novelaction Chapter 229 Continuous
Chapter 229 Continuous
Chapter 229 Continuous
The second year of Yonghan, the first day of February.
A group of officials came out of Lu Zhi's mansion. Everyone had drunk a lot of wine. They gathered in groups of three or four, talking about what had just happened in the mansion.
Zhong Yao was a very good drinker and was very sober at this moment. He said to Erxun beside him: "It seems that Lord Lu has chosen Cao Mengde as his successor."
Xun You's face flushed, as he had drunk the most. He said, "Although Cao Mengde has failed many times, he is a broad-minded person who does not care about grudges. If he can concentrate on his work, he will be able to accomplish great things."
Zhong Yao could not deny it and sighed, "From my perspective, Lord Lu is not going to survive this month."
Xun Yu remained silent and said, "During the banquet just now, Lord Lu meant that I hope you will recommend Cao Mengde as the Chief Clerk of the Grand Marshal's Office?"
The organization of the Grand Marshal's Office is top-heavy, and although it has been continuously improved, the position of "Chief Clerk" in the Grand Hall has been vacant for many years. The Chief Clerk of the Grand Marshal's Office is equivalent to the "Shangshu Ling" of the Shangshutai, and his position is very important.
Lu Zhi's intention was naturally to hope that Cao Cao would take one step at a time.
Xun You looked at Xun Yu and said, "Cao Cao made great contributions in pacifying Qingzhou. Logically, he should be granted a title of nobility. Now that he has been dismissed because of the Xiahou Yuan incident, it is reasonable for him to be awarded the title of Grand Secretary of the Sima Mansion."
Xun Yu looked calm and said, "The Grand Marshal's Office Chief Clerk is appointed by the Grand Marshal's Office. There is no need for the court to discuss it, and there is no need for the court officials to recommend it."
Xun You and Zhong Yao suddenly reacted and looked at each other.
Zhong Yao suddenly realized something and said, "This, Cao Cao, is probably not only going to replace Lord Lu, but also Lord Huangfu?"
Xun You remembered that Huangfu Song’s health was not very good.
In any case, Cao Cao was only 37 years old, which was the golden age of youth and strength.
Looking at the Han Dynasty, Cao Cao seems to be the most suitable candidate for the second generation Grand Marshal!
Xun Yu walked along and said, "Yuan Chang, find a suitable person to replace you."
Zhong Yao was stunned. Wasn’t he talking about the Grand Marshal’s Mansion? Why did they suddenly come to his Supreme Court?
Xun You frowned, looked at Xun Yu, and said thoughtfully: "Uncle, is it not only the Grand Marshal's Mansion that is facing a change, but also the Shangshutai?"
Xun Yu nodded and said slowly, "From now on, it seems that His Majesty intends to let Lord Cai serve as a transition, but Lord Cai is confused. Lord Liu of Youzhou and Lord Zhu of Qingzhou have been rejected by His Majesty, so Yuan Chang is the only candidate to enter the Shangshutai."
Zhong Yao shook his head and said, "You are making this inference after the fact. The layout of the Grand Marshal's Mansion has only become clear to you and me now. The thoughts of the palace are not something you and I can guess."
Xun You pondered and said, "We'll see about this later. As for Cao Mengde, should we recommend him?"
Zhong Yao looked back at Lu Zhi's mansion and said, "Lord Lu has always been frugal. There are no valuables in his mansion, and there are only a dozen servants. I'm afraid he has used up all his savings in the past few days of banquets."
Xun Yu said: "Recommend them, but don't make too many of them."
"Okay." Xun You said. Too many people would not only be bad for Cao Cao, but also be suspected of forming a clique.
While Zhong Yao was discussing with Er Xun and others, most of the guests in Lu's mansion had left.
Cao Cao and Lu Zhi's family helped Lu Zhi back to his bedroom. Looking at the sleeping Lu Zhi, his face was haggard and his eyes were sunken, as if he would not live long.
Cao Cao had a blank expression on his face and was extremely melancholy.
Lu Zhi drank some wine and fell asleep.
Lu Yu turned to Cao Cao, raised his hand calmly and said, "Thank you, General."
Seeing that Lu Yu, who was less than ten years old, was so polite, Cao Cao quickly returned the greeting and said, "I dare not. If there are any difficulties in the future, Cao Cao will do his best to help you!"
Lu Yu did not answer, but turned around and wiped his father's face.
Cao Cao stood there for a while before saying goodbye and leaving.
When Cao Cao returned to his mansion, he found that the lights were almost out and he was not sleepy at all, so he went to Guo Jia's courtyard.
Seeing that Guo Jia had already fallen asleep, Cao Cao did not hesitate to take off his coat and slept at the other end.
Guo Jia slowly opened his eyes, reached out to the wine pot beside him, took a sip, and then he felt refreshed. He sat up a little, then smiled and said, "Listening to the general's footsteps, it seems that he is not in a good mood."
Cao Cao was not sleepy, but he didn't want to talk either. Hearing this, he sat up, with disheveled hair, and looked at Guo Jia in silence.
It was only February, but it was still cold, and the nights were dark.
The distance between the two is not far, but no one can see who's expression clearly.
After a long silence, Cao Cao said, "I'm afraid Lord Lu won't be around for long."
"Lord Lu is well-known throughout the country and is a prominent figure of the time. He is admired by all the people. He is so attentive to the general, which shows how much he values him." From the other end of the bed, Guo Jia's sighing voice could be heard.
"What virtue and ability does Cao Cao have..." Cao Cao's voice was suppressed and heavy, with an unspeakable emotion.
Guo Jia calmly looked across the darkness, picked up the wine pot, took a sip, and said, "But the general's achievements are not in Luoyang. The current chaotic world is only comparable to the end of the Qin Dynasty, which is a place for heroes to show their talents. The general's achievements are on horseback, not on another Confucian master."
Cao Cao was silent.
Lu Zhi planned for him with all his heart and even dragged his sick body to host a banquet for court officials overnight. This favor was so great that he could hardly say anything else.
Guo Jia seemed to understand and couldn't help laughing. He said, "General, don't worry. According to my estimation, you may not be able to leave Luoyang in the next year. But after this year, you will have to leave."
Cao Cao's expression brightened, and he asked, "Why does Fengxiao say that?"
Guo Jia drank more wine and said, "I have told the general before. The court used Dong Zhuo and Yuan Shao to hold back the rebellion of Yuan Shu and others, which attracted the attention of almost the whole world. However, the northern states were pacified one by one. In particular, the general's pacification of Qingzhou gave the court great confidence."
"Moreover, all the 'new policies' implemented by the court are aimed at stabilizing people's livelihood. Although there are twists and turns, there is no threat in the north except the Black Mountain Army."
"Once the imperial court has recovered from this year, its strength will surely increase greatly next year. It is expected that they will send a general to coordinate all parties and suppress the rebellion in an all-round way."
Cao Cao sat up straight, his narrow eyes gleaming, and said, "I remember Fengxiao said before that the court was too hasty to do this."
Guo Jia smiled and said, "Yes, I am anxious. But hasn't His Majesty in the palace always been anxious?"
Cao Cao felt that Guo Jia's judgment was too arbitrary, but he couldn't help but wonder, if he were to lead the troops to fight, where would he start?
Seeing that Cao Cao did not speak, Guo Jia reminded him, "General, you still need to work hard."
Cao Cao woke up and frowned, saying, "Fengxiao, you don't know what the Grand Marshal's Mansion is doing. If I were to do it, I'm afraid I would offend everyone in the world!"
Guo Jia drank his wine, smiling as he asked, "General, are you afraid of offending the people of the world?"
Cao Cao was stunned for a moment, then suddenly burst into laughter and said loudly: "Those who understand me are filial piety! Go to sleep. Tomorrow, I will talk to Grand Marshal Lu about my ideas!"
Seeing that Cao Cao had relieved his depression, Guo Jia said no more and lay down to sleep.
Tomorrow, he will also visit some people.
The next day, Cao Cao washed up and went to Lu's house to pick up Lu Zhi. However, Lu Zhi was still in a coma, so he had to ask for leave.
Cao Cao had to enter the palace alone, and reported to Huangfu Song what he had thought of last night and organized the wording.
"Grand Marshal, I think that if you want to divide the military power of the chief officers of prefectures and counties, you can't do it by force, and you need some skills. For example, rotate the chief officers of the counties and prefectures, and order the captains to take over the military power before they take office. This may reduce the danger..."
Cao Cao sat opposite Huangfu Song with a serious expression.
Huangfu Song was a little surprised. He thought about Cao Cao's suggestion and said, "It's a good idea. However, this matter still needs to be discussed with the Shangshutai and Licao. I'm afraid the news will leak out in advance."
Cao Cao's narrow eyes flickered slightly, and he said, "Then just discuss it with the officials. We must keep the matter secret and work it out slowly."
"Okay." Huangfu Song thought for a moment and said, "But..."
Before he finished speaking, a clerk came in hurriedly and said, "Grand Marshal, His Majesty has summoned you."
Huangfu Song stood up and said to Cao Cao, "Write a memorial."
Cao Cao raised his hand and said, "Yes."
Huangfu Song left the Grand Marshal's Mansion, glanced in the direction of the Secretariat, and went straight to the Chongde Hall.
Chongde Hall, inside the rear hall.
Liu Bian was sitting on a chair, holding in his hand the memorial in which Xun You recommended Cao Cao as the Chief Clerk of the Grand Marshal's Office.
Looking at the above content, Liu Bian was filled with emotion.
Liu Bian was naturally very clear about what Lu Zhi had done recently.
Although Lu Zhi misunderstood, few people can match his broad-mindedness.
"Forget it, I can't let you down at this time." Liu Bian whispered to himself.
If Liu Bian told Lu Zhi that he had no intention of letting Cao Cao take over the Grand Marshal's Mansion, Lu Zhi would probably leave with great disappointment.
Pan Yin came in from outside, glanced at Liu Bian, then stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, this is the memorial submitted by Huangfu Jianchang."
Liu Bian smiled and said, "After such a long time, we finally have news about him."
He took it, reached out to open it, and just a glance at it made Liu Bian's face turn strange.
Huangfu Jianchang's memorial summarized what he had seen and heard along the way and included a lot of information.
For example, when Tao Qian was seriously ill, his subordinates such as Zang Ba held real power and occupied Langya County.
For example, Ding Yuan was alone in Guangling County and was trying to seize the troops of Sun Jian and Lu Bu.
For example, when Guan Yu came under Yuan Shao's command, he almost killed Zhang He in Jiujiang County, which frightened Zhang He so much that he refused to come out.
For example, when Liu Biao arrived in Lujiang County, he gained support from many powerful clans such as Wu, Cai, and Sun. He now had a strong army and fought fiercely with Yuan Shu in many places with few defeats. He had already occupied half of Jingzhou.
Liu Bian examined it for a while, and had a clearer understanding of the war situation in the south. He suddenly looked up at Pan Yin and asked, "What is Zuo Li doing?"
Pan Yin bowed and said, "I don't know."
Liu Bian frowned and was very dissatisfied with Zuo Li.
Compared with Huangfu Jianchang's information, Zuo Li's information seemed like hearsay, and it was difficult to distinguish the truth from the false.
After a moment, Liu Bian relaxed his frown and said, "Give this Cheng Yu the title of Chief Clerk of the Imperial City. Also, notify Chief Huangfu Jian and ask him to watch from the sidelines and try not to interfere. Also, find out the background of Sun Jian and Liu Biao for me."
"Yes." Pan Yin responded and stepped back.
Soon, Huangfu Song came in and raised his hand and said, "I pay my respects to Your Majesty."
Liu Bian waved his hand and said with a smile: "Your Highness has come at the right time. Let me take a look at these two memorials first."
Huangfu Jian sat down opposite Liu Bian, took the memorial and looked at it. The first one was the one recommended by Xun You.
Not only Liu Bian saw clearly what Lu Zhi did, but Huangfu Song also knew it very well. However, he did not pay much attention to it and put it aside.
Then came the memorial from his second son.
Huangfu Song continued to subconsciously stare at the clearly organized report on the memorial. He was gradually attracted by the content and began to ponder seriously.
After a while, Huangfu Song looked at Liu Bian and said, "Your Majesty, I have no objection to Cao Cao being appointed as the Chief Clerk of the Grand Marshal's Office."
"As for the memorial submitted by Huangfu Jianchang,"
Huangfu Song hesitated and said, "I think that the various forces in the south are intertwined, the situation is complicated, and it changes rapidly. Even if you are in it, it is difficult to see clearly. It still needs to be verified."
Liu Bian picked up the teacup, took a sip, and said, "After all, he is my own son. You don't need to be too harsh on me. Based on my understanding of the Second Young Master, he would not have written to me if he was not absolutely sure."
Huangfu Song bowed but did not respond.
In the past few years, he had met that bastard only a few times. Although his mind had changed, after knowing him for more than ten or twenty years, Huangfu Song still couldn't believe that the bastard could change his appearance and do so many things.
Seeing that he didn't say anything, Liu Bian shook his head secretly and said, "Let's talk business. I agree to appoint Cao Cao as the Chief Secretary. Cao Cao comes from an aristocratic family and his temperament is still a bit casual. He needs more training. You should keep him by your side and teach him well. Don't hide what you should teach."
Huangfu Song quickly raised his hand and said, "I accept your order."
Liu Bian hummed, and said thoughtfully, "Your family has also read the Second Young Master's memorial. Now it seems that the post of Xuzhou governor will be vacant."
Huangfu Song observed Liu Bian's expression and said, "Your Majesty, Sun Jian may be able to do the job."
Liu Bian shook his head and said, "The Sun family is already powerful enough in Jiangdong, we can't add any more."
Huangfu Song thought for a moment and said, "Xuzhou is connected to Qingzhou, Yuzhou, Yangzhou, etc. It has a strategic location and various forces are intertwined and complicated. It requires a person with sufficient ability to guard it."
Liu Bian hummed and said, "I will consider the candidate. I called you here today for another matter. Liu Yan, the governor of Yizhou, is not in good health and can no longer get out of bed. Except for Liu Zhang, all his other sons are dead. He wrote a letter to ask for Liu Zhang to return to Mianyang. It is very obvious that he intends to let Liu Zhang succeed him as governor of Yizhou. What do you think?"
Huangfu Song's expression remained unchanged, and he said, "No!"
Huangfu Song immediately bowed and said, "Your Majesty, this may be a good opportunity. The court should make a change and bring Yizhou back to the court as peacefully as possible."
After Liu Yan entered Sichuan, Yizhou became an independent kingdom. It pretended to obey the imperial court but secretly disobeyed it. The word "rebellion" was almost written on its face.
But the imperial court was powerless to do anything about it and had to do extra work to win him over so that he wouldn't actually rebel.
Because of the unusual geography of Yizhou, once Liu Yan openly rebelled, the imperial court could only make a few remarks and there was actually not much they could do.
Liu Yan is seriously ill now. Once he dies, Yizhou will become an ownerless land, and the imperial court will have the opportunity to take it back again!