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Han Dynasty, June of the fifth year of Chuping (194).
Yuan Xi, who had arranged the transportation of money, grain and baggage, quickly returned to Linzi with Xu Chu and other personal guards. Tian Feng, Guoyuan and other civil servants were also urgently summoned to the governor's office to report to Yuan Xi on various government affairs.
Tian Feng first handed Jizhou's urgent document to Yuan Xi to read, and then said, "The war in Jizhou is tense. Zhang Yan and Gongsun Zan are attacking from both sides, making it impossible for our Jizhou army to look after each other!"
Tian Feng took a breath and continued, "In the short term, the war situation in Jizhou will not get worse, but now the three parties have entered a confrontation situation, and they are in urgent need of a new force to break the current deadlock. The wheat is being harvested, and I have already Mobilize grain and fodder from various places and wait for the return of the army from Xuzhou."
Yuan Xi read the emergency document over and over again, then handed it to Guo Jia and asked, "Fengxiao, please see how to deal with it. And how should I deal with it?"
After Guo Jia took the document, he thought about it slowly, while Yuan Xi asked Tian Feng and Guoyuan about Qingzhou's government affairs.
"You are all the confidants of my father and I in Qingzhou. I would like to ask you to clarify my doubts about the current government affairs." Yuan Xi glanced at the people sitting and said.
Now in terms of civil affairs, it is Guoyuan who is in charge. He replied aloud: "Sir, at the beginning of this year, the military households of Qingzhou soldiers were basically resettled. The sowing matters were also very smooth. Now the wheat is being harvested, salt boiling, fishing, Weaving, mining, smelting and other matters are also proceeding in an orderly manner!"
"How is the resettlement of the villagers who moved from Langya three places?"
Guoyuan replied: "There are many refugees from Qingzhou in Xubei. As many as one-third of the Qingzhou villagers who moved back this time are considered to have returned to their hometown. There are also many refugees from other prefectures and counties, and they have all been resettled. Down."
Tian Feng frowned and said bluntly, "Sir, I'm sorry to say this bluntly, but your intention of relocating the villagers to enrich Qingzhou's population is good, but have you ever thought about what the scholars in the world would think if you robbed the people of those big noble clans? you?"
"Sir, you are too worried. I have thought about this matter myself. Even if I can't wait to attack Xuzhou, won't the aristocratic families in Xuzhou support Tao Qian against my Yuan family? This move is to let the aristocratic families in the world know, Those who support us, the Qingzhou Army can protect their interests. Those who are hostile to us, the Qingzhou Army can deprive them of everything. Including their lives!" Yuan Xi said indifferently.
Tian Feng and Guoyuan had mixed thoughts in their hearts, but they said nothing. Facing such a powerful Yuan Xi, they had no choice.
Guo Jia read the document carefully. He pondered for a long time and asked tentatively: "Young master, do you mean to postpone sending troops?"
Yuan Xi nodded noncommittally.
Gu Yong came out of the queue and looked around for a moment, then said loudly: "Sir, I think that based on the current situation in Qingzhou, it is not suitable to get involved in the disputes between Jizhou, Youzhou and Heishan."
Although Yuan Xi's documents from Jizhou were not made public, he could still guess that Gu Yong was in favor of not sending troops for the time being, and he seconded Yuan Xi's idea.
Tian Feng stood up and said angrily: "Master, what do you mean? Jizhou is waiting for our army to save the defeat. How can we just ignore it? If your father is in a hurry, why not not save him?"
Yuan Xi stepped forward to support Tian Feng, asked him to sit down, and explained, "Sir, don't be anxious, just listen to me. The war situation in Jizhou has now reached a delicate balance, and our army will definitely turn the situation around. However, the Qingzhou soldiers have been fighting for three months, and the soldiers are tired. How can we fight again without rest and recuperation?"
Guo Jia also helped: "The safety of our army is small, but the harm to friendly forces is big. Master also wants to take a rest. It is not right to defeat Zhang Yan and Gongsun Zan immediately as soon as they appear. Sir, please do not lose the big because of small things."
Gu Yong also echoed, "Qingzhou has been newly established for less than a year, and the people have not yet followed it. It is unwise to use weapons rashly at this time, and this is not allowed. The composition of the Qingzhou New Army is complex. In addition to the Qingzhou Army, there are also the Yellow Turban Surrender Army and local organizations. The rebels and the soldiers of the aristocratic families were enemies of each other just now. The soldiers did not cooperate with each other tacitly, the generals were not familiar with each other, and they were not yet familiar with the training of battle formations. These two things are not the same; Qingzhou, an important border defense area, That is to guard against Tao Qian and Cao Cao, and to defend the flanks of Hebei. The important border defense areas must not be touched lightly. These three cannot be done. The military and civilian villages in Qingzhou have just settled down. If we prepare for war with all our strength at this time, the achievements of the previous period will be in vain. There are four impossibilities. If there are these four impossibilities, my subordinates think that Qingzhou cannot send troops yet."
"Yes." Yuan Xi glanced at Gu Yong with satisfaction. Yuan Xi was noncommittal and looked at others, wanting to hear their opinions.
Although everyone initially suspected that Yuan Xi did not intend to rescue Jizhou, in fact, Tao also wrongly blamed him. Emperor Xuanwu of Taizong, Yuan Xi, was not like Song Gaozong Zhao Gou, nor was he a crown prince who was treated harshly like Emperor Xuanzong of Tang Dynasty Li Heng. Fathers Yuan Shao and Yuan Xi are quite emotional.
Tian Feng was silent for a while, the so-called concern is chaos. He heard the news of the fall of Yecheng, Wei County, and because the situation was unclear, he became confused. After thinking about it, Yuan Shao only sent a document to inform them of the situation, but did not ask them to send troops immediately.
Seeing Tian Feng's expression softening, Guo Jia continued: "But we should still send troops immediately!"
"Fengxiao, what do you say? One moment we send troops, and another moment we don't postpone sending troops! What do you mean?" Tian Feng asked, he expected that there must be a deep meaning in Guo Jia's words.
Guo Jia smiled and said, "The Qingzhou Army is reserved as a weapon to turn the tide of the war, so it must be carefully prepared. But as a son of a human being, how can you sit back and watch when your parents are in trouble? For public and private purposes, the son will naturally send troops. Those who help in the war are private, and the young master is the son of others, and the young master is the minister of others. Now that the emperor is in a hurry, how can he not raise troops to serve the king? Therefore, the young master can take his best cavalry and return to Jizhou first."
Tian Feng had a sudden thought. He understood that filial piety was one aspect, but competing for favors and showing favor was not another aspect. What he was most worried about was that this powerful second son would stir up disputes within the Yuan family. That will greatly weaken Jizhou's strength.
But now, among the high-level civil servants in Jizhou, except for Jushou and Xunchen, no one has expressed their position. The Xin family and Guo Tu were on Yuan Tan's side. Shen Pei, Feng Ji, and Xu You tended to favor Yuan Xi. Although Tian Feng believed that he strictly adhered to neutrality, he would definitely be regarded as Yuan Xi's party as he served as Qingzhou's assistant. Coupled with Yuan Shao's favor, the position of the boss Yuan Tan's heir is in danger.
Wei Zheng also considered Li Jiancheng in the same way, and Tian Feng also considered it in the same way. However, Tian Feng was neutral at this time. Of course, he thought so himself. It is unknown what others thought. After all, he was in the middle of the game and could not help himself. Isn't it?
Yuan Xi smiled and just signaled to the maid. After serving the sobering tea, he stopped talking and was still waiting for others to speak. After a while, Yuan Xi looked at Gu Yong and asked, "Yuantan, what do you think of the current situation? Tell me your opinion."
Seeing Yuan Xi asking about himself, Gu Yongsui bowed his hand and said: "Sir, after analysis by Military Advisor Guo, in Yuan Tan's humble opinion, it is both possible and impossible to send troops to Qingzhou. The reason for not sending troops is because of the strength of the chariot and cavalry generals. It is strong. In Jizhou alone, there are more than 100,000 elite soldiers. They are all chariot and cavalry generals who have been gathered for several years. , has not yet formed a fighting force, and I think Yuan Gong is very decisive, so naturally he will not ask too much from the Qingzhou Army; however, as the military advisor and Tian Gong said, Yu Gong and Private Lord will naturally send troops to assist in the battle."
Seeing that the others were silent and just nodded slightly, Yuan Xi said in a deep voice: "Tomorrow, Yuan Tan will send out a message to all counties in Qingzhou. Mr. Yuan Hao and Mr. Zini will fully preside over this matter, and the officials of the General's Office will fully cooperate. I Send a letter to my father, and the other generals will be ready to go to war immediately."
"Nuo" "Nuo" "Nuo"......
Yuan Xi asked everyone to go down and prepare. After all the cavalry returned to Qingzhou, they could take a short rest before setting off.
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As soon as Yuan Xi returned to the courtyard of the main room, he saw the charming Diao Xiuer, the elegant orchid Cai Yan, the gentle and generous Gao Yue and the elegant Tang Ji.
Yuan Xi felt relieved. He was fighting outside, but there were still people here who were always concerned about him. Isn't this a kind of happiness? Perhaps because his tense heart was relaxing, he felt tired again.
Without much words, Gao Yue welcomed Yuan Xi into the back room, and Diao Xiuer immediately served preserved fruit dessert. Serving Yuan Xi, he took off his war robe and put on his regular clothes.
Gao Yue's eyes were slightly red, and she reproached, "You have been on the expedition for several months. Fortunately, Xiu'er, Tang Ji and Zhao Ji are with you every day."
Yuan Xi nodded gratefully to Cai Yan, "Thank you very much, Zhaoji. I wonder what the teacher told me, how is the compilation of historical records going? I am busy with military and political affairs, so I really can't help you much."
"Thanks to the young master's introduction, I was able to get to know Master Zheng, Mr. Guan, and Mr. Bing. Zhaoji learned a lot from them, but compiling historical books may not be accomplished in a day." Cai Yan also expressed gratitude.
Yuan Xi looked at the frail and haggard Gao Yue again, and said apologetically: "It's really hard for you to leave you here alone. I have to take care of the things at home. I can ask Xiu'er and Tang Ji to help you share the burden, but I can't get through it." I will go to Hebei in a few days."
Gao Yue's face was pale and she couldn't hide her disappointment, but she forced a smile and said: "A man puts his great career first, so you don't need to worry about me. When my husband goes out to fight, you need to be careful at all times."
Looking at Yuan Xi and Gao Yue who were deeply in love with each other, Cai Yan felt unspeakably complicated. She said a few more words and left the Governor's Mansion.
Looking at Cai Yan's lonely back, Gao Yue thoughtfully asked, "Husband, how do you want to arrange for Sister Cai?"
Yuan Xi was stunned and did not answer. In addition to the Gao Yue given by Yuan Shao for the wedding, he can marry as many women as he wants. If he conquers the world in the future, there will be no taboos. But Cai Yan was different from other women. She was a Confucian scholar and a widow, so it would take some trouble for her to get married. Although it has something to do with myself.
Gao Yue thought he was hesitant and continued: "Sister Cai is very miserable. Even though she is indifferent, elegant and leisurely on weekdays. She only sheds tears quietly when she falls asleep at night. Anyone with a discerning eye can see Sister Cai's feelings for you. , you have to treat her well."
Yuan Xi felt a lot. He hugged Gao Yue tightly and sighed, "It's rare that you are so virtuous and considerate of her at all times. After the wedding, I will ask the elders with high moral standards to propose marriage."
Gao Yue smiled, but she felt uncomfortable in her heart. Why did she want to share Yuan Xi with others? But the reality was cruel. Yuan Xi's marriage to the Zhen family was a foregone conclusion. There was news from Xuzhou about his marriage to the Mi family. She was also under great pressure.
In this social atmosphere, Gao Yue knew that what Yuan Xi did was understandable. But compared to the famous Zhen family and Mi family, she needs to plan ahead to win over her own power.
Cai Yan, Diao Xiuer and Tang Ji will eventually be accepted by Yuan Xi. They are the ones she wants to win over. Her generosity will make Yuan Xi get closer to her. Gao Yue thought about it and suddenly laughed again. In fact, she was just a little worried now, but it was more fulfilling than in Luoyang. To be honest, compared with her previous fantasy of married life, she was generally very satisfied.
Men like Yuan Xi are really rare in this era. It's a blessing to have a husband like this.
They haven't had sex for so long, and they don't know if Yuan Xi will be shameless and ask her to go to his room at night. Gao Yue reaches out and touches her hot cheeks. Well, it's so embarrassing. If her husband insists on going by herself, then Just go, it’s not once or twice anyway.
The most important thing is that Gao Yue really misses Yuan Xi. By the way, I must settle the score with him tonight.
As soon as Yuan Xi fell asleep this time, he slept until most of the night without even getting up to eat at night.
At night, he woke up from thirst and smacked his lips. Yuan Xi touched a warm and soft body.
Just when he was about to try again to see who it was, there was a murmur in his ears, and then he grabbed it with the back of his hand.
It turned out to be Diao Xiuer.
Yuan Xi took a deep breath, sat up from the bed, and when he turned around to get out of bed, his arm touched another warm body.
He looked down and shook his head helplessly. Unexpectedly, Gao Yue was also crowded here. He remembered that he did not go to Gao Yue. Unexpectedly, I didn't bother to come over when I went to look for her on weekdays. Now that I didn't go to look for her, she took the initiative and squeezed into bed.
Yuan Xi was so amused that she lowered her head and kissed her on the face.
Gao Yue frowned, stretched out her hand to rub her face, and Yuan Xi held her arm. Gao Yue was suddenly awakened.
He opened his eyes, looked at him for a while, then pushed him hard and hummed: "You still know how to wake up?"
Yuan Xi laughed and said, "I'm a little thirsty. I want to go down and get some water to drink." He looked at her with a gesture.
Gao Yue turned her head to the side and pouted: "Go by yourself."
When it was dawn the next morning, Yuan Xi just opened his eyes, stretched out his hand and found that the two women were no longer on the bed.
He shook his aching body and sighed softly. He was young after all. It was funny to him. She was his own woman. It had been so long and she was still so excited, just like Brother Chu.
After getting dressed and getting up, Yuan Xi estimated that Gao Yue and Diao Xiuer had gone to make breakfast for them early.
He walked out of the house and asked Lu Zhu, who was waiting for him outside, "Where are the ladies?"
"Back to you, sir," Luzhu said respectfully, "the two ladies went to the kitchen early, saying they wanted to prepare you something delicious to eat on the way."
Yuan Xi shook his head, washed up quickly, looked at the reluctance in the little girl's green eyes, walked up and kissed her on the snow-white cheek, and said with a smile: "I took good care of the two ladies when I was away. You also help Wu Guo and Xiu'er manage the affairs here, do you understand?"
"The slave family knows." Luzhuqiao's face turned slightly red and she lowered her head shyly. What girl wouldn't be pregnant, let alone Yuan Xi, the second son of the Yuan family who was famous all over the world.
Not long after Gao Yue came over, Yuan Xi said that she would be his woman from now on. However, as the number of women in the house increased one after another, Yuan Xi never talked to her intimately again. Today she finally seized the opportunity and came to serve Yuan Xi alone. As expected, the young master mentioned the past things again, which immediately calmed her hesitant mood.
Yuan Xi actually didn't think that much. The little girl Luzhu was capable, gentle and beautiful. He just wanted to let her take care of Gao Yue and be his maid. As for marrying a concubine, it was just a matter of convenience. Just a matter.
But thinking about it, Lu Zhu just wanted this promise. As for being a maid or a concubine, it actually didn't make much difference to her.
lobby.
"Husband, sister and the others are all in the front hall, and the food is ready." Tang Ji promptly reminded Yuan Xi from behind.
Yuan Xi looked back at her deeply, nodded, turned around and continued walking forward.
When he was about to reach the front hall, Yuan Xi stopped slightly, and Tang Ji bumped into him without noticing.
"Husband, I..." Tang Ji felt panicked and quickly knelt down to admit her mistake.
Yuan Xi grabbed her kneeling position in time, looked at her doubtfully and said, "Have Wu Gu and the others done anything to you recently?"
"Ah," Tang Ji quickly looked up at him, shook her head blankly and said, "No, madam, they have always been very good to me."
"Oh," Yuan Xi thought for a while, shook his head, and said to her: "After entering the house, you will be more helpful in everything. You should take the initiative to report big things to Wu Gu, and you can handle small things by yourself. manage."
"Yes, husband, I understand." Tang Ji responded obediently.
Yuan Xi let out a long breath and walked into the hall with his hands behind his back. For a moment, his mind was recalling the scene when Luoyang first met Tang Ji.
This woman is actually quite extraordinary. I hope she can help Wu Gu well, otherwise he will have to beat her up in the future. After all, a woman who is too scheming has to be disciplined.
After Yuan Xi had dinner with the girls, he stayed alone in the study all afternoon.
The sky gradually darkened, and when she saw Yuan Xi approaching, Gao Yue took Yuan Xi's arm and welcomed her into the mansion.
Yuan Xi grasped Gao Yue's hand and said softly: "After Wu Gu entered the Yuan Mansion, the affairs of those literati and elegant people have been reduced a lot. Now that I hear that you and Zhao Ji often play the piano so late, I suddenly feel that I was just arty before. generation."
Gao Yue was originally in a depressed mood, but after hearing what he said, she immediately became happy and said angrily: "You are deliberately making me happy, right? You are stupidly watching Xiu'er, Tang Ji and the others playing around every day, and you don't even have any books. Just because you saw it, it doesn’t mean that Zhao Ji and I are like this. I think it’s your nature. In the past, you only pretended to be a scholar because you had some invisible purpose. Now that your purpose has been achieved, the fox’s tail is exposed.”
Yuan Xi laughed loudly, and Gao Yue quickly covered his mouth and whispered: "Zhaoji hates other people making noises. How many times have they said something to you?"
Seeing that there was no one around, Yuan Xi pulled her to the corner, then squatted down and said, "Come on, Wu Gu, I will carry you on my back."
Gao Yue was stunned for a moment, looked around, then turned back and said softly: "Okay, why are you so crazy?"
"Come up quickly. Do you still remember that when I went to play in the back garden of your house, I carried you all over the yard while you were not paying attention, and was discovered by your father?"
Gao Yue's eyes were sparkling, as if there was a hint of water in them. She glanced left and right, then gently lay on his back, and then hugged his neck tightly with both hands.
Yuan Xi dragged Gao Yue's plump buttocks, lifted them up, and said slowly: "Then your father drove me out of the house with a broom, and then you laughed loudly behind, do you still remember?"
Gao Yue breathed in the intoxicating scent of Yuan Xi and said, seemingly murmuring, "Wugu remembers that my husband was in a panic at that time, but that was the fastest time for Wugu."
Gao Yue has been following Yuan Xi for a while, so she has gained a bit of weight, but she has grown where she should, and overall she is still very light.
Yuan Xi recalled the scene in his mind and said with a smile: "But at that time, when you were willing to let me carry you, I was already convinced in my heart."
Gao Yue knew what he was going to say, but she still asked softly: "What do you believe, husband?"
"I'm sure of you, Wu Guan, you will be my wife for the rest of your life, but I was really stupid at that time, otherwise our child would have been a few years old already."
Gao Yue's face turned red with embarrassment, her teeth slightly exposed, and she bit him gently on the back. When she saw him pretending to cry out in pain, she felt sorry for him, so she couldn't help but rub him again.
