First, half a month ago, Dong Zhuo sent Niu Fu to lead the army to station in Shaanxi County. Niu Fu sent Li Cui from Beidi, Guo Si from Zhangye, and Zhang Ji from Wuwei to lead tens of thousands of infantry and cavalry to attack Zhongmou and defeated Zhu Jun. , and looted the counties under Chenliu and Yingchuan counties. Wherever they passed, they burned, killed, and looted, and almost all the people died.
He knew that Yingchuan was a place where many talents emerged. People such as Xun Yu, Xun You, Guo Jia and others who were famous in history were all from Yingchuan. He hoped that they would not die in the war and come to Jizhou like they did in history.
There was also something that made his father Yuan Shao happy, that is, Yuan Shu sent Sun Jian to attack Jingzhou Governor Liu Biao.
Liu Biao sent his general Huang Zu to fight in Fancheng and Deng County. Sun Jian defeated Huang Zu and besieged Xiangyang.
Liu Biao then sent Huang Zu to sneak out of the city at night to mobilize the troops from various counties. When Huang Zu led his army to return to Xiangyang, Sun Jian attacked him. Huang Zu was defeated again and fled into Xian Mountain.
Sun Jian took advantage of the victory and pursued him all night long. Huang Zu's troops lurked in the bamboo forest and seriously injured Sun Jian with hidden arrows. Because of the intrusion of the butterfly Yuan Xi, Sun Jian, who was originally supposed to die in historical time and space, luckily survived.
Sun Jian entrusted his son Sun Ce to take charge of military affairs. Sun Ce led Sun Jian's troops to Yuan Shu on the advice of Cheng Pu, Huang Gai and others.
With Sun Jian's consent, Sun Ce used the imperial seal to borrow troops from Yuan Shu in order to pacify Jiangdong.
Yecheng was one of the few big cities that was not affected by the war at this time. It was one of the most prosperous places in the entire Han Dynasty. Yuan Xi was also planning his future here.
I am afraid that following Yuan Shao will not accomplish much, and Cao Cao may be allowed to become powerful like in history.
He was thinking about establishing a base and training an elite army, so that he could have an advantage in future wars and seize the throne. After all, this era was about strength.
Yuan Xi discussed the matter with his teacher Zhang Hong, but the teacher Zhang Hong insisted that the time was not right now and asked Yuan Xi to wait.
The Yuan family's disciples and former officials are all over the world, which is the most precious human resource for political activities. Therefore, since his father occupied Jizhou, there has been an endless stream of talents coming to join him every day.
Some stayed, and some left regardless. Yuan Xi knew that his father, Yuan Shao, had lost at least four important talents. Zhao Yun, Guo Jia, Xun Yu, Dong Zhao, Tian Chou.
Any one of these five people is an important person who can influence the overall situation. Fortunately, Zhao Yun has been included in his subordinates, and the other Yuan Xi feels that he should fight for it.
That night, Yuan Xi thought about it all night. When he got up early the next morning, he went to the hall to meet his father Yuan Shao. Father Yuan Shao is playing chess with his third brother Yuan Shang.
Over the years, Yuan Xi discovered that his father, Yuan Shao, began to have a preference for Yuan Shang. It was no wonder that although Yuan Shang was very young, he was smart, lovable, and unparalleledly handsome, and looked very much like his father.
There is also an elegant temperament that radiates from the inside out, which is many times stronger than that of himself and his eldest brother Yuan Tan. Yuan Shao thought that he was like others, so don't underestimate others. Liu Bang, the great ancestor of the Han Dynasty, almost decided to abolish Liu Ying because Liu Ying was cowardly and not like others. Prince.
Yuan Xi is a little better. At least he knows that this is a historical trend, so he is not surprised. But Yuan Tan has become impatient, and always scolds and treats Yuan Shang coldly and dismissively. The opportunity for the brothers to turn against each other has arisen. Just waiting for that day to come. . . . . . .
When his father, Yuan Shao, saw Yuan Xi coming in rashly, he immediately frowned and asked, "Xianyi, what's the matter with you?" Yuan Xi thought to himself: He who thinks too little is not a gentleman, and he who is not poisonous is not a husband. If we don't do something ruthless today, it seems it will be difficult to get what we want. "
Without saying a word, he knelt on the ground and said, "Father, the child has been insulted and feels depressed. I have come here to ask my father to make the decision."
Father Yuan Shao has a very good characteristic, which is to protect his shortcomings. As long as it belongs to the Yuan family, no one else can touch it.
After hearing this, his face immediately darkened. The father sternly said, "Stand up, how can you behave like this? The dignified second son of the Yuan family was bullied by others outside. He couldn't fight back, so he went home and cried - hum, tell me, who dared to bully my son? .”
Yuan Xi stood up immediately, sighed and said, "Actually, it's no wonder that other people are children with dull qualifications and inferior skills."
The more Yuan Shao listened, the more confused he became, and he scolded in a low voice, "Nonsense, you have been extremely smart since you were a child, how could you be a person with poor qualifications? Please tell me clearly and clearly what happened."
Yuan Xicai said slowly, "The day before yesterday, my child went out to play and met two young men. When they saw the child holding a poem in his hand, they stepped forward and challenged me. They must compete with me. My child has always been confident in his literary talent. So I just bet and fight with them, who knows--"
Yuan Shao stood up, his eyes flashed with light, and he said in a deep voice, "Go on."
Yuan Xi hesitated and said, "As a result, the kid was defeated in three consecutive games. It didn't matter if he was defeated because his skills were inferior to others, but they really bullied others too much. They looked at the kid and kept sneering and said What kid is just a dandy who only shows his appearance and is strong on the outside but capable on the inside? When the kid heard this, he felt the blood rush up all over his body. It doesn’t matter if I am humiliated alone. If these words spread, wouldn’t it ruin the reputation of my Yuan family?"
Father Yuan Shao was so angry that he was out of breath. He slapped the table and shouted, "They really said that you are superficial and strong on the outside."
These words were originally used by outsiders to evaluate his father. Yuan Xi borrowed them just to anger him.
"No, you have been extremely smart since you were a child and have always had the ability of photographic memory. How come you can't even let people down with your literary talents?" Yuan Shao asked doubtfully. He is not stupid either. He knows his son better than his father. Yuan Xi said shyly; "This It’s really no wonder that the child--"
Yuan Shao stood up and yelled: "You are just having fun and delaying your studies, right?"
Yuan Xi was startled, immediately knelt down, and said tremblingly, "Father Rong Bing, it turns out the child is not to blame for this."
Yuan Shao said sternly: "Shut up, you still dare to quibble. If I can't blame you, why don't you blame me?"
Yuan Xi immediately said: "This matter is originally the father's responsibility, and the child dare not lie."
Yuan Shao was stunned, and after a long while, he regained his composure and said softly, "Is it possible that my father has been busy with the war in the past two years and didn't care enough about my son, so he missed your studies.
Yuan Xi sighed and said, "The child dare not say that. However, since the teacher Zhang Hong went out recently, there has indeed not been a knowledgeable teacher to teach the child. Therefore, no matter how hard the child studies day and night, there are still many things he does not understand. Unsatisfactory place.”
When Yuan Shao heard what Yuan Xi said, he was immediately stunned. A look of shame flashed in his eyes, and he said slowly: "This is true, but in Jizhou City, the only people who can match Zhang Hong's knowledge are Tian Feng and Jushu. These two are my right-hand men, and I can't leave them day and night. How to teach you lessons."
Yuan Xi immediately said: "As early as when I was in Luoyang, I heard that there were two great sages, one named Xun Yu and the other named Guo Jia. Both of them were knowledgeable, knowledgeable about ancient and modern times, and knew astronomy. People who know geography are really the best mentors. If you can become mentors and friends with them, your children's studies will definitely improve by leaps and bounds. It's a pity that they are not in Jizhou--"
Yuan Shao pondered for a moment and said in a low voice, "Xianyi, is there any better candidate?"
Yuan Xi shook his head and said, "There are only two talented people in the world today. If one of these two teaches a child, the child will definitely be able to shine in the future."
His father, Yuan Shao, liked hearing this the most, and he immediately laughed and said, "Who are these two people? Please tell me quickly." Yuan Xi couldn't wait to blurt out, "Xun Yu and Xun Wenruo are the first in the collection of classics and history, and Guo Jia and Guo Fengxiao are the best in their marching strategies."
His father Yuan Shao murmured: "Xun Yu, Guo Jia - what a pity -" His father Yuan Shao still loved him very much. These two people were not in Jizhou at this time, but when they saw Yuan Xi's longing eyes, they couldn't bear it and immediately said softly: "My son, please relax. Father knows that you are eager to learn. Forgive him for what the two scholars are capable of. A father will not hesitate to spend any money." Qianjin, I will also invite you to have them accompany you every day and teach you how to read. How about it."
Yuan Xi said happily, "Thank you so much to my father."
Yuan Shao waved his hand and said, "You go down first and let father send someone to take care of it." Yuan Xi responded, said "yes" and walked out.
I thought: You don’t need to ask, these two people will automatically come to your door in a short time. As long as it comes into my own hands, I would rather kill it than give it to Cao Cao, who will be more powerful than a tiger and will be difficult to deal with in the future.
Ten days later.
Yuan Xi, who had been wandering around the military camp and the city for more than ten days, was walking around Yecheng when his servant Yuan He found him in the market.
"My lord, a guest has arrived and asked you to go back." Yuan He said breathlessly.
For some reason, Yuan Xi's heart beat wildly and he asked anxiously, "Do you know what it is?"
"I heard that I have invited a famous gentleman to teach you your lessons." Yuan He replied.
"Where did the guest come from?"
"The Xun family in Yingchuan, my lord has ordered me to urgently ask the young master to go back as soon as possible."
Yuan Xi's heart moved and he led Yuan He and Xu Chu back to the Prefectural Mufu.
There were many people gathered in the spacious front hall of the Prefectural Mufu. Yuan Xi took a quick glance and saw that most of the people present were literati, including a group of counselors under Yuan Shao, as well as the heads of some local aristocratic families.
When he came closer, everyone's eyes naturally turned to him. He could still handle this situation.
But after a while, he noticed one person who particularly attracted his attention among the many eyes.
The man was only twenty-seven or eighty-years-old, with an elegant face and a bush of beard on his chin. He was really handsome in the scribe's robe.
At this time, the man looked at Yuan Xi curiously and smiled slightly at him.
Yuan Xi confessed his crime to everyone.
Xu You said with a smile: "Second Young Master is late, and you will have to drink wine as a fine at the banquet later."
Yuan Shao sat at the top and said to him: "Xianyi, you came just in time, look who my father has invited for you. This time all the clan leaders and gentlemen gathered here because Yingchuan came to live in peace in Jizhou. Mr. Xun Wenruo of the Xun family is the person you praised, Mr. Wenruo, who you praised. Mr. Xun also mentioned you just now, so he called you back."
Xun Yu stood up and cupped his hands to him and said: "I'm Xun Yu, courtesy name Wen Ruo, Yingchuan. I've heard about the second young master for a long time and admired him for his outstanding literary talent. However, we never had the opportunity to meet him. It's really impressive to see him today."
"My husband has been known for his talent and fame since he was young," Yuan Xi said. Xun Yu was a politician comparable to Zhuge Liang and a famous minister who was able to govern the country.
Xun Yu smiled. He was not a commoner, so he would not be polite.
After the group of people laughed and talked about some anecdotes about romance, Yuan Shao hosted a banquet for everyone, and naturally there were some elegant scholars at the banquet.
Yuan Xi also showed off a little. After dinner, Yuan Xi told Xun Yu that he would ask for advice another day.
It turned out that Xun Yu was very talented. A few years ago, he told the people in the village: "Yingchuan is a flat and vast terrain and is surrounded by enemies on all sides. We should take shelter as soon as possible."
But many people in the countryside are attached to their homeland and are reluctant to leave. Only Xun Yu led his family to defect to Han Fu. When they arrived at Jizhou, Yuan Shao had already captured Jizhou.
Fortunately, Yuan Shao had also heard of Xun Yu's reputation, and because he was a member of the Xun Chen tribe, Yuan Shao wanted to win over the Xun family. Moreover, this was also the person invited by his son Yuan Xi, so he received Xun Yu with the courtesy of a distinguished guest.
That night, in the courtyard where the Xun family lived temporarily.
Xun Yu opened the door and saw a young man in his early twenties holding a book and studying it under the dim light.
The young man was a bit thin, with a pale face and a delicate smile on his face.
When he saw Xun Yu coming back, the young man asked, "I have met Yuan Benchu many times. Based on Brother Wenruo's observation, how is this person?"
Xun Yu shook his head and said: "It's quite majestic, but his words are full of vanity and reputation. He is suspicious and has no judgment. After all, he is not a person who can achieve great things. By the way, didn't Mr. Yuan also ask you to go to the banquet, why don't you go? , Filial piety?"
It turns out that this young man is Guo Jia, who is known as the "ghost genius".
A smile appeared on Guo Jia's face and he mocked himself: "I am hosting a banquet mainly to entertain you, a young man from an aristocratic family. They may not look down on me, a humble person from a humble family, so I won't accept the glare."
Xun Yu had no choice but to sigh.
Guo Jia asked again: "Is Yuan Benchu really a person who cannot be helped?"
"Although I have only met him a few times, I can tell by looking at his past deeds, such as summoning the princes to send troops to admonish, stationing troops in Guandong, etc., and listening to his words and observing his actions that he is extremely vain and boastful. , Value reputation but hesitate in doing things, be scheming but never make decisions." Xun Yu said affirmatively.
"The trick to seize Jizhou this time is very beautiful." Guo Jiadao.
Xun Yu shook his head and said, "I also inquired just now. The capture of Jizhou this time is the plan of Yuan Xianyi, the second son of Yuan Cheqi."
"This is happening, but Yuan Xi and Yuan Xianyi are known as talented men?"
Xun Yu nodded and said: "But it's this person. Yuan Xianyi can be regarded as a young hero. He has become famous at a young age. The plan to seize Jizhou this time is even more ingenious in Tao's military strategy. I heard that he also had military exploits in the battle against Gongsun Zan. , but what a pity!”
"Brother Wen Ruo, why are you sighing?"
"It's sad that he is a hero because he is proficient in both civil and military affairs, but he is still young and under the protection of Yuan Benchu." Xun Yu explained.
Guo Jia said with some disapproval: "The so-called ambition is not in the age, isn't there Gan Luo Twelve who paid homage to the minister before him?"
"Today, the imperial court is falling apart, His Majesty the Emperor is being held hostage, and heroes from all over the country are rising up. One side of the separatist regime refuses to obey the imperial orders. The world is in turmoil. At this time, a hero with great talent and great strategy is needed to bring peace to the world. But Yuan Xianyi is only the second son of Yuan Cheqi, and Yuan Benchu is the only one. I love my third son, Yuan Shang, and Yuan Xi is not in love with me, so I am afraid that Xiao Qiang will be in trouble in the future. Yuan Benchu also likes fame, has no talent, and is very ambitious, so the Yuan family will not be able to achieve great success."
Xun Yu explained Yuan Xi's embarrassing situation in one sentence, just like the dilemma of Emperor Taizong and Li Shimin.
Guo Jia asked: "Who does Brother Wenruo think is the Ming Lord?"
Xun Yu hesitated and said: "Cao Mengde! I have met him several times, but I know that he is good at literary and military strategy, and has the heart to help the country when it is in danger. He assassinated Dong Zhuo in Luoyang out of bravery and recruited volunteers to attack the traitors. It’s for loyalty, and breaking the Yellow Turban is for talent, so why shouldn’t such a person be worthy of your and my help?”
Guo Jia listened to his talk and had obviously been paying attention to Cao Cao for a long time. Judging from the information he got, Cao Cao was indeed a hero, so he nodded in acquiescence.
The next day, Yuan Xi took Xu Chu to the temporary residence of the Xun family.
After giving his name, a steward came out and said to him apologetically: "It's not a coincidence that Mr. Yuan is here. My young master just went out with Mr. Youruo and I don't know when he will be back."
Yuan Xi thought that Liu Bei still had three more visits to the thatched cottage, so he might as well behave like a courteous corporal, so he said, "Then I'll wait for Mr. Wen Ruo to come back."
The steward was a little hesitant. After all, it would be very rude to let Mr. Zhou Mu, a big Han celebrity, stand and wait outside the gate. After thinking about it for a while, he said, "If you really want to wait, please follow me to the young master's study." "
Yuan Xi nodded and followed him in.
The steward opened the study room and asked Yuan Xi to sit down. He also brought some preserved fruits and snacks to entertain him. Before leaving, he said, "Young master, you can take books and read them as you like. I will report to you as soon as the young master comes back."
Yuan Xi thanked him politely. Xu Chu said a little boredly: "Why are you so grand? Let us wait."
Yuan Xi casually took down a volume of books and said with a smile: "Everyone with some intelligence will feel that they are extraordinary. Mr. Wen Ruo is actually very humble. You haven't seen those great scholars in Beijing. That's what you call your eyes above your head." For example, old man Wang Yun.
At this time, there was a sound of footsteps and a chuckle from outside the door, "Not all smart people have their eyes set higher than the top. I am just outside this category."
Next, the three of them looked at the person approaching the study curiously, and saw that he was only in his early twenties, with a pale face and a delicate smile on his lips, giving people an indescribable lazy and unrestrained look. He was Guo Jia.
Xu Chu saw him boasting and asked, "Why do you say you are a smart person?"
"Brother, please tell me what it means to be intelligent?" Guo Jiaxiao asked.
This really stumped Xu Chu. After thinking about it, he suddenly hardened his temper and said: "Of course I know. People like my young master are intelligent people. This is recognized by the world. Where did you come from? What a nonsense."
Guo Jia saw that he was honest and honest, so he teased him and said, "Oh, who is your young master's name? I have heard of it."
Yuan Xi didn't let Xu Chu speak anymore, fearing that it would be difficult to deal with him if he got anxious, so he cupped his hands and said: "Your Majesty, Yuan Xi, Yuan Xianyi, brother, please don't be like my followers. Who are you, Mr. Wen Ruo? I haven't asked you yet." name."
Guo Jia was touched in his heart, and he raised his hand and said: "Yingchuan student Guo Jia, whose name is Fengxiao. I have heard of you for a long time. I have often heard of your poems and deeds, but you are really a rare and intelligent person in the world."
Yuan Xi was excited in his heart and said without changing his expression: "My brother is also a decent person, so I don't have to succumb to politeness. I really like to have a drink and talk with the students from all over the world."
"I don't think the young master is also a free and easy person, but it's a pity that Brother Wenruo doesn't like fine wine and doesn't have any storage at home." Guo Jia sighed.
"What's the problem? Zhongkang, go to the wine shop and get some food and drinks. Let's have a drink together." Yuan Xi ordered with a smile.
Xu Chu happily agreed and left with Yuan He.
After all, this fat man is also an alcoholic.
Guo Jia looked at the two men walking vigorously and said: "The strong man just now has the spirit of a bear and a tiger. He must be a brave general when he goes into battle."
"However, he will be brave enough to charge into battle with all his strength and tenacity, comparable to Fan Kuai and Jia Fu."
Guo Jia thought to himself that he was Fan Kuai and Jia Fu, so who are you, the great ancestor?
Guo Jia was a free and easy person, but he was not related to Yuan Xi. The two of them talked word by word, first about romance and poetry.
After Xu and Chu bought wine and food, Guo Jia and Yuan Xi started drinking together.
Xu Chu put the wine and meat on the aisle and the two of them started changing glasses.
After drinking two glasses of wine, under Yuan Xi's guidance, he and Guo Jia started talking about the vast world, from the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors to the rituals and music of the Shang and Zhou dynasties, from the struggle for hegemony in the Spring and Autumn Period to the Warring States Period, from the turmoil in the late Qin Dynasty to Huo Qiao's Northern Conquest of the Huns.
Many of Yuan Xi's later generations' remarks about the rise and fall of victory and defeat, and military strategies impressed Guo Jia, and gradually he talked about the Yellow Turban Rebellion and the current situation.
