In the first year of Yonghan, mid-December.
Liu Bian returned to Luoyang City, but did not enter the palace immediately.
Outside the imperial city, there is an inconspicuous teahouse.
In the private room, it was warm as spring, neither cold nor hot.
Liu Bian was wearing single clothes, holding a letter in his hand, and looked strange.
Opposite him sat former Sikong and Liu Hong.
Liu Hong was also a member of the old Liu family, and together with Ding Gong and Liu Yu, he was Liu Bian's "three princes" when he came to the throne.
Later, Ding Gong was confused about the Yuan family, and Liu Hong followed him to become an official.
The reason why Liu Bian looked strange was because of the letter in his hand. The signature of this letter was: Yang Biao.
But if you look carefully, you will find that this is imitated handwriting.
Compared to two years ago, Liu Hong was much older, with gray hair and a tired face. He bowed and argued with Liu: "I know that someone used the guise of being the prime minister to lure me to Beijing, but I have to come."
"Can you guess who did it?" Liu Bian turned a deaf ear to his words and raised his eyelids to look at him.
Liu Hong said: "I can't guess."
Liu Bian couldn't guess it either.
Liu Hong's visit to Beijing was a sudden act. On the surface, it seemed that Wang Yun had invited him to "encourage" him, but in fact, Yang Biao was involved.
'Who could be the person behind this...'
Liu Bian thought of many people at once, but he had no way of making a conclusion. Suddenly his eyes moved and he said: "Recently, many people in the court have recommended Liu Yu to return to the court and serve as Zuopu She. What do you think?"
Now there is only one prime minister left in the Chancellery, and there are vacancies in the left and right servants. Yang Biao advocates "inaction", so filling the vacancy has become a top priority.
Liu Hong's expression did not change, he bowed and said: "I don't dare to speak nonsense when I'm not in court."
Liu Bian looked at him quietly and said, "Does the Qing family have any intention of reviving?"
Liu Hong raised his hand and said: "I am old and frail, and my energy is no longer what it used to be. I may not be able to share your Majesty's worries."
Liu Bian handed the letter on the table to Pan Yin, looked at Liu Hong and said, "Since the Qing family said so, I will not force others to do anything difficult."
When Liu Hong saw Liu Bian was about to leave, his expression suddenly changed and he said: "Your Majesty, although what Wang Yun did was cunning and had ulterior motives, establishing a prince is the foundation of the country. This has been true since ancient times. Your Majesty, please think twice!"
Liu Bian paused, turned to look at him, and said calmly: "Killing the three clans of Wang Yun, won't it stop you from privately talking about abolishing the establishment?"
Liu Hong's expression did not change and he did not dare to say anything more.
Liu Bian snorted coldly, turned and left.
After leaving the teahouse, Liu Bian got on the carriage and came outside the city.
I saw Cai Wenji and several palace maids, watching her father's carriage drive away from a distance.
Cai Yong was deprived of his official position and demoted to a commoner, which can be said to be an unprecedented blow. He was ill for many days.
After being comforted by many people, I sighed for a long time and decided to go to Beijing for a study tour.
Liu Bian came to Cai Wenji, put his arm around her waist, and said, "The father-in-law has a generous temperament and a vain reputation. I do this to protect him, otherwise I won't even know he is being used as a gunman one day."
Liu Bian also felt this. His uncle, the general, was being manipulated and didn't even know it.
And Cai Yong is far worse than He Jin.
Cai Wenji pursed her lips, turned to look at Liu Bian, and said softly: "Your Majesty, Yang'er..."
Liu Bian smiled slightly and said: "I named him 'Shao', naturally I have high hopes. However, there are too many interested people in the government and the public, and I am worried that some old things will happen again."
Cai Wenji and Liu Bian are also an old couple, and they talk about many things very openly, especially about 'Liu Shao'.
After Cai Wenji encountered Wang Yun, she felt scared in her heart. When she combined it with the 'witchcraft disaster' during Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, her delicate body became even colder. Even though she was reluctant to let go, she bit her lips and whispered: "Your Majesty, Do you want to put the sheep outside the palace?"
Liu Bian was startled, thought for a moment, then shook his head and said, "Let's see again."
Liu Bian actually grew up in the home of a Taoist named Shi outside the palace, and was known as "Shihou". He was mainly worried that he would not be able to support him in the palace.
Cai Wenji hummed softly, looking at her father's carriage that had disappeared from sight, worried about his child.
At this moment, Tang Hao came out of Yongle Palace, looking somewhat bad.
After Wang Yun failed to recommend Liu Shao as the crown prince, Tang Mao felt that there was hope for his grandson, so he quietly contacted him.
As you can imagine, he encountered obstacles at every turn, and Empress Dowager He didn't give him a good look.
After leaving Yongle Palace, Tang Hao was still unwilling to give in. He turned around and wanted to go to Yong'an Palace to see his daughter Tang Ji.
But Xu Yan suddenly appeared from nowhere and said with a smile: "Mr. Tang, you can't wander around in the forbidden areas of the palace."
Tang Hao had always looked down on eunuchs, and because he was angry, he said without a good face: "I have a gold medal given by His Majesty, why can't I enter?"
"Did you bring it?" Xu Yan asked.
Tang Hao snorted coldly, took it out from his arms and said, "Check it."
Xu Yan took it, checked it carefully, nodded and said: "It is indeed true."
Tang Mao stretched out his hand, waiting for Xu Yan to return it to him, but saw Xu Yan slowly put it into his arms.
Tang Mao's expression suddenly changed and he shouted: "This is the gold medal given by His Majesty. How dare you hide it in a small yellow sect?"
Xu Yan just smiled and said nothing.
Tang Mao stared at Xu Yan, his expression suddenly changed, his eyes widened, filled with shock and suspicion.
Xu Yan saw that he understood, and his smile disappeared. He took a step forward and whispered: "Private words will abolish the establishment and disturb the court. Duke Tang, Wang Yunyi, a commoner of the three clans, and Cai Gong, a commoner, will leave the capital. Which one do you choose?"
Tang Mao was no longer surprised, but frightened.
He already fully understood the meaning of Xu Yan's words.
Tang Mao couldn't help but tremble with his hands, and said, "Everyone, is this what your majesty means?"
Xu Yan stepped back and said with a respectful expression, "The villain didn't say anything."
The corners of Tang Mao's mouth twitched and he couldn't say a word.
Xu Yan waited for a while and said, "The villain has prepared a carriage for Mr. Tang. Mr. Tang invites you?"
Tang Hao moved with some difficulty, with a stiff smile on his face.
After walking for a while, Xu Yan said again: "Tang Gong, if you want to come to Beijing in the future, please say hello to this villain first for reception."
Tang Mao's face was ashen, and the pride that had surged for a short time was completely wiped out in this silence.
While Xu Yan was sending Tang Mao out of Luoyang, Wang Yun was transferred from Tianlao to Tingwei Mansion.
There was no prison carriage, but a tightly enclosed carriage, surrounded by criminal officers and servants of the Tingwei Mansion.
"Wang Yun, you deserve to die!"
Suddenly, more than 20 people poured out of nowhere, chasing the carriage and yelling curses.
"Why do you cut me off!?"
"What crime have I committed, and you want to dismiss me from office!"
"Wang Yun, you are monopolizing power and causing chaos in the country, and your crimes are extremely heinous!"
These people have obviously been officials. They are polite and polite when talking at a table, and they are very particular about swearing. They are not like ordinary people who throw stones or rotten eggs.
Xing Cao and the servants of Tingwei Mansion were very nervous and secretly on guard.
Wang Yun in the carriage had an indifferent expression on his face and his eyes were filled with resentment.
When he arrived at Tingwei Mansion, Zhong Yao personally escorted him and placed him in the cleanest cell.
Wang Yun paid no attention to these. After sitting down, he stared at Zhong Yao and said, "I want to ask you, does your Majesty have an edict to establish the crown prince?"
Zhong Yao frowned, completely unexpected that Wang Yun still refused to give up at this time.
After pondering for a while, Zhong Yao said: "My lord, the East Palace has been a taboo since ancient times. Courtiers are not allowed to make irresponsible remarks and abolish the establishment. Now that things have happened, why bother."
Wang Yun snorted coldly and said: "The East Palace is the foundation of the country. If we don't build it now, when will we wait?"
Zhong Yao shook his head secretly and said: "Your Majesty has no decree, but he has given you a verbal instruction not to say anything more about the prince."
Wang Yun was in a trance, and immediately knelt down with a thud and shouted: "Your Majesty, you are confused..."
Seeing this, Zhong Yao ignored him and left the cell.
After walking only a few steps, a small official came over and whispered: "Tingwei, the palace's decree has been issued."
Zhong Yao was not surprised and said: "You keep an eye on the prince and nothing will happen to him."
The clerk quickly agreed.
Zhong Yao came out of the cell, accepted the order, and sent someone to inform the Xing Cao and Yushitai.
The case is scheduled to be concluded tomorrow.
At the Yushitai, Xing Cao's reaction was equally quick. Under the attention of the government and the public, the Three Law Division did not delay at all and quickly discussed.
The next day, the trial started in Tingwei Mansion. In fact, the charges had been decided long ago, and Wang Yun also admitted it. It was just a formality.
Originally Zhong Yao and others were worried that Wang Yun would retract his confession, but everything went smoothly beyond expectations.
When Zhong Yao and others finalized the case and presented it to Chongde Hall, Liu Bian was talking to Huangfu Song.
Liu Bian smiled broadly, breathed a sigh of relief, and said, "The doctor has determined that Lu Qing's family should be fine and can survive this winter."
Huangfu Song bowed, but his heart was still solemn. Judging from Lu Zhi's body, it had only been a year and a half.
Liu Bian took a sip of tea and said, "The Qing family said earlier that Li Ru has taken refuge with Dong Zhuo? And Dong Zhuo is trying his best to win over Lu Bu. Is there a quarrel between Lu Bu and Ding Yuan?"
Huangfu Songsurong raised his hand and said: "Yes. Your Majesty, the situation in Ding Yuan is not optimistic. Sun Jian does not listen to his orders. I am worried that Xuzhou will fall into Dong Zhuo's hands."
Liu Bian didn't say anything. He looked out the door and muttered in his heart: "This scene looks more and more like it." '
Unconsciously, it seemed that everything was back to square one.
Seeing that Liu Bian was silent for a long time, Huangfu Song waited for a while and said, "Your Majesty, do you want to make some preparations?"
Liu Bian immediately came back to his senses, hummed subconsciously, and said, "How do you say it?"
Huangfu Song looked at Liu Bian and said: "The suggestion of the Grand Sima Mansion is to send Cao Cao into Langya County, send 10,000 additional troops to Gongsun Zan into Runan County, and order Xu Rong to continue to advance south to attack Dong Zhuo."
Only then did Liu Bian come to his senses. After careful consideration, he shook his head and said, "Qingzhou has just been settled. Cao Cao cannot leave. He must not give the Qingzhou bandits a chance to surrender and rebel again!"
"As for Gongsun Zan, huh, he can't fool me with his tricks! He now has at least 20,000 troops in his hands."
"Xu Rong cannot continue to go south. I am preparing and ordering him to transfer defense with Zhang Liao. Zhang Liao supervises the military affairs of Yanzhou, and Xu Rong is transferred to Jizhou."
Liu Bian looked at Huangfu Song and said after consideration.
Huangfu Song immediately raised his hand and said: "Your Majesty, isn't this just sitting back and watching Dong Zhuo swallow Xuzhou?"
Liu Bian smiled faintly and said: "Don't worry, Qing family. Dong Zhuo is just a mere man. There are too many people who can cure him. I have never taken him seriously. By the way, doesn't Yuan Shao have no one under his command? The Great Sima Mansion is given to Hanzhong Send a letter to temporarily transfer Guan Yu, Liu Bei's subordinate, to Yuan Shao."
"Your Majesty, are you really not going to make arrangements?" Huangfu Song still asked uneasily.
Once Dong Zhuo swallowed Xuzhou, his strength would greatly increase.
Xuzhou is also a battleground for military strategists. If Dong Zhuo gets this place, the consequences will be unimaginable!
Liu Bian smiled calmly and said: "The Qing family can rest assured. Dong Zhuo's outcome has been predetermined long ago. I have arranged everything."
Huangfu Song was startled. What do you mean, everything has been arranged?
At this time, Pan Yin came in, handed Liu Bian a memorial, and said: "Your Majesty, the trial in the Tingwei Mansion has been concluded, and the execution is scheduled for tomorrow."
Liu Bian glanced at it and put it aside, and said to Huangfu Song: "I never think that killing people can solve problems, but sometimes, other problems can be solved by killing people. For example, the government has been smoother than before recently. It’s more than doubled, the hassles seem to have suddenly been reduced by half, and the efficiency has been doubled.”
Huangfu Song bowed and said nothing.
Wang Yun's handling had a great deterrent effect on the chaotic court situation.
Liu Bian didn't expect Huangfu Song to say anything. He looked at Pan Yin and said, "Send a message to the Chancellor, asking the Prime Minister to command the six Cao Cao. He will summarize the year-end and make arrangements for next year's plan and submit it as soon as possible."
"Yes." Pan Yin said.
Liu Bian took another sip of tea and said: "Qing family, the reform of the Grand Sima Mansion must also be accelerated, especially the 'separation of military and political affairs', which must be advanced in an orderly manner without delay. For those who do not yet meet the conditions, we will not be allowed to do so for the time being. Move, if there are conditions, no delay.”
"I accept the decree!" Huangfu Song bowed and said.
Liu Bian paused for a while, looked at Huangfu Song, and said, "Recently, have there been calls for Cao Cao's impeachment again?"
Huangfu Song looked as usual and said: "It all happened because of Xia Houyuan."
Liu Bian hummed and thought thoughtfully: "Xia Houyuan...Cao Cao, what does the Grand Sima Mansion think?"
Regarding the rescue of Xia Houyuan, Cao Cao adopted a very "barbaric" attitude. His letters to the Grand Sima Mansion were all emphasizing Xia Houyuan and his achievements, without any intention of admitting guilt.
"I believe that kindness and power must be balanced." Huangfu Song looked directly at Liu Bian and said.
For Huangfu Song, who had committed the Jingguan incident, it was not a big deal to plunder the money and food of some aristocratic families in an emergency situation in order to quell the chaos. The key is that Cao Cao's attitude seemed 'arrogant'.
Huangfu Song's meaning is very simple. Before Liu Bian, he was too kind to Cao Cao and blocked so many things for him. Now that he has made great achievements, it is inevitable that he will be arrogant and favored.
Liu Bian nodded thoughtfully and said: "Qingzhou has just been settled, and it will take at least two to three years to stabilize. Zhu Qing's family is not ruthless enough, and many things cannot be done. Cao Cao..."
Huangfu Song naturally saw clearly and said: "Your Majesty, Cao Cao is stationed in Beihai Kingdom and Donglai County. Together with the surrender of the Yellow Turban bandits, the total force may exceed 200,000. Beihai Kingdom and Donglai County also occupy Qingzhou. Half of it is surrounded by Jizhou, Yanzhou and Xuzhou on three sides. It is a remote place. If he has different intentions, it may be difficult for the court to control him."
"What do you think of the Great Sima Mansion?" Liu Bian looked at Huangfu Song and asked.
For the last dynasty, not only the emperor, but also the officials in the capital were always wary of the feudal officials and generals who held heavy troops.
As for Cao Cao, Liu Bian is also in trouble now because he has become powerful.
Huangfu Song's expression became serious, he raised his hand and said: "Your Majesty, I plan to transfer Cao Cao to Jinan and order him to supervise the military in Qingzhou, so as to disperse his troops and weaken his foundation in Beihai and Donglai."
Liu Bian shook his head and said: "It works for other people, but it doesn't work for Cao Cao."
Huangfu Song paused and said, "Then, disperse his tribe?"
Liu Bian was silent.
The reason why Cao Cao became popular is that not only was he powerful, he also had enough charisma!
This kind of person is simply a born king in troubled times.
Like Cao Cao, like Liu Bei, and like the Sun family in Jiangdong.
Among the eighteen princes in history, these three were just minions. On the contrary, these three finally became powerful on their own. At that time, such powerful people as Yuan Shao, Yuan Shu, Gongsun Zan and others were defeated one after another. In comparison Down, simply vulnerable.
Huangfu Song clearly sensed Liu Bian's dilemma and said, "Your Majesty, then, the Grand Sima Mansion sent someone to take over his farmland?"
Huangfu Song's purpose was to divide Cao Cao's troops and weaken his power.
Liu Bian thought about it again and again and said: "Pan Yin, it is reported that Cao Cao has entered the capital."
"Yes." Pan Yin responded.
Huangfu Song didn't say anything anymore, knowing that Liu Bian had made his own arrangements.
Liu Bian sat up, his eyes flashed, and said: "The imperial court is almost done. Starting next year, I will consider taking over the land in Sili. What do the Qing family think?"
Huangfu Song's expression changed immediately, he raised his hand and bowed, and said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, I think it's too hasty. It's better to wait until the world is pacified before implementing it!"
Liu Bian looked at him, reached for the tea cup and drank tea.
Lu Zhi had advised him on this, as had Yang Biao, Xun Yu, Xun You, Zhong Yao and others, who believed that being too concerned would be counterproductive.
Huangfu Song looked at Liu Bian and said: "Your Majesty, if we implement it next year, it will be ten times more serious than Yuan Shu and others' treason!"
Liu Bian raised his brows, put the tea cup to his lips, and said without hiding his suspicion, "It's more than that, right? The seven northern states are all under the control of the imperial court. Who else can conspire against them?"
Huangfu Song's face did not change, and his tone seemed to be stern, and he said: "This is the first time I have met Your Majesty. What I said is true, but what you do must be cautious! I am bold. Wang Mang's defeat was not due to tampering or Guangwu Shengming. But it’s what he does that arouses public outrage.”
Liu Bian frowned again and again, but he still refused to give up.
Huangfu Song saw it and suddenly fell to the ground and said: "Your Majesty, you are only twenty years old and you have plenty of time, so why are you so anxious? Your Majesty, doesn't it say that time is the enemy of everything? Your Majesty, please think again!"
This was the first time Liu Bian saw Huangfu Song acting like this. He suddenly became alert. He took a deep breath, stretched out his hand to pull him up, and said, "I'm a little too complacent."
Liu Bian was horrified to discover one thing from Huangfu Song's reaction. After being emperor for a long time, he became less and less able to listen to other people's words and became somewhat arbitrary.
This is a taboo!
Seeing that Liu Bian had listened, Huangfu Song felt a little relieved. He sat down and straightened his clothes, and then said: "Your Majesty, this matter must not be spread out!"
Liu Bian nodded and said, "I have given you instructions, so it should be okay."
Huangfu Song was relieved and said: "I recommend Shi Xie to be the governor of Jiaozhou."
Asking for a monthly ticket~
(End of chapter)
