually quite tolerant of this kind of back-and-forth from his ministers. After all, his emperor really has no airs to hold on to. Generally speaking, if you put aside the status of emperor, Liu Xie is still a good person. Historically, after Liu Xie abdicated the throne, he did not feel sorry for himself. He also put aside his body and studied medicine to treat the people. Compared with other emperors who were deposed or deprived of their thrones in history, Liu Xie was much better off. It's just a pity. What's strange is that Liu Xie didn't realize the importance of the people until he was deprived of the throne...

Liu Xie has been busy every day these days.

In addition to the annual winter sacrificial activities and preparations for spring mulberry farming that the emperor should have prepared, Liu Xie also had to take time to meet with ministers and discuss state affairs. Although it is not Liu Xie's turn to make the final decision on most state affairs, he must at least adopt such an attitude.

Cui Yan's intentional approach undoubtedly made Liu Xie feel proud.

Before, Liu Xie could only find the children and grandchildren of Cui Yan and others, but now it can be considered an improvement.

In fact, for Liu Xie, he also knew that the phenomenon of cliques in the court was very serious.

But what can he do?

Grouping is the basis for human beings to form a country and build a society. Even if there are a few or some people who have no sense of grouping, no clique, or the concept of hierarchy, they will still gather together subconsciously.

In a company, there are newcomers and veterans.

In a village, there are locals and outsiders.

Level is a relatively broad concept, and you don’t necessarily have to have a self-awareness of level to be called a level.

Normally, multiple social groups with different identities, different statuses, wealth, etc., and different ideologies can be called hierarchies, without the need for certain people to refine certain spirits in a certain class, or Only by making some kind of mandatory binding treaty can we call it a level.

At the same time, in most cases, oppression, opposition, and misappropriation of interests often occur between classes.

For example, the old man wants the newcomer to work more...

Among the current ruling and opposition parties of the Han Dynasty, Jizhou and Yuzhou, the high-ranking officials of the court and the local powerful with economic and population strength but no political power, etc., are all opposed to each other. Fei Qian in Guanzhong and Cao Cao in Shandong are just the spokespersons of these opposites and contradictions.

Contradictions never exist alone and remain alone.

Just like now, for Liu Xie and Cui Yan, their common opponent is Cao Cao.

Although Cao Cao failed to attack Guanzhong, Cao Cao still has a strong foundation in the government and the public. In particular, Cao Cao still retains a certain degree of military strength, as well as the troops stationed around Yingchuan and Ren Jun in Xu County. …

Therefore, if they really force Cao Cao to jump over the wall, it will obviously not meet the expectations of Liu Xie and others. They hope more to get Cao Cao to give up some of his benefits through negotiation.

Liu Xie believes that the big man needs balance.

Relatives, eunuchs, Qingliu are a kind of balance.

Jizhou, Yuzhou and Guanzhong are also a kind of balance.

Now that Cao Cao's vitality is greatly weakened, Guanzhong has risen again, and the Heluo area in the middle cannot be regarded as a more suitable buffer zone. On the whole, it is undoubtedly the best balancing strategy to gather the strength of Jizhou, Yuzhou, and even other states to fight against the increasingly powerful Guanzhong.

But the problem is that once cronies are involved in anything, there will be some trouble.

Everything must be balanced and discussed in advance, otherwise even if it is enforced, it will be delayed and nothing can be done in the end.

So now Liu Xie feels that it is an excellent opportunity for Cao Cao to sit down and talk.

Cui Yan thinks so too.

For Liu Xie and Cui Yan, Cao Cao was not that bad.

Cao Cao's attainments in Confucian classics are not bad, his literary talent and poetry are good, and his military skills are also outstanding. He is not cruel and rude to his subordinates. Overall, he can be regarded as a hexagonal warrior. However, the problem is that Cao Cao is too controlling. , too suspicious!

In the past, Yingchuan provided financial figures to Cao Cao, which could be regarded as supporting the operation of Cao Cao's political group. However, after a war, it is naturally more difficult for Yingchuan to continue to provide or make up for the shortfall in this regard. Moreover, Cao Cao had previously held the emperor as his banner and maintained the rationality of his rule in the Central Plains. Now, of course, something went wrong.

As Cao Cao's power became more and more powerful, Liu Xie became more and more uneasy and wanted to replace Cao Cao with a new balance. However, Liu Xie also knew that if he was not careful, there would be greater turmoil.

Fortunately, the Hussars did not continue their attack.

The terrible thing is that the Hussars did not continue the attack...

Smart people have realized that in the Han Dynasty, the administrative system in the Central Plains region is no longer orderly and excellent, and the entire county management structure is simply a mess.

Before Liu Xie took the throne, the court system was almost paralyzed, and it is not much better until now.

These smart people know that if they want to do things well, they must have a strong person in power. But here is the problem. All smart people hope that they are the person in power!

Liu Xie also wanted to be the person in power. He wanted to sort out such a confusing system of contradictions, but he didn't know where to start.

Reducing Cao Cao's power and giving up some of the benefits to the Jizhou faction is a good balancing strategy that Liu Xie has figured out at this stage. It is also a key to reorganizing the upper and lower levels and making himself, the emperor, more powerful. However, such a move, It is also very dangerous. If you are not careful, it will definitely cause a big chaos!

Even if the Hussars don't attack by then, the Central Plains will probably be torn apart!

From the time he failed to enter Guanzhong until the winter of the ninth year of Taixing, Liu Xie had few comfortable days, thinking about where the world situation would go...

But the more Liu Xie got to know Dahan, the mess he was, the more he felt cold-hearted.

No money or food.

Taxes and taxes from various places cannot be raised, which is a problem whether you want to form soldiers or maintain order. Even if you prepare your own dry food like Xun Yun, it is not a long-term solution.

The operation of the Han Dynasty's court had already begun to be overdrafted as early as the time of Emperor Xiaoling. The continuous debts that led to various places were a joke. Even if Liu Xie really sent some tax-collecting angels to various places to collect money and grain, most places would have two hands. The stall means that the Yin Zhi Mao grain has been eaten for a long time, and the warehouse is empty, with nothing.

Without money and food, there is no one.

This is a very straightforward question.

A few years ago, Liu Xie would still feel that he was the emperor. As long as he waved a big flag a few times, all the righteous people from all over the world would come. If he dug a little from his left pocket to his right pocket, he could be born out of thin air for thousands of people to eat and drink. The food and grass used... Now Liu Xie knows that this is not possible.

Recruiting people is not difficult, but even if soldiers are not paid, the difficulty is how to provide these people with food and drink every day.

Therefore, all Liu Xie could think of was the Jizhou faction.

So, Cui Yan is here.

However, the relationship between the two parties is not as comfortable as a fish in water between Liu Bei and Zhuge in history, nor is it the mutual understanding between Sun Quan and Lu Su. It is more of careful testing of each other, roundabout trade-offs, and mutual suspicion...

The so-called loyalty, filial piety, benevolence and righteousness, the so-called monarch, father and ministers, this kind of integrity that was emphasized and strengthened in the early Han Dynasty has basically disappeared in the current Han Dynasty. Everything is based on money, everything is based on power, and you can make money. , those who hold on to authority are the ones who are capable. After all, white dogs and black dogs, the one that can bite the meat is the good dog. As for the others, they are secondary matters.

The same is true for Cui Yan.

If Cui Yan was asked to sit on the stage and talk about loyalty, filial piety, benevolence and righteousness, he could probably talk about it for the whole day without repeating himself. Moreover, he could also speak in a eloquent way, quoting from classics and expounding on it, leaving the listeners filled with emotion. Deep reflection…

But what if Cui Yan was allowed to give up his family wealth and devote himself to the great cause of rejuvenating the Han Dynasty for the sake of loyalty, filial piety, benevolence and righteousness...

That is absolutely impossible.

Cui Yan returned to his residence, exhausted.

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I talked with Liu Xie for a whole day today, and it seemed that some results had been reached, but it also seemed that there was no progress at all.

After Cui Yan came back, he drank some warm syrup and let Mei Ji massage her feet to relax for a while, then asked Mei Ji to step back and summoned Cui Qin.

Although the residence here is just Cui Yan's place of residence in Xu County, and it is not a big property, there is no shortage of luxury goods. Just burn four copper basins with silver charcoal and place them in the four corners of the house. Even in winter, it is still as warm as spring. You only need to wear single clothes. It is even more relaxed than in Liu Xie's Chongde Hall. Three points.

Not long after, Cui Qin came.

Cui Qin actually despises his father Cui Yan...

Not only did he feel that his father had gone back on his word, he even felt that his father had robbed him of his achievements!

In the past, it was Cui Qin who was negotiating with the emperor and risked being caught and beaten by Cao Cao. But now, when Cao Cao's momentum was not right and he was looking to reap the rewards, his father cut him off!

Can you bear this?

Well, I still have to endure it.

Cui Qin stepped forward in a polite manner and saluted respectfully.

Cui Yan rubbed his head. On the surface, he obeyed Liu Xie, as if he was obeying the emperor's orders, but in fact, he hoped more to pull the emperor's flag, build his own territory, and fight against Cao Cao. But this struggle does not have to be a fight to the death, but Cao Cao must recognize Cui Yan's control over Jizhou and give up Jizhou's personnel, financial, military and other rights...

Otherwise Cui Yanguang has the title of Jizhou Governor, and even if he is promoted to the State Shepherd, it will be of no use.

Cui Yan wanted to get some benefits from Liu Xie, so he asked Liu Xie to stand in front and block Cao Cao's knife.

However, Liu Xie happened to think so too...

Cui Yan raised his eyes and happened to see Cui Qin secretly casting his eyes at him. He was stunned and his heart trembled!

Although Cui Qin saw Cui Yan raise his head, he quickly lowered his head and acted obediently with his eyebrows lowered, but the resentment in Cui Yan's heart remained in Cui Yan's heart!

Cui Yan has been busy blending with Liu Xie these days, but he has neglected Cui Qin.

Originally, Cui Yan wanted to ask Cui Qin to help with something, but after seeing the look Cui Qin cast, Cui Yan suddenly understood that this kid was probably...

Just like Cui Yan is polite to Liu Xie on the surface, but does Cui Yan actually take Liu Xie seriously?

Now Cui Qin is also polite to Cui Yan...

Cui Yan originally wanted to discuss something with Cui Qin, but now, she felt something was wrong.

Cui Yan gestured for Cui Qin to sit down, and then said slowly: "Today, the world is in trouble, and foreign enemies are around. You and I, father and son, are of the same mind, and we should work together to deal with the external world and deal with unexpected changes..."

"Father is right. ” Cui Qin responded readily.

Seeing Cui Qin speaking so cheerfully, Cui Yan couldn't help but move his eyes slightly.

silence.

After a while, Cui Yan sighed softly.

"Although the war between the East and the West has paused for a while, there will definitely be some movement this winter and next spring as the Hussar troops stationed in Hanjiao. ” Cui Yan said, “In the past, the traitor Dong controlled the army of Xiliang. He was domineering and tyrannical, causing harm to the country and the people. Today, the Fei clan has brought fierce soldiers from Liang. It is definitely not a good thing. This is why we should unite as one and work together to fight against the enemy..."

Cui Qin didn't even think about it and answered directly, "Yes, Father said that..."

Cui Yan paused for a moment, "If the hussars come with troops, you shoulder the heavy responsibility of the court and are favored by His Majesty, how should you deal with it?" 』

"Um? Cui Qin raised his head and glanced at Cui Yan, "Of course we should unite everyone, gather all the counties, and join forces to fight against it!" 』

"oh? Just like jujube? Cui Yan asked.

Cui Qin blinked, "Ah, it's just like a jujube... Father, is there... anything wrong with this?" 』

Cui Yan didn't say anything, but lowered his head and smoothed the wrinkles of his clothes. It seemed that this wrinkle made Cui Yan very uncomfortable, so he stroked it over and over again, but the wrinkle had been there for a long time, so how could it be possible that it would calm down just after a few strokes?

"Father?" ” Cui Qin was a little confused.

"Oh..." Cui Yan seemed to have come to his senses and said, "You are right!" It seems that you have gained something in these days, very good, very good..."

Cui Qin was stunned for a moment and replied, "This... is just a little small..."

"In this case, I recommend to Your Majesty that you go to Qingxu and recruit troops to prepare for emergencies... What do you think?" Cui Yan stared at Cui Qin and said.

This is Cui Yan's last attempt.

Can father and son always be intimate?

In the face of interests, can flesh and blood and family ties be able to withstand the test?

How many children are always filled with anger from their "original family", gnashing hatred towards their parents' incompetence? Why can other people's parents do anything, but my parents can't do anything?

The relationship between Cui Yan and Cui Qin's father and son did not suddenly deteriorate immediately.

Just like the current situation of the Han Dynasty, it did not become so decadent in one day.

So, is the current situation in the Han Dynasty the fault of the monarch or the fault of the ministers?

Cui Yan, Cui Qin and his father have become increasingly alienated and estranged, and have even developed hatred. Whose fault is it?

Cui Yan tried to make one last effort.

He proposed that Cui Qin go to "Qingxu" to recruit troops. On the one hand, it allowed Cui Qin to avoid the conflicts that would inevitably follow in the next stage. On the other hand, it also hinted that if Cui Qin wanted to develop, he could only leave Jizhou. and Yuzhou, heading to areas similar to "Qingxu".

However, Cui Qin was unwilling. He thought Cui Yan was just trying to get rid of him. What can he do in Qingxu? It was really just to recruit soldiers, which was really a joke, so Cui Qin hesitated and found some excuses to not go.

Cui Yan listened and did not expose Cui Qin, but asked: "In that case, what do you want to do?" 』

Cui Qin was stunned. What does he want to do? Isn't this simple? He just wants to become the official heir of the Cui family and return to Jizhou to be popular and drink spicy food! But these thoughts can be thought secretly, but it is difficult to talk about them. Otherwise, where would he put his brother?

Therefore, Cui Qin pretended to be very obedient and said: "My child... I don't want anything... I just rely on my father's instructions..."

This is actually the same as going shopping with some people in later generations, saying it's almost time for dinner and saying what to eat, and then saying "whatever".

Really "casual"? When others say something, they refute something. They keep objecting until they get what they want in their heart, and then they give you the face and "reluctantly" agree to go.

Cui Qin thought, waiting for Cui Yan to say something, and then he would find an excuse to evade it as if he was opposed to going to Qingxu. Unexpectedly, Cui Yan nodded slowly and said: "Since you have no idea ...So, my father has been feeling exhausted and dizzy recently, and he is really unbearable to bear the burden of the documents. He is planning to beg for the bones from His Majesty, retire and return to his hometown... What do you think? 』

"ah! Cui Qin's eyes widened instantly, "How can this be done?" ! 』