Just as the great cause of conquering Qin was being prepared in secret, something happened in Liangzhou.
Yang Anxuan didn't take it seriously when the imperial court issued an imperial edict to implement the "Edict on the Restructuring of Six Matters". As for Yang Siping, who was far away in Liangzhou, he didn't even take the edict to heart.
No one expected that Liu Yu followed Liu Muzhi's suggestion and secretly sent his censor Sun Bin to Liangzhou to investigate Yang Siping's illegal activities and kill the chicken to scare the monkeys.
This Sun Yushi was Sun Bin, the Tingwei Zheng at that time. He was demoted to civilian status by King Sima Daozi of Kuaiji because he failed to frame Yang Anxuan. When Huan Xuan usurped the throne, Sun Bin followed Bian Fanzhi's path and was reactivated. He returned to Tingwei, but his position was reduced to Tingweiping.
Later, Guo Ding was appointed as a court official, and Sun Bin was on pins and needles. He and Guo Ding were at odds, so he asked to go to the Yushitai to serve as the censor.
The past rift between Sun Bin and Yang Anxuan was known to Liu Muzhi. Liu Muzhi secretly sent someone to invite Sun Bin to the Taiwei Mansion and asked him to go to Liangzhou to collect evidence of Yang Siping's crime. He promised to let him go out after the incident. Appointed as prefect.
Sun Bin was not stupid, he knew that Liu Taiwei was using his own sword to deal with Yang Siping, and his ultimate goal was to assassinate Yang Anxuan in Yongyan.
When Yang Anxuan was the prefect of Runan, he dared to think about it. Now Yang Anxuan is the Duke of Hongnong, the General of Hussars, and the governor of Yongyan. He obeys the orders of Si, Liang, and Beiqingzhou. He is second only to Liu Taiwei. , provoking him yourself is not seeking death.
He stared at the tea cup on the table, full of sorrow and said nothing. It's just that Liu Muzhi is the mastermind around Liu Taiwei, and if he refuses, he will not be able to pass the test in front of him. She felt sad in her heart that she had become an enemy of Yang Anxuan in the past, but now she wanted to avoid him but someone refused to let her go.
Liu Muzhi knew Sun Bin's mentality and said calmly: "Sun Censor, this time you went to investigate Yang Siping's illegal activities. This is a private visit incognito. You act quietly without any publicity. As long as you don't reveal any flaws, no one will know your intentions. If you are worried, Yu will write to Grand Administrator Zitongtan and Grand Administrator Guanghan Xie and ask them to secretly help you."
Sun Bin knew that it would be impossible not to go, so he had to bite the bullet and said: "I obey Liu Sima's order and must find out Yang Siping's illegal activities."
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In the first year of Yixi (404), Yang Siping was appointed governor of Liangzhou, and it is now his seventh year. As the governor of a state, Yang Siping had great power and could kill from his heart. Compared with his eldest brother Yang Guang and second brother Yang Quanqi, Yang Siping did not like to study. He hung out with his father and brother in the military camp since he was a child. He had a strong and rough personality.
After taking charge of Liangzhou, Yang Siping's money-grubbing nature was exposed and he plundered money and treasures wantonly. After learning about it, Yang Anxuan sent letters to advise him many times, which made Yang Siping unhappy.
After much persuasion from his two sons, Yang Siping restrained himself slightly and stopped deducting food and salary. However, by accepting bribes from powerful families and recruiting and appointing officials at will, the number of officials in Liangzhou has already exceeded 10,000, and the number of generals and assistants has exceeded 3,000.
In September, the imperial court's "Edict on the Restructuring of Six Matters" was issued, which clearly stated that no more than a thousand generals could be appointed, and no more than five thousand officials could be appointed. Fan Yuanzhi asked Yang Siping to remove redundant officials in accordance with the imperial edict and send out patrols to investigate and deal with unjust officials; Sima Guo Xuan proposed to abolish redundant generals.
Yang Siping was furious. These officials and generals had all sent money to him. If he was abolished, how could he explain to the nobles and nobles, wouldn't it mean that his own financial path would be cut off.
Fan Yuanzhi was born in the Fan family of Shunyang, and he looked down upon Yang Siping's vulgar warrior temperament, and even more despised Yang Siping's corruption and perversion of the law. The two had no intersection except discussing matters in court.
The imperial court issued the "Edict on Restructuring on Six Matters", which clearly ordered the elimination of redundant officials and the clean-up of officialdom. Yang Siping ignored it, but Fan Yuanzhi argued with reason and urged Governor Yang to act in accordance with the edict. He also expressed his intention to personally patrol prefectures and counties to investigate and deal with unjust officials.
Yang Siping was contradicted by Fan Yuanzhi in front of all the officials. He was furious and ordered Fan Yuanzhi to be imprisoned. Guo Sima on the side was imprisoned and accompanied Fan Yuanzhi to prison. Yang Siping prepared to report to the imperial court to convict the two of them for inciting civil unrest.
Sun Bin disguised himself as a traveling scholar and came to Nanzheng City. Along the way, he visited Guanghan County and Zitong County to meet Xie Xuan and Tan Hezhi. They learned from Sun Bin that Liu Taiwei was going to investigate and deal with Yang Siping's illegal activities, and the two told Sun Bin what they knew.
When I came to Nanzheng City and found out that Yang Siping had numerous misdeeds, he could tell a lot about it to any ordinary citizen he picked up. Yang Siping framed Fan Yuanzhi and Sima Guoxuan, which was enough to convict them of death. Sun Bin looked at the thick information and was secretly happy that he could finally express his resentment.
Sun Bin returned to Jiankang by boat with the collected information. Along the way, he sorted out Yang Siping's misdeeds into six major crimes, including corruption and perverting the law, accepting bribes, buying and selling official positions, framing colleagues, embezzling land, and withholding military pay. There were even more minor crimes. Lift.
Putting the thick document into the hands of Liu Muzhi, Liu Muzhi flipped through a few pages and said with a smile: "Sun Yushi worked tirelessly this time to investigate Yang Siping's illegal activities. His contribution is not small. I will definitely report him to him." Lieutenant-General asks for credit for you."
Sun Bin's face was full of joy and he smiled and said: "Thank you Liu Sima."
Soon, Yang Siping's charges were handed over to Tingwei for review, and Guo Dingzhuo asked the emperor to arrest Yang Siping and go to Beijing for questioning.
On November 8, Yang Anxuan received an urgent message from his friend Qi in Beijing, and he learned that his third uncle was being questioned by the court. Looking at the charges that Yin Youqi transcribed in detail, with specific charges attached at the end, he remembered that he had written letters repeatedly to persuade the third uncle to restrain himself, but he still got this result. Especially the imprisoned state Biejia and Sima, could it be that they wanted to rebel.
Yang Anxuan slapped the table with hatred, and said angrily: "Yang Siping really deserves to die."
Wang Zhen'e frowned and said: "The Lord is preparing to attack Qin in several ways. Sending troops from Hanzhong to the north is an important line. At this time, Yang Siping, the governor of Liangzhou, has been convicted by the court, which may have an impact on the plan to attack Qin."
Yang Anxuan said angrily: "No matter what, we must save his life first. If the court takes him to Jiankang, there will be only death."
Wang Zhen smiled evilly and said: "I want to escort Yang Siping from Hanzhong to the capital. If my lord says 'no', the imperial court will not even think about entering Yongliang even if it sends a large army."
Yang Anxuan sneered: "Xiang Zhuang's sword dance was aimed at Pei Gong. Liu Taiwei wanted to use Yang Siping to make a fuss about Yu. Haha, this Liu Taiwei was full of confidence in conquering Yan and Lu Xun, and was ready to make a fuss about Yu Li. Behave yourself.”
After convening Zhao Tian, Xin He and other confidants to discuss for a while, Yang Anxuan said: "Yu was ordered to supervise the military affairs of Yong, Yan, Si and Liang. Liangzhou is also under Yu's jurisdiction. Yang Siping, the governor of Liangzhou, committed a crime, and Yu failed to observe it. Passed. Yu plans to appeal to the imperial court and ask to be demoted from the title of General Hussar and Duke Hongnong."
"However, Liangzhou is located in a remote area, adjacent to Qiuchi and Qin. In order to avoid causing turmoil, I asked the court to send important officials to Nanzheng to inquire about Yang Siping's crimes to avoid being framed. We will report after the inquiry. Punishment by the court.”
Zhao Tian said worriedly: "Yin Gong's letter revealed that the imperial court intends to let Fan Yuanzhi be the governor of Liangzhou, and Guo Xuan is the governor of Liangzhou. If these two people work together to control Liangzhou, and Tan Hezhi and Xie Xuan help, Liang I'm afraid the state will escape the master's control."
Yang Anxuan knew that he should be able to save his third uncle's life, but his position as governor of Liangzhou would definitely not be saved. He said solemnly: "Liangzhou is located to the west of Yongzhou and borders Qiaoshu and Jingzhou to the south. There is absolutely no room for loss. "
After thinking for a moment, Yang Anxuan ordered: "Order Meng Longfu to lead 6,000 soldiers and horses north to Hanzhong and garrison in Nanzheng City. You may want to pass through Guanghan and Zitong along the way. If Xie Xuan and Tan Hezhi dare to make any changes, you may want to take them down on charges of rebellion." "Jiangzhou City ordered Fu Hongzhi to garrison the city to guard against any abnormal movements of the Shu army."
Yang Anxuan was in charge of Liangzhou's military affairs. It was his duty to mobilize troops and horses. Everyone felt secretly in their hearts. It seemed that his lord was ready to show his power and use force to control Liangzhou.
Yang Anxuan quickly thought about the candidates who could replace Yang Siping. Fan Yuanzhi would definitely not be able to do it. This person had been in Liangzhou for many years and was familiar with the situation in Liangzhou. If Liu Yu released him from the cage, he would definitely do his best to serve him.
The time for his rise is still short, and there is no candidate under his command to take over as governor. The best result is that Xi Hui and Yin You Qi can be appointed to Liangzhou. However, Xi Hui was getting older and his friends Qi had a close relationship with him. Liu Yu would never let them serve as governors of Liangzhou.
It seems that the only choice is to recommend Sima Xiuzhi. Sima Xiuzhi is the prefect of Kuaiji and the fourth son of Qiaojing King Sima Tian. He is one of the few famous generals in the clan. He is highly respected by Sima Dewen, but he is excluded and suppressed by Liu Yu.
This time, there is a vacancy in the Liangzhou governorship. If you ask him to take over, Sima Dewen and the noble family will definitely agree happily. In comparison, Fan Yuanzhi is far inferior to Sima Xiuzhi in terms of reputation and ability.
Thinking of this, Yang Anxuan said: "You will recommend Sima Xiuzhi to the imperial court as the governor of Liangzhou, hoping that he will not affect the great cause of conquering Qin."
Shortly after the imperial court went to Liangzhou to detain Yang Siping and issued the decree, Yang Anxuan's memorial arrived.
In the East Hall, Yang Anxuan, the governor of Yongyan, petitioned to demote the titles of General Hussar and Duke Hongnong. He suggested that Yang Siping's case should be questioned before he could be convicted, and he recommended Sima Xiuzhi, the prefect of Kuaiji, to take over as the governor of Liangzhou.
After reading the memorial, everyone turned their attention to Taiwei Liu Yu. Liu Yu had used the method of devaluing himself many times, and everyone knew that it did no harm to Yang Anxuan, and it only superficially gave the court a step up.
Tingwei Guo Ding came out of the squad and said: "The evidence of Yang Siping's crime is conclusive. The imperial court has issued an order to arrest him and bring him to Beijing for prosecution. Hong Nonggong asked for further investigation. This proposal is inappropriate. Please reject it long live."
Yinyou, the Minister of the Ancestral Temple, reported in unison: "Yang Anxuan's memorial stated that the person investigating the case had a rift with the Yang family, so he distorted the facts and exaggerated the charges. I thought Hongnong Gong was an important official of the imperial court, and Yang Siping, the governor of Liangzhou, was his third uncle. The imperial court Don’t be careless.”
Of course, King Langya knew that punishing Yang Siping was a struggle between Liu Yu and Yang Anxuan. However, the snipe and the clam fought, and the fishermen benefited. If Sima Xiuzhi could be allowed to take over as the governor of Liangzhou, the power of the royal family would be strengthened.
Liu Yu's face was solemn. Yang Anxuan's memorial almost clearly stated that he was against him. He wanted to arrest Yang Siping and punish him for death. Yang Anxuan's purpose of denouncing himself and asking for further investigation was to save Yang Siping's life, and Yang Anxuan also returned the favor to himself. With one move, he proposed that Sima Xiuzhi take over as the governor of Liangzhou.
When Sima Dewen asked whether he agreed with Sima Xiuzhi taking over as the governor of Liangzhou, Liu Yu could only agree even if he was extremely reluctant.
However, Liu Yu reported that Fan Yuan of Liangzhou should be commended for his loyalty to the court and his fear of violence. Bao Hu, the original governor of Yi and Ning, died, and the post of governor was temporarily taken over by Biejia. Fan Yuanzhi could be appointed as the governor of Yi and Ning.
Sima Dewen got his wish and got the position of governor of Liangzhou, and he readily agreed to Liu Yu's memorial. In order to comfort Liu Yu, Yang Anxuan's Hussar General was demoted to General Zuo as punishment.
Returning to the Taiwei's Mansion in Xizhou City, Liu Yu's face was as dark as water. He used Yang Siping's incident to test Yang Anxuan. Unexpectedly, Yang Anxuan's reaction was so fierce. He didn't care about breaking his face at all, and he seemed not to hesitate to fight.
Since conquering Sun En, he had pacified Nanyan and destroyed Lu Xun. Although Yang Anxuan was regarded by him as a strong enemy, Liu Yu had strong confidence that he could defeat him. During the court meeting, Liu Yuzhen wanted to report that he would send troops to attack Xiangyang, but Liu Muzhi beside him whispered several times to dissuade him from "thinking again".
"Dao He, this tone of stupidity is unbearable. I really want to teach this arrogant Yang Anxuan a lesson." Liu Yu sat upright with anger in his eyes. During the court meeting, he saw that many ministers still did not like him.
Liu Muzhi gently shook his feather fan and said: "Dong Nanping is unwilling to be inferior to the lord, and Qiao and Shu are still not settled. At this time, it will benefit the Duke of Nanping to attack Yang Anxuan's disciples. A little impatience will mess up the big plan. The lord still needs to be patient for some time."
