Winter turned to spring, and time unknowingly arrived in the spring of the third year of Chuping (AD 192).
Yuan Shu in Guandong heard that Yuan Shao had taken control of Jizhou and sent an envoy to ask for horses. Yuan Shao naturally ignored this request.
Yuan Shu was furious and finally broke up with Yuan Shao. He sent envoys to contact and collude with Gongsun Zan, and Yuan Shao united with Liu Biao, and all four forces formed an alliance.
Liu He, the son of Youzhou Mu Liu Yu, served as a servant in the palace. Emperor Xian wanted to return east to Luoyang, so he ordered Liu He to pretend to escape Dong Zhuo and secretly go to see Liu Yu via Wuguan, asking Liu Yu to send troops to pick up Emperor Xian.
When Liu He walked to Nanyang, Yuan Shu attempted to use Liu Yu as foreign aid, so he detained Liu He and promised to go west together after Liu Yu's troops arrived, and ordered Liu He to write a letter to Liu Yu.
After Liu Yu received the letter, he sent thousands of cavalry to meet Liu He. Gongsun Zan knew that Yuan Shu had ambitions to become emperor, so he tried to dissuade Liu Yu, but Liu Yu refused to listen.
Gongsun Zan was afraid that Yuan Shu would resent him if he knew about this, so he also sent his cousin Gongsun Yue to lead a thousand cavalry to see Yuan Shu, and secretly instigated Yuan Shu to detain Liu He and annex the troops sent by Liu Yu.
From then on, Liu Yu and Gongsun Zan had a grudge. Liu He escaped from Yuan Shu and headed north, but was detained by the jealous Yuan Shao.
Xun Yu finally surrendered to Cao Cao. Cao Cao was very happy, grabbed his hand and said happily: "This is my Zhang Liang!" and appointed him as Fenwu Sima. In addition, Xi Zhong from Yingchuan was also recruited to serve as Cao Cao's military advisor.
In fact, Cao Cao regarded Xun Yu as his own Zhang Liang, but he actually meant to claim that he was the great ancestor, just like Yuan Xi compared Xu Chu to Fan Kuai, the same reason as Jia Fu, he promoted others and also promoted himself.
On the Hebei side, Gongsun Zan sent Tian Kai and Liu Bei to capture Qingzhou, and Liu Bei was appointed Prime Minister of Pingyuan. In fact, although Gongsun Zan had to show his teeth in retaliation, he was still quite interesting to his friends.
In Guanzhong, Dong Zhuo became the Grand Master, and his status was higher than that of the princes and kings. Taishi observed the celestial phenomena and claimed that someone among the ministers of the court had been killed.
Dong Zhuo took the opportunity to send someone to falsely accuse Wei Wei Zhang Wen of secretly communicating with Yuan Shu, so Zhang Wen was beaten to death in a busy city. In response to the celestial phenomenon, Dong Zhuo fully controlled Guanzhong and had fallen out with the courtiers who opposed him.
Dong Zhuo also appointed his younger brother Dong Min as the general of the left, and his fallen son Dong Huang as the captain of the central military academy, both of whom were in charge of military power. His clan and relatives all changed their previous low profile and became high-ranking officials in the court. Even the son just born by Dong Zhuo's concubine was named a marquis, and the gold seal and purple ribbon used by the marquis were regarded as playthings. .
The vehicles Dong Zhuo rode and the various clothes he wore were the same as those of the emperor. He issued orders to Shangshutai, Yushitai and Fujietai, and officials below Shangshu had to go to his Taishi Mansion to report and ask for instructions.
He also built a huge fort on the outskirts of Chang'an. The wall was seven feet high and seven feet thick. It contained enough food for thirty years. He said to his cronies: "If the great thing is accomplished, we can dominate the world; if it fails, it will be enough to stay here until we die."
Li Ru, the poisonous person in the chaotic world, finally paid Dong Zhuo by mistake. Dong Zhuo's bearish heart began to wear away ever since he saw the prosperity of the imperial capital. Failure is only a matter of time.
While the heroes of the world were fighting each other to develop their power, Yuan Xi also made some plans. But the top priority is to increase prestige and seize territory, and to solve the Chang'an matter. But there is no rush, you have to make steady progress step by step.
Under the supervision of the "Tiger Guards" sent by Yuan Xi day and night, Guo Jia became the chief clerk in the army and also took care of some daily affairs in the army. Yuan Xi helped him buy a house and rewarded Guo Jia with some money and silk.
This day was the usual meeting, and Yuan Shao asked his eldest son Yuan Tan to attend the meeting. After all, he was his son. And Yuan Tan married a niece of Xin Ping because of his previous marriage with the Xin family. These days, his relationship with Xin Pingguo Tu gradually became closer.
Yuan Shao looked at the civil and military officials below and said: "The world is in chaos today, the Han Dynasty is in decline, traitors are causing chaos, and the court is moving westward. My Yuan family has been favored for generations, and I am determined to do my best to revive the Han Dynasty. Jizhou is the place where great achievements can be made. , how should I proceed next?”
Everyone looked at each other and did not want to be the first to make suggestions because of their own plans. After all, Yuan Shao had many factions, and it was common practice to undermine each other and criticize each other.
After a moment of silence, Tian Feng stood up and analyzed: "My lord has suffered from only four troubles recently. One is Dong Zhuo in Guanzhong, the other is Gongsun Zan of Youzhou, the third is Tian Kai, the governor of Qingzhou appointed by Sun Zan in the south of Jizhou, and the fourth is Zhang Yan, the Black Mountain bandit. Among them Also, Gongsun Zan poses the greatest threat to Jizhou, but Dong Zhuo should not be underestimated. He and his lord have both family and national hatred. Without avenging this hatred, the general cannot establish his authority in the world, so our army faces two powerful enemies."
After Jushou thought clearly, he said: "My lord has become famous throughout the country when he entered the court at a young age. When he was deposed, he was able to carry forward his loyalty and leave the capital, which frightened Dong Zhuo. Cross the river and go north, and the Bohai Sea will follow his orders; support the soldiers of a county and gather the people of Jizhou. . His prestige has crossed Heshuo, and his reputation is more important than anything in the world! Now, if my lord first raises an army to attack eastward, he can conquer Qingzhou; if he also attacks Black Mountain, he can eliminate Zhang Yan. Then he can return to the north to conquer Gongsun Zan; he can frighten Rong Di and surrender the Xiongnu. You will You can own the land of the four states north of the Yellow River, so you can recruit heroic talents, gather millions of troops, welcome the emperor to Xijing, and restore the ancestral temple in Luoyang. With this, you can command the world and punish those who are not convinced. Who can resist?"
Jushou did have some civil and military skills. His talent was not inferior to Gao Ying, the prime minister of Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty. Later, Jushou assisted two generations of emperors of the Yuan family and was loyal and loyal.
Through these days of observation, Ju Shou gradually figured out Yuan Shao's temperament and knew that he attached great importance to fame and popularity, so the plans put forward by Ju Shou had to be flattering.
Sure enough, after hearing this, Yuan Shao smiled happily and said: "This is my wish. However, Duke Huan of Qi could not become the overlord without Guan Zhong, and Gou Jian could not protect the country of Yue without Fan Li. I want to work together with you to achieve peace." Sheji, I wonder if you have any specific strategies to quell these four worries?"
"We need to proceed step by step and eliminate the primary scourge first, but this may not be accomplished in a day. Now we should accumulate our strength in Jizhou and focus on defense." Tian Feng said.
Yuan Shao was a little unhappy. He had just been very excited and smug about the grand blueprint drawn by Ju Shou, but now Tian Feng poured cold water on him. And only he, Yuan Benzhu, bullies others, how can he be bullied by others.
Yuan Xi already had a bold plan in mind, so he went out and said to Yuan Shao: "My son is not willing to eliminate two worries for his father." Yuan Xi and Emperor Taizong Li Shimin also like to use bold and strange things, but they are also too sharp. It's easy to attract hatred.
"Xianyi, what plan do you have, what two worries can you eliminate?" Yuan Shao asked curiously, this son has always been able to give him quite a surprise.
Yuan Xi said confidently: "If my father uses the child's plan to guarantee that Dong Zhuo's head will be removed within three months, then the child is willing to bring a brigade of elite soldiers to pacify Qingzhou, so that the father can concentrate on dealing with Gongsun Zan and Zhang Yan."
Yuan Shao couldn't help but asked out of curiosity: "What's the plan to kill Dong Zhuo? Xianyi tell me quickly."
"Now that there are many people, it won't be effective if you say it. Please report it privately later." Yuan Xi said deliberately.
Yuan Shao nodded, Yuan Tan and Xin Ping looked at each other and snorted indifferently.
In the study room of the Prefectural Mufu, Yuan Shao eagerly took Yuan Xi's hand and asked, "What is the plan? Tell me quickly." Dong Zhuo's entry into the capital was a knot in Yuan Shao's heart. If he could kill Dong Zhuo, it would be a real problem. The grudge in his heart was removed.
Yuan Xi didn't answer and asked him instead: "Has your father always been in contact with the old ministers in the court?"
"Yes, a group of veterans also wanted to kill Dong Zhuo, but they never had the chance to do so."
"Father, think about it, with the current strength of our army and the situation of being surrounded by enemies on all sides, it may be difficult to advance into Guanzhong, but to get rid of the Xiliang army, we do not have to send troops. The art of war has it that the first is to attack with troops, and the second is to attack the enemy. During the siege of the city, there are many factions and intrigues within the Xiliang army. If we can kill the thieves and chieftains, the Xiliang army will naturally collapse."
"That's true, but Dong Zhuo has many enemies, and he is not easy to kill because of his tight guard." Yuan Shao hesitated, stroking his short beard.
"Otherwise, I request to secretly sneak to Chang'an to contact the old ministers to kill Dong Zhuo." Yuan Xi saluted.
"No, it's too dangerous and the chance of winning is low." Yuan Shao shook his head. He didn't want his most cherished son to have an accident.
But Yuan Xi knew that no matter whether he went or not, Dong Zhuo would most likely be killed by Wang Yun. Going by himself could only add fuel to the flames, and there was a reason why he had to go. He Ping received the money to assassinate Dong Zhuo in vain. Merit and reputation.
Without supreme prestige and merit, how can one establish a foothold in this world of strife, how can one attract talents to serve, and how can one pave the way for future battles for the heir apparent?
Yuan Xi then patiently analyzed and said: "The Xiliang army is not united, especially the direct lineage of the Xiliang army and the imperial guards of the capital that merged with Dong Zhuo. As long as the veterans come forward to bribe some of Dong Zhuo's followers and leading generals, they will assassinate Dong Zhuo in the palace when the time comes. The journey is easy, if the child's plan fails, he can also investigate the situation in Guanzhong so that his father can prepare for the military affairs in Guanzhong in the future."
Yuan Shao was a little moved, but he did not agree and only ordered him to retreat. Yuan Shao is not stupid, he can calculate this account clearly, but he is still a father, right?
Yuan Xi's residence.
"Is the house in the mansion ready?"
"Madam said it has been prepared a long time ago." Yuan He said in a low voice.
"Find a place to destroy the carriage," Yuan Xi instructed, and the people had already entered the compound.
Men were never allowed to enter Yuan Xi's inner courtyard, even his confidant Yuan He.
Yuan Er looked at the woman in Yuan Xi's arms with doubtful eyes, and asked in a low voice: "Yuan He, why do you think our young master arrested this young lady?"
Yuan He shook his head and said softly: "Don't interfere with things that shouldn't be taken care of, and don't say too much."
"Hey, my head is going to explode." Yuan Er shook his head and walked towards the carriage: "I'll destroy the carriage."
Yuan He hurriedly chased after him and stopped him: "You should take good care of your house. It's better for me to do this kind of delicate work." He rode a carriage and walked slowly to other places in the night...
Yuan Xi hugged Tang Ji and turned left and right, and soon reached the room in the corner next to his own.
Using Tang Ji's back to squeeze the door open, Yuan Xi walked over and put Tang Ji on the bed. Then he breathed a sigh of relief.
"Okay, you will live here from now on." Yuan Xi stretched out and could finally have a good rest. He felt indescribably relaxed now. He hadn't enjoyed this girl for a long time, and Yuan Xi felt that he couldn't wait anymore.
"But remember, you are not allowed to open the door without my instructions, otherwise you will know the consequences." In fact, living here is still somewhat inconvenient, but living outside, Yuan Xi is not at ease, and can only continue to feel aggrieved. Tang Ji is gone!
Early that morning, Gao Yue got up early. After tidying up, she came outside Yuan Xi's room door.
"Are you awake yet?" Gao Yue casually asked the maid waiting outside.
The maid shook her head and said softly: "Second Young Master slept very late last night, so he got up late."
Last night, Yuan Xi first favored Tang Ji, and then went to his teacher Zhang Hong to explain his plan to assassinate Dong. However, he encountered strong opposition from Zhang Hong, saying that a gentleman does not stand behind a dangerous wall or something.
However, Yuan Xi was very determined, but Zhang Hong had no choice but to compromise, so he helped Yuan Xi improve and revise his plan, and recently sent secret guards to cooperate with Yuan Xi and others' actions.
On a normal day, Gao Yue would definitely let Yuan Xi sleep a little longer, but today is the beginning of the year and he has to go to Yuan Mansion to visit Mrs. Liu. So Gao Yue couldn't care about that much for a while.
"Husband." Gao Yue knocked on the door and called softly.
"Wugu, um, I'll get up right away." Yuan Xi inside muttered. There was a rustling sound of clothes being put on inside, and a disheveled Yuan Xi opened the door from the house and asked, "Why did you get up so early today?"
"I have to pay my respects to my mother later. Husband, don't forget that today is the Chinese New Year."
Yuan Xi's confused head shook and he suddenly woke up. The year 192 was finally about to begin. Total chaos.
"Husband?" Seeing that he looked dazed as soon as he went out, Gao Yue called softly again.
"Oh." Yuan Xi turned to the copper basin that the maid had prepared. He quickly washed his face and brushed his teeth, and then said calmly: "Let's go and pay my respects to mother."
Although Gao Yue felt that Yuan Xi seemed a little weird today, she didn't think much about it and followed him.
Sitting on the carriage, swaying for a while, Yuan Xi suddenly asked: "Wugu, when do you think the world will be in chaos?"
Gao Yue said softly: "I thought carefully about everything my husband said before, and found that everything he said made sense. If today...then I'm afraid the world will really be in chaos."
Yuan Xi put his hands on his hands and smiled and said: "Wugu is really my close friend. If I really gave in to that sick man, I'm afraid I would have jumped into the river of tears."
Gao Yue rolled her eyes at him, "I just followed your thoughts and thought about it carefully, and then found that it made sense to agree with you. It's not my idea."
"It's much better than someone else." Yuan Xi looked at the listless maid Luzhu aside, "No matter how clear the truth is about someone, I won't think what will happen to this world."
Lu Zhu snorted and said unconvinced: "You are reactionary. If you don't live a good life, you will have random thoughts. I think you are worrying blindly."
Yuan Xi and Gao Yue smiled at each other and changed the topic. What they said was indeed reactionary, that is, only those who were sitting here were members of their own family, so they could speak freely.
Gao Yue opened the curtain, looked at the bleak scenery outside, turned to Yuan Xi and said, "Xianyi, didn't you say that your third brother is also here? How come you only saw the eldest brother last time?"
"Third brother went out for something last time. He just came back these few days, so he didn't see him." Thinking of Yuan Shang, Yuan Xi shook his head. As the third brother, he didn't see him when he came back. Yuan Shang should take the initiative to visit him, but he was like this at home. For many days, not to mention Yuan Shang, not even the servants in Yuan Shang's mansion saw anyone.
This third brother was becoming more and more outrageous. Yuan Xi sighed. Yuan Shangsheng was a good-natured man, and he was good at flattering others. He also had the image of a filial son in front of his parents.
But Yuan Shang is far behind Sui Yang Emperor Yang Guang, not to mention Yuan Xi himself is not Yang Yong, how can he be pecked by you?
But Yuan Shang has indeed been admired by many people. Although the relationship between the two brothers is okay and they have a good friendship, don't forget that the Yuan family is a Hou family. Once you enter the Hou family, it is as deep as the sea. People will change. Even if the third brother doesn't want to, there will be someone to help him think about it. of.
But Yuan Xi knew him very well. Speaking of Yuan Shang, he was still confused and felt that he might be able to save him.
Good and evil are actually innate. Although you can influence or even conceal some people's nature in some way, you will definitely be the one who gets the backlash in the end.
He knew that his brotherly relationship with Yuan Shang had gradually faded away...
It goes without saying that the fourth and third sons of the Yuan family have great prestige. Even during the Chinese New Year, there are many people who come to visit them.
When Yuan Xi took Gao Yue into the house, he saw people coming in and out, and it was a lively scene.
Lu Zhu took small steps in discomfort, holding Gao Yue's arm, and muttered: "What are these people doing here if they don't pay a visit to Mr. Yuan?"
Gao Yue smiled softly, followed Yuan Xi gracefully, and explained softly: "Most of the people who come here to visit should be local people. It is not convenient for them to travel so far, but they have to come, so Even if our mother is the only one at home, they will come back and still have some,"
Gao Yue's voice became lower and lower: "Those who have a humble status and want to get promoted and make a fortune. Father and the others can't see them, so they have to settle for the next best thing and come here. If father knows this in the future, maybe there will still be some friendship. speak."
"That's it." Luzhu thought to himself, it really makes sense. She raised her head and glanced at Gao Yue, who was a head taller than her, and saw that she had a warm smile on her face and an approachable gaze. From time to time, when Yuan Xi was visiting others in front of her, she would also bow slightly to pay him a visit.
"Hey, it seems that there really aren't many people who can compare to Sister Wu Guan. Even that princess..." This was the first time Lu Zhu had such an idea, and she felt a little envious.
Yuan Xi actually didn't like chatting with others. He felt it was very hypocritical. Fortunately, in his current status, he didn't have to be perfect. After visiting several people in a row, he immediately took Gao Yue and Lv Zhu behind him and headed for another road. Go.
His reputation outside was such that even if someone saw him, they wouldn't say anything, so Yuan Xi walked without any hesitation.
Turning to the other side of the road, Yuan Xi wiped the sweat from his forehead, turned to the two women who were crowded together and said: "New Year, these people are simply... crazy!"
Gao Yue covered her mouth and laughed, and said with a sweet smile: "I think so, he is more diligent than us. It's so pretentious."
Yuan Xi immediately walked over, took Gao Yue's thin arm, and answered. The two of them seemed to have found a soulmate, and the more they talked, the more they got in tune with each other. The smiles on their faces made Luzhu speechless for a while.
"Husband, although there are very few people passing by here, we can't help but pay attention. You go ahead." Gao Yue warned.
Yuan Xi curled his lips, but still obediently let Gao Yue's arm go. Gao Yue still understands basic etiquette. Yuan Xi can act boldly, but they can't.
Yuan Xi looked at Gao Yue with soft eyes, had no choice but to collect his thoughts, and slowly walked ahead in a serious manner. Gao Yue does have the temperament of a mother who cares about the world like Empress Changsun.
Later, it was Gao Yuedi's tactful persuasion that repeatedly calmed down Yuan Xi's anger of severely punishing Tian Feng and other ministers. After all, Emperor Xuanwu of the Jin Dynasty Yuan Xi's violent temper was not something that ordinary people could control.
