On this day, Cao Shuang specially arranged a task for He Yan, which was to compile a list of officials in each state and county who supported the reform and a list of officials who opposed the reform.
Throughout the Wei Dynasty, there were twelve states: Sili, Yuzhou, Jingzhou, Yangzhou, Yanzhou, Xuzhou, Qingzhou, Bingzhou, Jizhou, Youzhou, Yongzhou, and Liangzhou. Each state had several counties under its jurisdiction. There are a total of ninety-nine governors and county guards in eighty-seven counties in twelve states.
And He Yan still needs to divide these ninety-nine people into two categories: those who support the reform and those who do not support the reform, so this is naturally a very huge task.
He Yan even gathered Deng Yang, Ding Mi, Li Feng, Xu Yun, Yuan Kan, Cui Zan, and old friends from Shangshutai and Shizhong Temple such as He Zeng and Sun Yong to help him. As for Yuan Kan, Yuan Liang, his clan brother, had almost broken off relations with He Yan and Deng Yang in recent years, so He Yan naturally failed to invite him.
As for Sima Fu, Sima Yi's third brother, who had been sidelined for a long time, he did not have any intervention in this matter.
At the call of the chiefs of Shangshutai and Shizhong Temple, they included Ruan Ji, Pei Xiu, Xun Xu, Lu Qin, as well as Wang Hun and Wang Chen, two nephews of Wang Chang, the governor of Jingzhou, as well as Wang Ye and Wang Bi's father and son. The two of them, even Zhuge Dan's father-in-law Zhong Changling, Shi Bao, who is known as the "unparalleled", Xiahou Ba's son-in-law Yang Hu, general manager Lang Wei Guan, and even the young man Zhang Hua who was recently recommended as Dr. Taichang and other Taiwan pavilions and attendants All the talented people in Zhongsi participated in the work of drawing up the list of reformers.
While everyone was busy working, He Yan noticed one of them, a young man who was full of energy, extraordinary bearing, and could basically look at everything without any confusion. Years of election experience made He Yan, who was already familiar with people, keenly aware of the specialness of this young man. He couldn't help but stepped forward and asked the young man:
"I wonder who your family name is and when did you enter Lantai?"
Seeing the superior's question, the young man put down the files and documents he was dealing with and replied loudly, neither humble nor arrogant:
"I am Zhang Hua, a person from Fanyang Fangcheng. I was recommended by Xian Yugong, the governor of Yuyang, a few months ago. I am now Dr. Taichang!"
After hearing this, He Yan nodded, and then asked:
"Is your father the prefect of Shanggu, named Zhang Xiaping? Is your father-in-law the hussar general Junchenghou Liu Ziqi?"
The young man's eyes lit up like stars, he raised his head and replied:
"Exactly!"
At this time, Ruan Ji, who was working at the side, smiled and introduced:
"'The goshawk is hated by the bird of prey, the parrot is clever and enters the cage, the fierce ambition is subdued, and the quiet family is in the ninth level.' I once read Dr. Zhang's Wren poem. Looking at the grace and literary talent of this article, Dr. Zhang is really He has the talent of a king!"
Wang Zuo’s talent!
He Yan was shocked after hearing this comment. You must know that Ruan Ji has always been good at understanding people. The fact that he could give this comment is enough to prove that Zhang Hua is indeed not a creature in the pool.
After everyone had been busy for ten days, they finally succeeded in drawing up a list. He Yan checked it carefully in person, and after confirming that it was correct, he handed the list into Cao Shuang's hands.
After Cao Shuang got the list, he slowly unfolded it and read it carefully:
"The great general respects his example, and the officials who support the reform are as follows:
Sizhou: Sili Xiaowei Bi Gui, Hanoi Prefect Wang Jing, Hongnong Prefecture Sili Xiaowei Meng Kang, Hongnong County Prime Minister Ling Huhua
Yongzhou: Yongliang Dudu supervises the expedition to the west general Changlinghou Xiahou Xuan, the right general Bochang Tinghou Xiahou Ba, the governor of Longxi, and the governor of the north You Chu
Yuzhou: Yuzhou governor, Zhennan general Anyi Hou Guanqiujian, Chenjun prefect Chen Ben, Liang Guoguo Prime Minister Xia Hou Wenning, Yingchuan prefect Liu Ziyuan
Jizhou: Li Xiu, the Grand Administrator of Julu, Ren Li, the Grand Administrator of Qinghe, and Liu Bin, the Grand Administrator of Pingyuan.
Yangzhou: Yangzhou Governor Chariot General Nanxiang Hou Wang Ling, Yangzhou Governor General Zhuge Dan, Anfeng Prefecture General Wang Ji, Lujiang Prefecture Champion General Wen Qin, Huainan Prefecture Ding Zun
Jingzhou: Cui Shu, the governor of Xiangyang, Cui Sui, the governor of Nanyang
Yanzhou: Yanzhou governor Linghu Yu, Biejia Shangu, Zhizhong Yang Kang, Chenliu prefect Xia Houwei, Jiyin prefect Mu Bing
Qingzhou: Lu Jue, the Grand Administrator of Mount Tai, and Xiahou Zhuang, the Grand Administrator of Langya
Xuzhou: Qingxu Governor, Xuzhou Governor, Zhengdong General Guan Neihou Hu Zhi, Xuzhou Biejia Wang Xiang, Xiapi Prefect Wu Bei, Pengcheng Prefect Xiang Shao
Bingzhou: Zhugeyuan, the new governor, Xia Houjun, the governor of Xihe
Youzhou: Du Shu, the governor of Youzhou, Xia Houhui, the prime minister of Yan State, Zhang Ping, the governor of Shanggu, Wang Qi, the governor of Xuantu, Liu Mao, the young master of Lelang, Xian Yusi, the governor of Daifang,
Liangzhou: Liangzhou Governor Zhenlu Tinghou Wanghun
…………
Officials who have doubts about the reform are as follows:
Sizhou: Hedong County engaged Wang Jun, Tingwei Zheng Sima Qi, Tingwei Supervisor Gao Xun, Diannong Zhonglang General Jia Chong, Shi Zhongguan Neihou Xunyi, Zhonglang Fu Gu, General Secretary Lang Weiguan, Shangshu Lang Zhonghui
Yongzhou: Guo Huai, the former general of Yongzhou governor, Deng Ai, the governor of Nan'an, and Suo Zhan, the governor of Anding.
Yuzhou: Yu Song, Governor of Runan
Jizhou: Pei Hui, the governor of Jizhou, Zhongyu, Dinglinghou, the governor of Weijun, Wushen, the prime minister of Weijun, Chen Qian, the governor of Anping
Yangzhou: Farewell to Yangzhou at Guangchang Pavilion Hou Lehui
Jingzhou: Jingzhou Governor, General Wu Guanting, Marquis Wang Chang, Governor of Xincheng Zhou Tai, and Governor of Xiangyang Hu Lie
Yanzhou: Yanzhou governor Huang Hua, Dongping prefect Wu Ying
Qingzhou: The governor of Qingzhou, General Cheng Xi, the governor of Chengyang, Guo Pei, the governor of Dongguan, Zhang Ji, the governor of Dongguan
Xuzhou: Hu Zun, the governor of the East China Sea and the general who conquered the east
Bingzhou: Bingzhou Governor Zhenwu General Guannei Hou Sunli, Yanmen Prefect Fan Fang
Youzhou: You Beiping Prefect Zu Wu
Liangzhou: Zhao Ji, Governor of Dunhuang
………”
After Cao Shuang studied it carefully for a long time, he understood a lot about the current situation of the reform.
It seems that the most difficult place to implement the reform is not in the local area, but in the clans in the court. You must know that people's words are formidable. As leaders of scholars, the clans have a strong influence in various states and counties. If they spread the word If you tamper with the system, you are causing trouble to the country. This is the most terrifying thing.
As for local areas, the biggest resistance is naturally located in the northern part of Sili, Bingzhou, and Jizhou, where the Sima family has a strong influence. Secondly, Jingzhou was completely in the hands of the Sima family's disciple, Jingzhou governor Zhengnan General Wang Chang.
The place most likely to fully support his own reform should be Cao's Longxing land - the areas of Xu, Pei, Qiao and Chen in Yuzhou.
Fortunately, he had arranged for Guan Qiujian to serve as the governor of Yuzhou, so the restructuring of Yuzhou should be the most likely to succeed.
As for Yangzhou, there are two people, General Wang Ling and Wang Ling, who have been guarding the area for many years, and Zhuge Dan, the governor of Yangzhou, so the reform will not be too difficult.
The most complicated and unpredictable place is, of course, Yongliang, where former general Guo Huai, the governor of Yongzhou, and his cousin, Yongliang Dudu Superintendent Xiahou Xuan, each occupied half of the army. Among the soldiers here, on the one hand, many are the old men of his father, the late Sima Cao Zhen, on the other hand, there are also many who have followed Sima Yi to resist Western Shu for many years, and respect the Sima family like gods. Therefore, no matter which aspect we analyze it from, , the variables in Yongliang are very large.
After Cao Shuang thought for a long time, he said to He Yan:
"Uncle Ping, the matter of removing counties and establishing counties is extremely complicated and involves many things. Do you have any specific steps in mind?"
He Yan had obviously thought about this question for a long time, so he answered Cao Shuang directly without thinking:
"I am reporting to the great general. In view of his humble position, the only plan for now is to make three strategies: upper, middle and lower."
"oh?"
Cao Shuang and He Yan said that there were three strategies to choose from, and he suddenly felt very curious. He couldn't help asking:
"But I don't know what the three strategies are?"
He Yan immediately said:
"The best strategy is to start in Yuzhou, where we have the most power. This is the place where the Cao family flourished, and Zhong Gong is taking care of it. The reform is the easiest, but the disadvantage is that the results are slower. If we want to slowly complete the reform throughout the world, , I am afraid it will take at least twenty or thirty years; the middle strategy is to carry out restructuring in Yuzhou and Sima's hometown of Hebei at the same time. This is a two-pronged approach. If Hebei officials delay the reform plan and delay the reform plan, it will be in sharp contrast with Yuzhou. At that time, those who There are sufficient reasons to arrest and kill those who do not follow the reform. Following this strategy, the withdrawal of the county can be completed within ten years. The next best strategy is to directly remove the Sima family from the most powerful place in Hebei - - Start with Sizhou North, Bingzhou, and Jizhou. If successful, there will be no resistance in the world. Within five years, all prefectures and counties in the world can complete the withdrawal of counties. It will be the fastest effective. However, this move is also extremely risky. If it fails, we will definitely Isolated by all clans and in danger!"
After hearing He Yan's thoughts, Cao Shuang was filled with thoughts. He looked down at the strand of white hair that he had just pulled off his temples and fell into deep thought. I am already over 40 years old and my youth has long gone. How can I sit back and wait for more than ten or twenty years!
After Cao Shuang thought for a moment, he looked at He Yan and said:
"I have decided to divide Hedong County, where the Sima clan is deeply entangled, first!"
He Yan was shocked when he heard this. Just when he was about to speak out to dissuade him, Cao Shuang became more determined again:
"Uncle Ping, there is no need to say more, I have made up my mind!"
He Yan looked at Cao Shuang with firm eyes and felt a little panic in his heart. He seemed to regret saying this last resort. He originally thought that Cao Shuang would definitely not choose this strategy. Cao Shuang's temper has become a bit weird in recent years. When he is in a good mood, he seems to be able to listen to even the most unpleasant words. Some time ago, the fourth son, Cao Ze, wanted to entrust Lu Qin to be a matchmaker for him, but Lu Qin directly When he came to the general, he severely criticized the fourth young master. The general was in a good mood at the time. Not only did he praise Lu Qin, but he also taught his fourth brother Cao Ze a lesson.
But when he was in a bad mood or impatient, he would not listen to even a few good words. This was the case when he recommended Wang Bi and just now when he wanted to give advice.
He Yan sighed. He had no choice but to follow Cao Shuang's wishes. After all, Cao Shuang's authority had become more and more powerful over the years, and he and he were no longer just friends.
Cao Shuang seemed to suddenly remember something at this moment, and he asked:
"By the way, Uncle Ping, what we discussed earlier is to let the idle county officials in each county be replaced as county officials. Is there any progress?"
After hearing this, He Yan, who had been prepared for a long time, took out the second draft list from his sleeve and handed it to Cao Shuang:
"General, when I was drawing up a list of officials' attitudes from various places, I have asked the ministers at the Shangshutai to count the candidates who support the reform and voluntarily decentralize to each county. This is the list. Please take a look at it, General!"
Cao Shuang was overjoyed when he heard this and hurriedly took the list:
“The list of county-level officials devolved to county officials is as follows:
Cui You, the new chief of Dichi County, is under the jurisdiction of Zhangye County, Liangzhou
The new Qinghe magistrate Xu Jilong, Qinghe County is subordinate to Qinghe County of Jizhou
The new Zhao Ling Wang Jun, Zhao County is affiliated to Changshan County of Jizhou
The new Ande Commander Liu Changren, Ande County is under the jurisdiction of Jizhou Pingyuan County
The new mayor of Guangchuan is Cen Wenyu. Guangchuan County is affiliated to Jizhou Bohai County.
The new Wenxi Chang Muyun, Wenxi County is under the jurisdiction of Sizhou Beihedong County
Mu Yi, the new magistrate of Xiangling, is affiliated to Beihedong County of Sizhou.
The new mayor of Dayang is Zhu Nan, and Dayang County is affiliated to Beihedong County of Sizhou.
The newly appointed Pinglu County Magistrate Bi Boxi, Pinglu County is under the jurisdiction of Beipingyang County, Sizhou
The new magistrate of Waihuang County is Gao Yan. Waihuang County is under the jurisdiction of Chenliuguo, Yanzhou.
..."
After reading the list, Cao Shuang couldn't help but muttered:
"Mu Yun, Mu Yi, and the two sons of Mu Bing, the prefect of Jiyin, actually asked to be devolved. The Mu family is really full of loyal people. Cui You? Remember, he should be a collateral descendant of the Cui family in Qinghe, right? His two clan brothers, Cui Shu, the Grand Administrator of Xiangyang, and Cui Sui, the Grand Administrator of Nanyang, are both sons of the great scholar Cui Delin. They are now our capable talents for the reform. With them, the Cui clan of Qinghe will no longer obstruct the reform. Very soon good."
He Yan smiled and said:
"Those like Xu Jilong, Wang Jun, Liu Changren, Cen Wenyu, Zhu Nan, Bi Boyi, and Gao Yan are also famous local young talents!"
Cao Shuang nodded and said:
"Mu Yun, Mu Yi, and Zhu Nan all asked themselves to be the county magistrates of Hedong County, which is very beneficial to us in dividing Hedong County! In this reform, I will first attack Hedong County, a treasure land where the clan is entrenched!"
[Note 1: These two lists are the author’s own research, and the official positions of some individuals have been slightly fictitious. Gao Xun is a fictional character. Wang Changyuan, the governor of Liangzhou, was the father of Wang Rong, one of the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Forest, and Xuanchong, the king of Shangshu Lang, was the son of Wang Chang, the governor of Jingzhou. Readers should pay attention to the distinction. 】
Seeing Cao Shuang's extremely confident and smug look, a trace of worry that even he himself couldn't easily detect flashed through He Yan's heart for no reason.
Just as the two of them were sighing about the major restructuring, Sun Qian, the head of the General's Mansion, entered the lobby and handed Cao Shuang an urgent newspaper:
"General, this is urgent military information sent from 800 miles away from Jingzhou!"
Cao Shuang and He Yan were startled when they heard that Babaili was in a hurry. Cao Shuang took the military newspaper between his hands and looked at it, only to see that it read:
"Wu general Zhu Ran invaded Peizhong. Wei's partial general, Peizhong's Yi king Meifu and more than 10,000 tribesmen were defeated by the Wu army. Thousands of people were lost. More than 10,000 households of officials and civilians in Peizhong fled north across the Mian River!"
After reading the urgent report, Cao Shuang's expression changed drastically. Before he could even let go of his hands and feet to reform, Soochow came to add to his troubles again.
After He Yan read the military report, he immediately admonished:
"General, this matter is of great importance. In view of my humble position, I should hold a court meeting immediately to discuss countermeasures!"
Cao Shuang didn't know if it was possible, so he immediately went to the palace to face the saint with the military report in his hand.
When Cao Shuang saw the emperor, the imperial newspaper had already been passed to Cao Fang. Cao Fang immediately issued an edict to inform Taifu Sima Yi, Sikong Gaorou, Taiwei Jiang Ji, Hussar General Liu Fang, and Wei General Sun Zi. , Bing Cao Shangshu Chen Tai, as well as Cao Yan, Sima Jun and other regular attendants came to the east hall of Tai Chi Hall.
After everyone arrived, the emperor first turned his attention to Cao Shuang:
"This time Zhu Ran brazenly invaded the north. I wonder how the general thinks we should respond?"
After Cao Shuang thought for a moment, he answered:
"I heard that Wang Chang, the general who conquered the south, has sent a large army and is confronting Zhu Ran. The Wu army should not be able to continue going north for the time being. The key issue now is how should the people fleeing north and the 30,000 tribes of Mienan Yi King Meifu How to arrange it. From the humble opinion, the Wu army is now eyeing the fertile land of the two hundred miles south of Miannan. If King Meifu of Yi does not continue to defend Miannan, but instead stays in Mianbei, he will surely settle down in Mianbei for a long time. If we dare not return, then the fertile land of Miannan will be empty, and it will not be a long-term solution. Therefore, I think it is best to immediately issue an edict and order the King of Yi to lead his troops to return to the Dazhai of Miannan!"
After listening to Cao Shuang's words, the emperor felt that it made sense. At this time, Taifu Sima Yi spoke:
"The general's words are wrong. At this time, the Yi King's troops are withdrawing to the north, which is in line with the military strategy of 'strengthening the wall and clearing the country'. The Wu thieves cannot find any people to plunder. Over time, they will surely return south, and then the Yi King will be ordered to return. Now. Now If we rashly order them to return to Mienan, they will inevitably provoke the Wu army again. In my opinion, the best solution is to keep them in Mianbei for the time being!"
Cao Shuang looked at Sima Yi with arrogant eyes and retorted coldly:
"Does the Grand Tutor want to hand over the two hundred miles of fertile land in Miannan to Soochow?"
Sima Yi did not show weakness at this moment and stared at Cao Shuang coldly:
"Everything in the world will be safe if it is placed in a safe place, and it will be in danger if it is in danger. The Art of War says: 'Success or failure depends on the shape, and safety depends on the situation. The situation is the key to controlling the crowd. It must not be unknown.' Suppose the Wu thieves sent 20,000 people to stop them. After cutting off the Mian River, 30,000 people are locked in a stalemate with the Miannan armies, and another 10,000 people are sent overland to plunder the Yi king's tribe and people who have returned to Mianzhong. How can you save them?"
Cao Shuang became determined at this moment, and his attitude was still tough. He said sternly:
"If Miannan is too empty and occupied by the enemy, how will you shoulder this responsibility?!"
Seeing that Cao Shuang had such a tough attitude, Sima Yi naturally stopped trying to dissuade him.
Seeing that no one was refuting Cao Shuang, the emperor hesitated for a moment and finally issued the edict:
"I ordered Yi King Meifu to immediately lead his 30,000 households back to Miannan to assist the Jingzhou army in resisting the Wu thieves!"
