Soon it was December, and everything was going smoothly.
Ma Rixi, Zhao Qi and Zhao Wen have already sent envoys to Guandong one after another. Lu Bu also led his old troops and the Northern Army to the Wugong area to recruit new soldiers while reorganizing the army in preparation for the attack on Liangzhou. Wei Yan went to Hangu to report back to Guan Yu. Resolution.
As for the rest of the disaster relief and civilian relief matters, they have been taken care of in these three months. To the north and south of the Wei River, most of the houses are rebuilt and newly built. The snow-covered areas cannot cover the human habitation in the wilderness valleys. Even in the dead of winter, people are still stamping their feet and following the court officials running back and forth in the fields, without feeling any signs of fatigue.
This is the new policy of the imperial court. An order was sent to each county and township to allocate acres of land to the common people in proportion to men's 40 acres and women's 30 acres. The acres were not allowed to be bought or sold. After the land was granted to the common people, they had to pay ten taxes and four taxes for five years. After that, the land tax was reduced to ten taxes and two taxes. When the people heard about it, they sighed and said that this was a benevolent government that was rare in a century. For a time, the fields in Sanfu were filled with diligent people, making the market even more lively than in previous years.
Seeing that the people were gradually settling down, merchants from Sanfu and even Sanhe came to Chang'an one after another and opened new markets in the old market in the north of the city. However, after nearly a year of chaos in Guanzhong, there were not many people who still had savings to buy and sell. This made the businessmen quite disappointed. Fortunately, Xu Shu, the chief minister of the Sili Mansion, came forward and sent Junshu officials to discuss with the merchants and promised that no tariffs would be collected within the area of Sanfu and Sanhe. The merchants sold the goods to the government at a price slightly lower than the market price. After a while, both parties gained. Profits were higher than in previous years. After the news came out, the number of merchants coming to Chang'an increased instead of decreasing, and the wealthy families from Guandong gradually moved to Guanzhong to settle.
Chen Chong's father-in-law, Cai Yong, was very pleased to see this prosperous scene. He said with emotion: "When Zhao Bo was in power, the people missed him, and they pretended to write "Gantang" to express their memory. Today's scene has happened again because of Zhao Bo's rule. ." When the people of Chang'an heard about it, they all said that the name Gantang was good, so gradually, they called Chen Chong's rise to power in Chang'an the Gantang ruling.
On the seventh day of the lunar month, the snow stopped. Wei Jie, the captain of the city gate school, sent someone to inform Chen Chong that Xiaolian, recommended by the third assistant this year, had arrived and asked him how to arrange it. Chen Chong thought for a while and replied that he should be brought directly to the mansion. He would meet him in person and arrange to rest at Sili's mansion tonight.
When the messenger replied, Chen Chong put down his official duties, changed his cashmere robe into a set of court clothes, and called his disciples Fu Qian and Wang Xiang over, and together they tidied up the study and put down the brazier and teapot. , just boil the snow water.
When the teapot whirred three times, the bullock cart carrying people arrived at the door of the house, and Xiaolian, recommended by the third assistant, also arrived. This recommendation originated from the imperial edict in October. Chen Chong requested all the counties and counties in the world to recommend Xiaolian to the court on the grounds that there was a shortage of talents in the country after the country was in chaos. Guandong has not responded to this, and only Sanfu recommended it on time. One county recommended two people, and a total of six people came this time.
Chen rushed out to take a look and found that these six people were all young people. The older one was only in his mid-twenties, and the younger ones had only served for two or three years, but they were full of confidence and vitality. Chen Chong was very happy, so he asked their names and hometowns, and learned that the six people were: Fuzheng Fazheng, Fufeng Mengda, Jingzhao Yangxiu, Jingzhao Weikang, Feng Yi Li Yi, Feng Yi Guo Kai.
Five of them were all from the local noble families. Fazheng was the grandson of the famous scholar Fazhen, Mengda was the son of Meng Tuo, a member of the Chang'an Yudang, Yang Xiu was the son of Yang Biao, the official of Guanglu, Wei Kang was the son of Wei Duan, the magistrate of Chang'an, and although Guo Kai Although their clan reputation is not strong enough, they are also a big clan in Yunyang, so they are all taken care of by the governors of the three counties. Only Li Yi was born as a minor official. Because of his strong character and ability to do things, he was highly regarded by his superiors, so he was elected as Xiaolian.
After hearing this, Chen Chongde kept a calm expression on his face, but he couldn't help but feel a little closer to Li Yi in his heart.
At this time, he led everyone into the study. After everyone sat down, he poured a cup of tea for everyone. Meng Da originally thought it was hot wine, so he took a sip of it while holding it in his hand. Only then did he realize that the tea was boiling hot and had a bitter taste in his mouth. He almost spit it out. He rolled his tongue in his mouth for a long time before swallowing the tea. But some was still spilled in the tea cup.
Seeing this, Chen Chong handed Meng Da a cloth towel and said with a smile: "This tea is slightly bitter. I use it to calm down and concentrate. It is somewhat useful in winter."
Meng Da was quite ashamed, and kept wiping the table with a cloth in his hand. He didn't know what to say for a moment, but his good friend Fa Zheng came to him and said: "Zijing has been living in the border area for a long time, and he has a lot of pride, so he is not good at eating meat carefully." , I don’t behave well and carefully, I hope you won’t blame me.”
Chen Chong naturally had no prejudice in his heart. He was just surprised by Fazheng's quick words, and turned to ask him: "Xiaozhi and Zijing are from the same hometown, and are they also full of heroism?"
Fa Zheng was startled and immediately replied: "My wish is to follow the old story of the end of the army. I will assist you in meeting the Ming Lord and draw up strange strategies. Please wear a long tassel and hold a long sword to bind the traitors in the world and clear away the rebellion in Liuhe." It has made Huaiyin's miraculous achievements and left a good name in the history of Qing Dynasty."
"What aspiration!" Chen Chong smiled and nodded, then asked the other four people, "What is your ambition?"
Yang Xiu lowered his head and saluted, and then said: "My grandfathers are both pillars of the country and have great reputations in the world. Xiu's aspirations are not high, but he only hopes that his words and deeds will be blameless and his family's reputation will not be ruined."
Wei Kang thought for a while and said: "If I can be the governor of a state, benefit a state, protect the people, and leave a little name, I will be satisfied."
Guo Kai said: "I would like to learn like Duke Ji, who can give advice and make up for the mistakes of superiors, and who can combine teaching with learning, and pass on his famous teachings to future generations."
Li Yi listened for a while and then realized that it was his turn. However, he blushed and looked very ashamed. After a long time, he said: "This is for Duke Ming. I have been an official for several years and have been busy with daily tasks, just like a sparrow." . I only know the humbleness in front of me, but I don’t know the high aspirations of Jiutian. Moreover, my talents are limited, and I usually make many omissions. I am lucky enough to be favored by the superiors, so I have to be filial and honest. It is already panic to work for the country today, how can I dare to talk about my ambitions? I just want you to do your best and be worthy of yourself." After saying that, he lowered his head and did not dare to look at anyone.
Seeing this, Chen Chong patted his shoulder and said comfortingly: "If you can be worthy of yourself, that would be a great ambition. Even Duke Zhou and Zhang Liang would not dare to say that you are worthy of yourself."
Just when he was about to return to the table, Meng Da saw that he had not had time to speak. He was very anxious. He stood up and saluted Chen Chong and said: "My ambition is to follow the example of Geng Yan and Wu Han, to be a pioneer for the king and to help the emperor." Unify the country!" After saying that, he remained motionless, waiting for Chen Chong's evaluation.
Chen Chong was stunned for a moment, then laughed again, helped Meng Da back to his seat, and said, "What a great ambition! I remember you today! When the general comes to Beijing in a few days, I will arrange for you to live in his house. As long as you have If you are truly talented and knowledgeable, he will definitely put you to good use."
Meng Da was overjoyed, and for a moment he didn't know what to say.
After talking about his ambitions, Chen Chong turned to examine their strengths.
Let’s talk about classics first. Each of the six has their own strengths, but Fazheng and Yang Xiu are the most outstanding.
Due to his family background, Fazheng studied "Gu Liang Zhuan", "Lu Shi", "Ouyang Shangshu", and also "Laozi" and "Zhuangzi". However, he only loved "Gongyang Zhuan" and believed that the evil will be repaid. , to avenge the ninth generation.
Yang Xiu was born in the Yang family of Hongnong. He studied "Ouyang Shangshu" for generations and was well versed in the Five Classics. His family knowledge was profound. Among them, the "Xi Ping Shi Jing" enshrined in Luoyang Taixue came from his ancestor Yang Ci and Cai Yongzhi. Hands, by Yang Xiu's generation, can be said to be omniscient in almost everything. Yang Xiu also knows some of Chen Chong's comments by heart, and he is only eighteen years old, the youngest among them.
Then let’s talk about literature.
Together with literature, the advantages and disadvantages become obvious.
Although Fazheng, Mengda and Li Yi have clear calligraphy, their words are weak in the end; Wei Kang is slightly better, but still more than good, but his calligraphy is really pleasing to the eye, regular script and cursive script are wrong, like flying knives into the eyes, and the carvings are full of spirit. , so that Chen Chong couldn't help but read it twice more, secretly expressing his disapproval in his heart.
The articles written by Guo Kai and Yang Xiu can be said to be superior. In terms of writing style, Guo Kai is cool and cool, and Yang Xiu is gorgeous and plump. They can be said to be between equals. However, Yang Xiu's writing is like a river, and it is like a thread of thought. In two moments, he wrote nearly a thousand words eloquently. , twice as many as Guo Kai. In the end, Yang Xiu was naturally the best.
Finally, when talking about the political situation, Chen Chong pondered for a while, explained his plan for the expedition to Guandong, and then asked the six people what they thought of the expedition.
This time it was Yang Xiu who said that although he spoke modestly when expressing his ambition, he had actually stolen the limelight, and there was a faint tendency to be the leader of the six. He said: "It is naturally appropriate to make the announcement publicly, but there is something wrong with the general plan."
Chen Chong said "Oh", poured himself a cup of tea, and said, "Please tell me about De Zu."
Yang Xiu did not refuse and said directly: "Since the three generations, Zhou destroyed Shang and Zhou, Qin destroyed the six kingdoms, and Emperor Gaozu established the Ding Dynasty. Most of them used the soldiers and generals in Guanzhong to seize the material resources of Shu and seize the mountains and rivers, both inside and outside, and became the foundation of the emperor. Today and Ming Dynasty The Duke has already secured the territory of Zhong and Jin, why not send his troops southward? If we defeat Nanzheng and capture Sanba, we will strengthen the Qin Dynasty. How can the enemies of Guandong do that?"
After saying that, he looked at Chen Chong. Chen Chong was silent for a while and then asked the others: "What do you think?"
Fazheng said: "With the Qinling Mountains and the natural dangers of Jiange, although Dezu said it is easy, how can Bashu be easily obtained?"
Yang Xiu said: "Therefore, there must be a fight at that time. Liu Yan's footing is unstable. If he sends troops, he will be defeated early. If he hesitates, he will lose his opportunity."
Li Yize said: "How about the loyal ministers in Guandong?"
Yang Xiu said: "During this national crisis, when loyal ministers are doing their best for the country, why do you make such corrupt remarks?"
Wei Kang said: "How are the people in Guandong?"
Yang Xiu said: "Manpower is sometimes limited. We should first pursue great achievements and then do our best in human affairs."
At this point, there was a stalemate in the room. Chen Chenggong gestured for everyone to be silent, and then slowly said: "Yang Dezu is eloquent, Faxiao is as straightforward as the wind, Li Xiaoyi is thick and simple, Wei Yuanjiang Bingcao Dexue, The brocades in Guo Wenxiu's paintings reflect the brilliance of Mencius' aspiration. Now that all the sages are gathered together, we can almost see China's future. I feel very lucky."
Then the discussion was suspended on the pretext of lunch, and Chen Chong started the banquet, taking away tea and pouring wine for everyone, and everyone was happy.
