The next day, Yuan Mansion
"Good sister, I'm going to make some medicine for you, just wait." Gao Yue did not forget to care about Tang Ji before she left.
"Slow down, why are you walking so fast?" Gao Yue pulled his arm. Blame him for walking too fast.
"My dear madam, can you just crawl into other people's beds if you have nothing to do?" Seeing that she was far away from Tang Ji's room, Yuan Xi slowed down her pace.
"Giggle, you wouldn't be jealous of a woman, would you?" Gao Yue looked at him with a half-smile.
"I'll eat your head off," Yuan Xi gave her angrily.
"You hit me?" Gao Yue looked at him aggrievedly.
"I'm trying to make you remember. Typhoid fever is contagious. You don't have any common sense at all. It's not enough for one person to get sick, but two of them need to get sick at the same time?"
"Then you can't hit me." Gao Yue rubbed her head and still looked at him aggrievedly.
"I am teaching you to pay attention to your body when others are sick in the future. If you don't exercise all day long, you still think your body is the same as mine?"
"Is this why you hit me?"
Yuan Xi was drunk and thought that he couldn't touch a man's head, and he couldn't hit a woman's head. This was a mature Gao Yue. Sure enough, a pampered woman will never grow up.
"What we are talking about is not the reason in the first place. We are discussing that you should not be so close to sick women in the future, nor can you go to their beds casually. Although sisterly love..."
"But why did you hit me?"
"Madam, I made a mistake for my husband." Yuan Xi stopped all resistance and raised his hands in surrender.
"Then will you hit me again?"
"I love you, madam." Yuan Xi defended in a roundabout way.
"You still want to hit me?"
"Madam, I was really wrong."
Han Dynasty, spring and February of the fifth year of Chuping (194).
Zhang Hong of Yecheng sent a secret letter, and the state government expressed its stance on the previous friction between Yuan and Cao. Yuan Shao sent the governor of the state government to Dongjun to appease Cao Cao and brought several carts of condolences. At the same time, Gao Roubu, Cao Shuzuo, was sent to Zi to reprimand Yuan Xi, Yuan Xi's brother-in-law.
All the generals were anxious. Yuan Shao, the state pastor, is obviously biased! Not only did he send condolences to Cao Cao, but he also sent a senior aide-de-camp of the state capital to work on the matter. As for Linzi, it didn't matter that there were no condolences, but a humble official like Cao Shuzuo was sent to Linzi, saying that he would "reprimand" Yuan Xi!
Guo Jia and Gu Yong have different views on this matter. The relationship between Yuan Shao and Yuan Xi and Cao Cao is similar to that of parents and allies. Of course parents should take care of fights between allies and children.
As a parent, it is natural to comfort the allies who are suffering and to scold the children who hit others. However, those who are comforted may not be the ones the parents like, and scolding may not be true scolding. It is just a common method used by parents and Xini.
As for why he sent Cao Shuzuo, a lowly official, to come to Zi, Gu Yong couldn't figure it out, but Guo Jia thought it was very simple. Sending condolences to appease Cao Cao is a good thing to win over people, and the officials in the state capital will definitely rush to go. And scolding Yuan Xi is an offense, so who is willing to do it?
What's more, the young master Yuan Xi is the military commander of a state. He has soldiers and generals in his hands. Even Cao Cao dares to beat someone. What else can he not dare to do in Qingzhou? No one in the state capital wanted to do this job, so Gao Rou, a lowly official who was familiar with Yuan Xi, was sent.
The officials of the prefecture are afraid of the young master Yuan Xi, which reflects that Yuan Xi's status in the hearts of everyone has risen, which is a good thing. Moreover, Gao Rou's arrival shows that Yuan Shao still faces Yuan Xi. After all, the family does not speak the same language.
Cao Gaorou, the bookkeeper sent by the state government to reprimand Yuan Xi, arrived. This brother-in-law Gao Rou had a square face, thick eyebrows, and slender eyes. When Yuan Xi saw him, he frowned and thought about his father Yuan Shao's intentions before he spoke.
Gao Rou noticed this and was the first to speak: "I haven't seen you for a long time. It seems that I am an unpopular person."
Yuan Xi quickly apologized and said with a smile: "No, Master Gao is a special commission from my father. I welcome you."
"If Yuan Qingzhou doesn't despise me for having a low official position, then he despises me for having a foreign surname."
Yuan Xi slapped his forehead. "Oh, let me tell you! Mr. Gao, don't blame me. Yuan Xi was not rude. He was just thinking about something just now. He didn't mean to neglect Brother Wen Hui. Don't blame me. Don't blame me."
"Yes, I am related to Xian Yi, and that is why I took the initiative to take this offending job to see Yuan Qingzhou." Gao Rou was neither humble nor overbearing, showing her closeness.
Yuan Xi quickly ordered a banquet with wine. "Master Gao, did Yuan Jizhou reprimand Yuan Xi first and then drank, or did he drink and reprimand at the same time?" Everyone laughed in unison.
... Gao Rou was a little surprised by Yuan Xi's warm reception, but of course she was also very happy. This brother-in-law was not mistaken. Gao Rou has a bold personality and is good at drinking. She is very happy at the banquet. Yuan Xi served several rounds of wine, pretended to be serious, and said: "Please reprimand me, Master Gao."
Gao Rou laughed loudly, her slender eyes bent downwards, and said with a smile: "If Yuan Jizhou really wants to reprimand Xian Yi, why not send a messenger and a brief official document to summon Xian Yi to Yecheng to reprimand him face to face?" Yuan Xi Looking at Guo Jia, it was as expected.
Gao Rou continued: "Since Yuan Jizhou sent a lowly official like me here, the 'reprimand' is just for show!" Yuan Xi's lips curled up.
Although this cousin Gao Rou has a low status, his knowledge is not inferior to that of Gu Yong. He is a talent! This is his eldest grandson Wuji. He immediately wanted to recruit him. He picked up the wine bottle and said, "Brother Wenhui, is Xi able to see the Dharma now? I have an unkind request. I would like to write to my father. Is it okay?"
Since Gao Rou took the initiative to apply for this seemingly unlucky job, in addition to not being recognized for her talent and not being reused in the Prefectural Mufu, she was also optimistic about Yuan Xi's brother-in-law and recognized Yuan Xi's actions.
He stood up immediately and saluted as an official: "Gao Rou is willing to do the work of dogs and horses." His eldest grandson Wuji entered the urn.
Speaking of New Year's gifts, Yuan Xi felt that he should also consider New Year's gifts. Giving gifts during the New Year is a Chinese tradition. As the governor of a state, it is inevitable to give gifts. The gifts given to his brothers were all carefully selected with the help of Mrs. Yuan Xi, Gao Yue.
Nobleness is secondary, and mind is the most important. Gu Yong had been asked to prepare the gifts in advance for the superior officials in Yecheng. Only Yuan Xi was troubled by what kind of gift his father Yuan Shao would prepare. Yuan Xi is not short of money now, and has seized a lot of money from the Yellow Turban's lair.
As a subordinate and a father and son, it is normal to give gifts to Yuan Shao. However, Gu Yong reminded Yuan Xi whether giving gifts to Yuan Jizhou would violate taboos and cause side effects. Gu Yong's reminder seems to make sense.
In his previous life, Yuan Xi only had courtesy exchanges with his brothers, and had never dealt with leaders, let alone giving gifts to Zhou Mu, a high-ranking official at the provincial or ministerial level.
After thinking about it, he temporarily put aside the gift to his father Yuan Shao. Yuan Xi thought of another person, his brother-in-law Gao Rou. Gao Rou was about to return to Yecheng, but he had not left yet.
After preparing some good wine and a thick and warm fur cloak, Yuan Xi went to see his brother-in-law Gao Rou. Gao Rou was not surprised to see Yuan Xi.
Because he was Yuan Xi's brother-in-law in private and Yuan Shao in public. Although his position was low, he was a close minister. It would be strange if Yuan Xi didn't come to visit. Gao Rou didn't make any special remarks about the gift from Yuan Xi, but just accepted it without any courtesy.
Yuan Xi doesn't care about this. Looking at the environment in the house, it is relatively clean, but the bamboo slips are piled a bit messy. "Brother Wen Hui, are you comfortable living here?"
"Thanks to Xianyi. It's delicious, delicious, and comfortable. The most important thing..." Gao Rou smiled.
Yuan Xi was amused by him. "In this case, I am kind to you and ask you a question. I hope that the eldest brother will answer truthfully." "Please tell me." Yuan Xi replied happily, "Isn't it the festival soon? What should the eldest brother Xianyi prepare? Please. Big brother teaches me."
Gao Rou leaned over and whispered: "Does Xianyi have any scruples about giving gifts to Yuan Jizhou because he is an official?"
Without waiting for Yuan Xi to answer, Gao Rou continued as if talking to himself: "If you don't give gifts, how do you know whether they will accept them or not? Just like Xian Yi came to see me today and brought fine wine and furs. , I am so happy! Besides, Xianyi, you still have a father-son relationship, this is filial piety."
In the Eastern Han Dynasty, filial piety was very important, such as Xu Shu and Tai Shici.
So Yuan Xi knew what to do and left with carefully selected gifts. There are treasures seized from the Yellow Turbans, as well as fine furs, medicinal materials and Linzi brocade bought from Hu merchants. Needless to say the cost of two large boxes. Gao Rou followed Gu Yong to escort the gifts to Yecheng.
When his father Yuan Shao saw the gift list, he was angry! Yuan Xi was scolded with both voice and look. However, he did not ask Yuan Xi to take the things back. He just got angry and said something that would not be the same again. Yuan Xi knew he had done the right thing.
When Gu Yong returned from Yecheng, he brought a batch of Zi Zhong from Yuan Shao to Yuan Xi.
The long and severe winter has finally passed. Although the spring cold is still there from time to time, the whiteness has receded and the spring green has returned to the world.
Wu County, the head of the thirteen counties in Wu County, is the administrative seat of Wu County.
In the city, in the grand hall of the Wujun Prefecture, the prefect Sheng Xian, about forty years old, wearing official robes, with a serious face and a majestic look, was sitting at the head of the table. Xu Gong, the captain of Wujun, and Gaodai, the prime minister of Wujun, were sitting on their knees. Kneel and sit on both sides.
There were more than a dozen officials from the Prefecture sitting on their knees under the two of them, civilized and military, arranged in two rows. At this moment, the atmosphere in the lobby was a bit depressing.
Everyone knew that Sun Jian had led his army back to Jiangdong and was stationed in Qu'a. It would take only a few days to reach Wu County.
"Everyone, Sun Jian's troops have arrived at Qu'a, and now they are pointing directly at Wuxian County, with tens of thousands of elite soldiers and horses. What should we do?" Sheng Xian raised his head, stared at everyone, and asked.
Sheng Xian, also known as Xiaozhang, was born in Kuaiji. He was promoted as Xiaolian in his early years. He served as the minister of the imperial court and later as the prefect of Wu County. He was knowledgeable and talented, and had the ability to govern the local area, but his character was a bit cowardly and he was not good at leading troops.
Now all the soldiers and horses of Wu County are under the command of Captain Xu Gong.
"Lord Sheriff, Sun Jian launched troops against Wu County without the order of the imperial court. This is a thief. We are still officials of Wu County appointed by the imperial court. We should defend Wu County to the death. He must not be allowed to enter Wu County." Xu Gong put his hands in his hands. He arched his head and said coldly.
Xu Gong was always ambitious. After he was appointed as the captain of Wu Commandery, he kept oppressing Sheng Xian and wanted to seize the position of governor. Unfortunately, although Sheng Xian did not control the military power, he could suppress him with the help of the governor Gao Dai. As the magistrate of Wu County, he controlled the civil affairs and financial power.
He knew very well that he could still suppress Sheng Xian, but if Sun Jian returned to Jiangdong, he would never be able to suppress this tiger. Therefore, when Sun Ce returned, he began to jump up and down, contact the noble families, and force Sheng Xian. Xian, resisting the return of the Sun family.
But Sun Ce was stronger than he thought, and actually directly destroyed the Quashu family who had always supported him. This caught him off guard and made him even more determined to resist the Sun family's entry into Wu County.
"My lord, I think it may not be a bad thing for General Polu to be stationed in Wu County!" Gao Dai, the chief minister of Wu County, stood up, cupped his hands, and said in a low voice: "Nowadays, our land in Wu County is in chaos, and powerful people from all over the country are fighting. There was chaos, mountain bandits and water thieves were entrenched in various places, and the people were miserable. General Polu was known as a chivalrous man, and he was also a member of our Wu County. He was famous all over the world for defeating the Dong thieves. He was a first-class hero, and his subordinates The soldiers and horses are also top-notch elite divisions, and they will definitely be able to put an end to the chaos in Wu County and ensure stability in Jiangdong!"
"Master Taishou, we second the proposal!" Seven or eight officials stood up at the same time and said in agreement.
Sun Jian himself was born in Wu County. The Sun family has been officials in Wu for generations. He has also served as the captain of Wu County, the county commander and other positions. He has a deep foundation in Wu County and a great reputation. His return will be a great success for many people. All a good thing.
"That's nonsense!" Xu Gong's eyes widened, he stared at Gao Dai, and said murderously: "Do you want to rebel against the imperial court? His Sun Wentai has no name in the imperial court. If he returns to Jiangdong, he disrespects the imperial court's orders and is a treacherous minister. A thief too."
Now this was the only thing that could prevent Sun Jian from entering Wu Commandery, and Xu Gong firmly grasped this point.
"Now the imperial court is under the control of Li Que, Guo Si and others. This is a matter known to the world. Why appoint him?" Gao Dai has a strong character and is not afraid at all. He said: "General Polu is from Wujun. Return to Wujun." , it’s only natural!”
"Okay, don't make any noise!"
Sheng Xian had always had a gentle personality, but for a rare occasion he became tough. He growled and said, "The prefect has his own consideration on this matter, so please retreat first!"
"No!" After all, the prefect was the highest official in Wu County. Sheng Xian was angry and everyone was shocked. They nodded immediately and exited the hall. Although Xu Gong was helpless, he did not dare to continue to oppress Sheng Xian.
Yecheng Prefecture Mufu.
With the help of Mrs. Liu and her maid, Yuan Shao put on a new brocade robe. Mrs. Liu gave Yuan Shao another martial arts crown.
Yuan Shao looked at the heroic figure in the bronze mirror and couldn't help but nodded with satisfaction.
Mrs. Liu smiled and said: "Looking at how filial Xianyi is, he specially sent someone from Qingzhou to deliver the best Linzi Brocade."
Yuan Shao patted Madam Liu's catkins and said, "I understand, I won't let Xian Yi suffer. Madam, please rest assured."
Yuan Shao left the room with a smile and came to the meeting hall.
Because it was the first major meeting in spring, in addition to the generals guarding key areas, all civil and military personnel were present. Even the two brothers Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang were summoned.
Xun Chen, Ju Shou, Guo Tu, Xin Ping, Xin Pi, Xu You, Feng Ji, Shen Pei and others knelt down and sat on the left side in turn.
Chunyu Qiong, Yan Liang, Wen Chou, Gao Lan, Han Meng, Jiang Qi, Zhu Ling and other generals are all kneeling and sitting on the right.
Yuan Shao looked at the civil and military people in the hall and was very satisfied with his achievements in Jizhou for more than two years. "Everyone, after taking control of Jizhou, our army defeated Gongsun Zan repeatedly in the north and occupied Qingzhou in the south. Of course, all of this is indispensable for you. Now that our army's armor reserves have begun to bear fruit, and we are about to defeat Gongsun Zan in one fell swoop, do you have any good suggestions?"
Jushou felt something was wrong. He still had a good view of the overall situation. In addition to looking at Gongsun Zan, he also observed the movements of other powerful men. "My lord, please do not attack Youzhou lightly. In my opinion, the time has not yet come."
Yuan Shao's confidence was inflated by last year's series of victories, and he felt disappointed when Jushui disrupted the situation. "Gongyu, please tell me why the opportunity has not come. When will the opportunity come?"
"My lord, have you forgotten that at the end of last year, Cao Mengde threatened to attack Xuzhou to avenge his father?"
Yuan Shao said: "This is Cao Mengde's matter. I have agreed to let Xianyi send troops to assist him."
Guo Tu speculated on Yuan Shao's thoughts and said: "Yes, what does this matter have to do with my army's expedition to Youzhou Gongsun Zan?"
"Why not? Cao Cao is eager to avenge his father, but don't forget, my lord, Yuan Jiujiu's army of hundreds of thousands is stationed in Shouchun. If Yanzhou is occupied by Yuan Jiujiu, our army will be in a situation where Gongsun Zan and Yuan Jiujiu are attacking!"
Guo Tu, Xu You and others had to admit that Ju was right. Many heroes joined Yuan Shu, and he occupied the largest and richest counties at the time, such as Nanyang and Runan. More than 100,000 soldiers were recruited, and their power spread across Yuzhou and Yangzhou.
Since Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu were at odds with each other, he always wanted to go north to attack Yuan Shao. It can be said that Yuan Shu was a bigger enemy than Gongsun Zan at this time, because Yuan Shu was not alone. He was followed by many direct descendants of the Yuan family and many forces behind him.
Yuan Shao was also very afraid of this cousin. After all, Yuan Shu was the legitimate son of the Yuan family, so he asked, "Is it possible that we will send troops to Yanzhou to help Cao Mengde resist Yuan Shu?"
"It is not appropriate for our army to attack Youzhou now. It is better to take a defensive stance. Let General Ju Yi continue to garrison Zhongshan and Hejian to guard against Gongsun Zan, and then send troops to garrison Qinghe and Weijun to guard against changes in Yanzhou. If Cao Cao can resist Yuan Gongluo , our army will stay put. If Cao Cao is defeated, it will not be too late to send troops to help. In addition, the major general can wait for an opportunity to attack Xuzhou and help Cao Cao." General Jushou gradually explained the deployment.
This deployment has no special characteristics, it is just to divide the troops for defense. Yuan Shao saw that the others had no objections, so he agreed to Ju Shou's suggestion.
"Report! General Ju Yi sent someone to report urgently." The herald handed over a military report.
Yuan Shao opened it and took a look. Anger immediately surged into his face and he said, "It's Gongsun Zan! General Ju Yi said that Gongsun Zan mobilized cavalry to harass Hejian and Zhongshan counties, making it impossible to carry out spring planting in the two areas."
"Report! The governor of Changshan Kingdom is here to report urgently!" Another herald handed over the military report.
Yuan Shao quickly opened it and looked at it, his face was ashen and he said: "It's a Black Mountain bandit! The Black Mountain Bandit Kouluo is harassing me in the Changshan area."
Everyone was surprised. The Black Mountain bandits and Gongsun Zan seemed to have agreed to come together. Yuan Shao just wanted to attack Gongsun Zan, but before he could make plans, they already attacked his house. This was a huge blow to Yuan Shaojun.
Gongsun Zan and the Black Mountain bandits are not based on the land, so they don't need to be busy with spring planting. However, spring planting has been delayed in various places in Jizhou. The harvest will be greatly reduced, and there will be less grain and materials in hoards. Not to mention supporting the army's expedition, a serious famine is not impossible.
Xu You exclaimed and said in surprise: "It seems like someone is plotting against us!"
Yuan Shao then thought about it and became even more angry, "Yuan Gongli!"
"Now you can send your generals to lead troops to help various places, and make sure to ensure spring planting." Jushu said.
Yuan Shao took out the order to mobilize troops, "Generals Yan Liang, Wen Chou, Gao Lan, Han Meng, Jiang Qi, and Zhu Ling obey the order!"
"promise!"
■■■
In the living room, Diao Xiuer took a set of linen Tsing Yi and put it on Yuan Xi, then gently tied her hair with a blue tie.
Tang Ji also smiled sweetly and said: "You look like a farmer now."
Yuan Xi shook his head. There was a ceremony to welcome the spring at the beginning of spring in the Han Dynasty. Officials in the prefectures and counties had to wear green hats on their heads, set up green flags, and place cattle and people made of soil outside the government offices. This is used to tell the people that the beginning of spring is here and to urge them to plant seeds in the spring.
As the highest official in Qingzhou, Yuan Xi had to host Spring Festival activities. Yuan Xi comforted the girls and said, "When the Spring Festival sacrifices come back, I will take you and Zhao Ji for an outing in the outskirts of Linzi."
Gao Yue smoothed out a wrinkle on Yuan Xi's linen clothes and said, "Did you know that this dress was sewn by Sister Xiu'er and Sister Zhaoji together?"
Yuan Xi's heart suddenly suddenly flashed in his mind. Gao Yueming knew that he shouldn't force anything, but he still felt sad.
Yuan Xi hugged Gao Yue's slender waist and said, "I have sent someone to pick up Zhao Ji. You guys wait for my return."
After saying goodbye to Gao Yue, he came to the main entrance of the Governor's Mansion. Zhu Gongdao, who was on the guard side, said happily: "My lord, Zhong Kang is back. He just went into the inner room to change clothes."
Yuan Xi's heartbeat quickened and he asked Zhu Gongdao to wait while he entered Xu Chu's residence in the governor's mansion.
After not seeing each other for more than a month, Xu Chu looked a lot more haggard, but his ugly and fierce temperament was still there. "My lord, the matter has been completed without leaving any traces." Then he reported to Yuan Xi the details of what he had done along the way. listen.
Yuan Xi took a deep breath, paused and said, "Well done, the Tiger Guard soldiers must keep their mouths tightly sealed, and the goods they brought back should be immediately sealed in the warehouse and exchanged for money and silk to distribute to the soldiers."
In November, Zhu Ao, who had taken root in Yanzhou, got the news that Cao Song was coming to Yanzhou. Yuan Xi was afraid that changes in history would allow Cao Song to arrive safely, so he secretly passed the news to the original general Quexuan. There is also a special emphasis on the numerous possessions.
Unexpectedly, the rebels did not kill Cao Song and his family. Fortunately, he asked Xu Chu to take the tiger guards to monitor the situation and left Cao Song and his family in Fei State.
Xu Chu nodded and said, "Everything has been done as the Lord said. Those things buried in Mengshan must wait for the opportunity to be taken out."
Yuan Xi asked his confidant butler Yuan He to assist in handling the treasury matters, and he took Xu Chu and Zhu Gongdao Huwei to the outskirts to participate in the Spring Festival ceremony.
Accompanied by civil servants such as Tian Feng, Guo Jia, Guo Yuan and Gu Yong, Yuan Xi came to the outskirts of Linzi with representatives of large and small officials in the state.
In the distance, several boys in Tsing Yi ran up to Yuan Xi and others in the field. Yuan Xi led a group of officials to bow to the boy in green.
This boy in green clothes symbolizes the messenger of spring sent by the gods. Then they offer sacrifices to the gods and pray for good weather.
After all the ceremonies were completed, Yuan Xi took a few close clergymen, surrounded by tiger guards, and walked out into the countryside.
Yuan Xi asked Tian Feng and Guoyuan about the resettlement of people's livelihood with great concern.
Tian Feng worriedly said: "The last grain allocated by Jizhou is already on the way. The winter wheat will be harvested in some time, but the total can only be used until June and July this year. I am afraid that there will be a shortage of grain a month before the autumn harvest. Moreover, the grain in the middle cannot support any external actions of our army."
Yuan Xi thought of what Guan Zhong said in history about the benefits of fish and salt when he was governing Qi State, so he asked, "In the coastal waters of Donglai, are military households organized to fish and boil salt?"
"Young master said before that Donglai County has organized salt boiling and fishing in spring. Abandoned mines in various parts of Qingzhou have also organized manpower to mine and smelt iron. In a few months, Qingzhou will be able to supply a state's ironware expenses. "Guoyuan replied.
Yuan Xi knew that military and civilian settlements had begun, and as long as they waited until the autumn harvest, the predicament would be initially overcome. So he said, "Father has sent an order, asking us to wait for an opportunity to send troops to help Cao Cao to relieve Yuan Shu's pressure."
Tian Feng wondered: "In this case, we can only take food from the enemy. If the battle goes against us during the battle, the situation will be very dangerous."
"Xuzhou is rich, so it is not necessary to support war with war." Yuan Xi said.
Guo Jia smiled. Now Yuan Xi allowed Guo Jia to involve some of his teacher Zhang Hong's secret guard system, so he knew Yuan Xi's plan clearly. "Cao Cao's attack on Xuzhou may not be all for revenge. I don't believe he didn't annex it." The heart of Xuzhou. Speaking of which, Xuzhou is not only rich in money and food, but also has many people fleeing from Guanzhong."
Tian Feng sighed and said, "It turns out that the young master had planned to collect grain from Xuzhou early in the morning, but he suffered a lot for the soldiers and people of Xuzhou." He also knew that this approach was understandable in the battle, but he was somewhat reluctant to touch it.
Yuan Xi looked slightly cold. It was difficult for him to swallow Xuzhou, but he would not give it to Cao Cao and others for free.
