Luoyang is a city dominated by palaces. The south and north palaces account for nearly half of the area. The emperor, the queen mother, the two princes and their concubines live in it. The Shangshutai, Sanshulang, Hubenjun and Yulinjun Most of the state institutions are located in the north of the city.
Lu Li and his party entered the city from the Wangjing Gate at the southernmost point on the east side. Naturally, they couldn't see the official temple, but they were surrounded by high-profile houses with attic pavilions and lush trees. Not only that, there were dozens of young people standing outside the house. The warriors all wore armor and swords, showing their heroic spirit.
After staying in Luoyang for a whole year, Pan Ming knew the distribution of the city very well. He immediately introduced it to Lu Li and others: "This is the residence of Sangong. Yuan Shao's uncle, Grand Tutor Yuan Wei, lives here."
The Three Dukes are the three most prestigious official positions in the world. Each of their mansions occupies one square of space, which is indeed not excessive.
Lu Li glanced at him and looked away. Yuan Wei was the head of the civil service. How could he be seen by the generals at will? Coupled with the current chaotic situation in Luoyang, the Grand Tutor may not even have time to rest - he is busy meeting his cronies.
As for Yuan Shao, he was currently staying in Xiyuan to look after his generals under the orders of the general, and he could not see him either.
However, in Lu Li's eyes, Cao Mengde was far more worth meeting than others.
"Let's leave as soon as possible."
At this time, Zhang Liao looked at the ray of setting sun hanging in the sky and said, "It will be a violation if you stay too late."
On a dark and windy night, people are killing people and setting fires.
Nighttime is a time when accidents are frequent, so a curfew system has been in place since the Zhou Dynasty, and this dynasty naturally abides by it, especially now that the emperor is on his deathbed, and the streets will be blocked as soon as the dusk bell rings.
Upon hearing this, Pan Ming immediately replied: "In that case, then take the royal road."
Whether it is Taiyuan, the seat of Bingzhou, or Yingyin, a famous city in the Central Plains, a road is a road, and they are connected to each other. Anyone can walk regardless of their status.
The only exception is Luoyang. Each road is divided into three parts. The middle one is the widest and smoothest. There are rammed earth walls one foot high on both sides to separate it from the outside world. Except for the emperor's exclusive use when traveling, it only has 600 stone. The above imperial officials are allowed to pass.
As for the low-ranking officials and the common people in Guizhou Province who were fighting for food, they could only squeeze on both sides of the imperial road.
Since several people in the group hold official positions, they are naturally qualified to take the middle road.
"Thank you, Mr. Xun, for helping me cover up my whereabouts."
"General, you're welcome. It's a minor matter."
Xun Yu first smiled and nodded at Lu Li, and then said seriously: "If you cover your eyes with a leaf, you won't see Mount Tai; if you plug your ears with beans, you won't hear the thunder."
As soon as he finished speaking, a qi that was invisible to the naked eye but could be felt enveloped everyone.
"Let's go, this method can last for half an hour. During this period, as long as we don't fight, we will be as inconspicuous in the eyes of others as a dead branch."
On the side, Lu Li's expression changed slightly, and he thought to himself: As expected of Xun Yu, this method is many times better than that of the secret envoy!
If it could help a cavalry army hide to this extent, the effect would be... unimaginable.
When his thoughts suddenly changed, a horse neighed, and Pan Ming took the lead and started galloping towards Tongtuo Street, and everyone hurried to follow.
The horse market and millet market passed by in a flash.
From a distance, Lu Li saw the Nangong Palace. Although it was blocked by a high wall, he could imagine the palace inside like clouds -
If this happens for thousands of years, he will become an immortal.
Somehow, this sentence popped into his head.
Before entering the examination scene, Lu Li had seen a fragrant record: In the third year of Zhongping, that is, three years ago, Emperor Ling ordered people to build a nude swimming hall with thousands of houses. The steps were used to draw water from the canal to surround the building, and people in the palace were allowed to ride on it by boat. They chose jade-colored and light-bodied ones to hold poles and swing them in the canal.
There, everyone in the palace, aged fourteen or above and below eighteen, wears beautiful makeup and takes off their shirts. There is no need to elaborate on what will happen during this time.
Because it was dark all day long, Emperor Ling couldn't even tell whether it was day or night. Even though he specially set up a "Cock Crowing Hall" and filled it with roosters, the roosters sang loudly at dawn, but Emperor Ling of the Han Dynasty never Ignore it and continue to play and have fun with the palace maid.
I don’t know if it’s true or not… If I have a chance in the future, I can go find out.
【Canglongmen】
As his thoughts were swirling, three large red and gold characters came into Lu Li's eyes.
The city has a city gate, and the palace also has a palace gate, and garrison troops are stationed there. In addition, the leader who guards the palace gate is a military commander, and the first-class military marquis who guards the Wangjing Gate and other twelve city gates has a high official position.
Obviously, outside the South and North Palaces, the noble group headed by General He Jin had the upper hand, while inside the South and North Palaces, it was the territory headed by Shi Changshi.
On the left, Pan Ming lowered his voice and said to Lu Li: "These guards are under the jurisdiction of Jian Shuo. They number about eight hundred. The two palaces have seven gates in total. The North Palace has Shuoping Gate, East Gate, and Zhuque Gate, and the South Palace has Ping Gate. City Gate, Canglong Gate, North Gate, Xuanwu Gate.”
"The total number of troops is between 6,000 and 7,000, and they are all skilled in bows and horses."
At this time, Canglong Sima seemed to sense that someone was secretly watching, and subconsciously glanced at Yudao, and then looked away——
everything is normal.
Xun Yu was once again watched by Lu Li and others, and even Zhang Liao was impressed. Perhaps he could use this method to sneak into the inner courtyard of the palace without being discovered.
Of course, no one dares to take the risk, and there is no need to go in now.
After taking a brief look at the defense situation of Canglong Gate, everyone continued to walk north along the imperial road. After passing the Nangong Palace, they reached a main street.
"This street is Tongtuo Street."
After saying that, Pan Ming breathed a sigh of relief.
Tongtuo Street is the most famous street in Luoyang, facing the Middle East Gate in the east of the city. It is named after the Tongtuo Street on the east and west sides of the street.
Moreover, it is located in the center of the city. On the north side of the street are two palaces connected by a complex road, and on the south end is the square, which is very prosperous.
There is a proverb: All the wise men gather outside the Golden Horse Gate, and the young men gather on the Bronze Camel Street.
In fact, those who can buy property here are either wealthy nobles or wealthy merchants, and Meng Degong lives here.
The plain forest is covered with smoke.
Unknowingly, Luoyang, the capital city, was shrouded in darkness, and with the loud ringing of dusk bells, every house lit up the lights.
"After passing these houses in front, we will reach the Cao Mansion."
Not long after, under the leadership of Pan Ming, a group of people arrived outside the house.
Dian Junxiaowei, who is more than two thousand stone officials, is equivalent to the position of a county guard. In addition, three generations of the Cao family have been officials in the court and were granted the title of marquis and minister. Naturally, there will be no shortage of money to repair the house. Therefore, the Cao Mansion It occupies a very large area, occupying almost half a square mile.
If other people come to visit, they must sort out their clothes and hand over their name badges.
But Pan Ming was Cao Cao's confidant and favorite general. Even Yuan Shao knew about him, let alone the door officials. He gave a few instructions and entered the palace directly without passing the news.
"Where is Mr. Meng De?"
"In the main hall."
"Is there anyone else coming to visit?"
"The master said there will be no foreigners today." At this point, the doorman added: "Except for a few."
"Well, there's no need to lead the way. I'm familiar with this place." Pan Ming casually ordered: "Go and guard the entrance hall. Don't let anyone in. If someone is sneaking around and snooping, let the guards take the person directly."
"promise!"
The doorman bowed his hands respectfully.
From this, it is not difficult to see how well Pan Ming got along in the Cao Mansion, and he probably can represent Cao Cao himself to some extent.
At this time, Pan Ming restrained his expression, as if he didn't know anyone, and said businesslikely: "Everyone, please follow me."
Lu Li had no idea about this. The two of them kept a distance deliberately to avoid letting others see the clues. Next, they were going to meet with Boss Cao, who was nicknamed "the capable minister in the world and the hero in the troubled times". You can never be too cautious.
Walking along the long corridor, passing through the courtyard, we finally came to the main hall.
Two pretty maids stood at the door. They must have received the notice in advance. They first saluted everyone and then said: "My lord said that he would make wine to entertain all the distinguished guests from afar."
Discussing heroes while cooking wine with green plums?
This is a famous scene!
However, spring has just begun, and there is still more than a month before the green plum season matures.
Lu Li then thought about it, what kind of science is there in the Three Kingdoms version? For counselors, Taoists, and alchemists, isn't it easy to change the celestial phenomena?
Well... it's a worthwhile trip to enjoy the treatment that only Uncle Liu Huang can have in advance.
This time, the beautiful maid led the way, leading Lu Li and others around to a secluded courtyard.
As expected, there were plum trees planted all over the place, with green plum blossoms on the branches. A man in his thirties was sitting on his knees in the pavilion, his posture was very loose and casual, as if he was being neglectful.
But Lu Li, who knew the other party's identity in advance, felt that he was worthy of being Boss Cao, looking at him like a tiger lying down, with a majestic air.
At the same time, Cao Cao, who was making wine, stood up and looked across the faces of everyone: Zhang Liao, Zhao Yun, Lu Li, and Xun Yu.
With a good appearance, it is easy to ascend to the emperor's hall.
Needless to say, Lu Li and Zhao Yun, but Zhang Liao had a face as purple as jade and eyes as bright as stars. Although he did not wear the iconic golden helmet and purple robe in order to hide his identity, he was also a famous handsome man in Mayi, Yanmen. In the middle position, it is difficult to keep a low profile.
As for Xun Yu, a famous scholar from Yingyin who came with him, he was also extraordinary after taking off his disguise.
They each looked at each other for a moment and then began to greet each other. First, Pan Ming handed over his hand and returned to life. Then Cao Cao came out of the pavilion to greet him, and everyone returned the greeting.
"I've been waiting for you to come here, so I can see the true faces of these heroes." Cao Cao held Zhang Liao's hand and said kindly: "We have set up a vase in the pavilion. How do you like it? Let the cook prepare it now. Meals.”
After saying that, he looked at Lu Li and others with a smile.
Xun Yu looked calm and not at all restrained. When he saw that Cao Cao had mistaken him for a person from Bingzhou, he did not explain. He laughed and said, "Guests do as they please. Duke Meng De is the master."
Inside the pavilion.
Place green plums on a plate and boil wine in a bottle.
Everyone sat across from each other, poured wine and talked freely.
Pan Ming's seat was at the end of the crowd, and he listened silently.
["Yuan Shu of Huainan, with sufficient military supplies, can he be a hero?"
"Sooner or later I will capture the dead bones in the grave!"
"Yuan Shao of Hebei Province, the fourth generation and the third Duke, has many old officials. Now the tiger is in the land of Jizhou, and there are many capable subordinates. Can he be a hero?"
"Yuan Shaose is timid and cowardly, always scheming; he cherishes his own life when doing big things, and forgets his life when he sees small gains: he is not a hero."]
The above are all fictions. Cao Cao is still following the Yuan family, so how could he say such a thing.
During the dinner, the conversation was about the situation in Luoyang, and Pan Ming had secretly informed Lu Li. It was a repeat of the same old tune——
The general ordered the captains to sit in the West Garden and not allow any soldiers to come or go. He himself also stationed troops in hundreds of counties and mansions to wait for the situation to change.
The so-called county residences are actually the offices of all the counties in the world in the capital. The appointment and dismissal of official positions and the communication of political and historical affairs are all handled by this agency. These county residences are gathered in the same square for the administration of the imperial court.
In fact, on the way from Wangjing Gate to Tongtuo Street, we have already passed Baijun Residence. Unfortunately, that place is now heavily guarded.
Xun Yu once said that there was a great scholar sitting inside, and advised Lu Li not to peep. In addition, there were hundreds of mansions and attics, and the roads were crisscrossed, blocking the view, making it impossible to see the reality clearly.
Lu Li could only give up.
But it has to be said that He Jin did choose a good place. It was only three squares away from Nangong. The cavalry charge would be there in just half a moment——
If there is any slight movement among the ten permanent servants, or if there is a major change in the palace, he can lead his troops to break into the palace at any time.
Of course, this process must be full of blood. Pan Ming once said that there were six to seven thousand guards guarding the palace gate, and there were countless eunuchs in the palace, among whom were extraordinary and brave people——
Jian Shuo is strong and strong. Although his body is incomplete, he is a fierce general who understands the spirit of war. He made many meritorious deeds when suppressing the Yellow Turban Rebellion.
"The Northern Army followed the general and garrisoned Baijun Residence, but some soldiers in the Xiyuan tribes were loyal to Jian Shuo and could only stand still."
Zhang Liao sat opposite Cao Cao and asked, "The combined armies of City Gate and Yulin are nearly ten thousand strong. Why do they send secret envoys all the way to Bingzhou to recruit us?"
This is undoubtedly a question made knowingly.
There are many groups of scholars on the mountain. Some of them obey the orders of the Taifu, some of them obey the orders of Yuan Shao, and some of them are Yuan Shu's disciples.
In fact, the general was confident in eradicating the Shi Changshi, but he was worried that by killing the Ten Changshi, he would not have the absolute strength to suppress the orthodox scholar group.
Because of this, He Jin thought of Ding Gong, who had the same origin, and hinted that he could be given the position of Zhijinwu, which is the peace officer of Kyoto——
Responsible for patrolling, prohibiting violence, supervising rape and other tasks in the capital. In addition, the arsenal not far from Beigong is also under the jurisdiction of Zhijinwu. The arsenal is an institution for manufacturing and storing weapons. It stores a large number of weapons, armor, and even magic weapons. Sharp weapon.
A powerful governor, or a powerful official who controls the center of the world?
The answer is no need to think about it at all.
But Grand Tutor Yuan Wei can also provide these things. Because of this, Zhang Liao's mentality is very calm. After all, he can bet on both ends, but he is curious about what Meng Degong in front of him thinks.
When it comes time to turn against each other, which one is more important, the general or the Yuan family?
Or maybe he is only on his own side.
However, when everyone was drinking, the atmosphere in Xuanwu Sect was particularly solemn.
General He Jin is nearly forty years old, with a medium build and a prominent chest and abdomen. He has obviously gained weight in middle age due to long-term pampering, but surrounded by other generals, he looks full of energy.
At this moment, he walked striding down the royal road with a jade belt in his hand. When he saw Xuanwu Sima in front of the Gongli steps, his eyes suddenly focused and he held his long sword in his hand.
