The second year of Yonghan, the first day of February.
A group of officials came out of Lu Zhi's mansion. Everyone had drunk a lot of wine. They crowded together in twos and threes and talked about what happened in the mansion just now.
Zhong Yao drank very well and was very sober now. He said to Er Xun beside him: "It seems that Lu Gong regards Cao Mengde as his successor."
Xun You's face turned red, as he drank the most, and he said: "Although Cao Mengde has been defeated many times, he is broad-minded and does not care about any suspicion. If he can concentrate on his work, he will achieve great things."
Zhong Yao couldn't deny it and sighed: "Looking at Mr. Lu's body, I'm afraid he won't be able to survive this month."
Xun Yu looked silent and said: "During the dinner just now, what did Lu Gong mean, is that I hope to recommend Cao Mengde to be the chief historian of the Grand Sima Prefecture?"
The establishment of the Grand Sima Mansion is top-heavy. Although it has been continuously improved, the position of 'Chief History' in the main hall has been vacant for many years. The Chief of the Sima Prefecture, Shi, is equivalent to the "Shang Shu Ling" in the Shangshutai, and his position is very dangerous.
Lu Zhi's intention was naturally to hope that Cao Cao would take it step by step.
Xun You looked at Xun Yu and said, "Cao Cao made great contributions to the pacification of Qingzhou, so he should be granted the title of Marquis. Now that he has been dismissed due to Xia Houyuan's incident, it makes sense to cite his contribution to the history of a great Sima Prefecture."
Xun Yu looked as usual and said: "The chief historian of the Grand Sima Mansion is appointed by the Grand Sima Mansion. There is no need for the court to discuss it, let alone the recommendation of the courtiers."
Xun You and Zhong Yao suddenly reacted, and they couldn't help but look at each other.
Zhong Yao suddenly realized something and said: "Cao Cao, are you afraid that he will not only succeed Lu Gong, but maybe also succeed Huangfu Gong?"
Xun You remembered that Huangfu Song's health was actually not very good.
In any case, Cao Cao was only thirty-seven years old, a prime age when he was young and powerful.
Looking at the great Han Dynasty, Cao Cao seems to be the most suitable candidate for the second generation of Great Sima!
Xun Yu walked slowly and said, "Yuan Chang, let's look for a suitable candidate to succeed you."
Zhong Yao was startled for a moment. If he wasn't talking about the affairs of Da Sima's mansion, why did he suddenly come to his Tingwei's mansion?
Xun You frowned, looked at Xun Yu, and said thoughtfully: "Uncle Clan, what you mean is that not only the Grand Sima Mansion is facing a change, but also the Secretariat of the Secretariat?"
Xun Yu nodded and said slowly: "From what we can see now, His Majesty intends to let Duke Cai serve as a transitional one, but Duke Cai is confused. Duke Liu of Youzhou and Duke Zhu of Qingzhou have already been vetoed by Your Majesty from entering the capital. So, Yuan Chang will be admitted to the Chancellery." That’s the only choice.”
Zhong Yao shook his head and said: "You are inferring after the fact. Only now can you and I see clearly the layout of the Grand Sima Mansion. How can you and I guess the thoughts of the palace?"
Xun You thought about it and said: "We will look at this later. Then Cao Mengde, do we want to recommend him?"
Zhong Yao looked back at Lu Zhi's mansion and said, "Gong Lu has always been frugal. There are no valuables in the mansion, and there are only a dozen servants. The banquets these days have probably used up all the savings for many years." "
Xun Yu said: "Recommend, the number of people should not be too large."
"Okay." Xun You said. There are too many people, not only is it bad for Cao Cao, but it is also suspected of forming a clique.
While Zhong Yao was discussing with Er Xun and others, the guests in Lu Mansion had almost left.
Cao Cao and Lu Zhi's family helped Lu Zhi back to the bedroom and looked at Lu Zhi sleeping. His face was haggard and his eyes were sunken, as if he was not going to last long.
Cao Cao's face was expressionless, and his heart was extremely melancholy.
Lu Zhi drank some wine and fell asleep.
Lu Yu turned to Cao Cao, raised his hands with a calm face and said, "Thank you, general."
Seeing that Lu Yu, who was less than ten years old, knew etiquette so well, Cao Cao quickly replied: "I don't dare. If there is any difficulty in the future, Cao Cao will be obliged to do so!"
Lu Yu didn't answer, just turned around and wiped his father's face.
Cao Cao stood for a while longer before saying goodbye and leaving.
When Cao Cao returned to his mansion, he saw that the lights were almost out and he was not sleepy, so he went to Guo Jia's small courtyard.
Seeing that Guo Jia had gone to bed, Cao Cao was not polite, took off his coat, and slept on the other side.
Guo Jia faintly opened his eyes, reached out to touch the wine bottle beside him, and took a sip. Then he felt refreshed, sat up a little, and then said with a smile: "Listening to the general's footsteps, he seems to be in a bad mood. "
Cao Cao was not sleepy, but he didn't want to talk much. Hearing this, he sat up and looked at Guo Jia silently with his hair disheveled.
It was only February, it was still very cold, and the nights were even darker.
The two were not far apart, but no one could see clearly the expression on the other.
After being silent for a long time, Cao Cao said: "I'm afraid it won't be long, Mr. Lu."
"Gong Lu's masterpiece is the most famous one in the world and is highly regarded by the world. Being able to pay such attention to the general shows that he values him." From the other end of the bed, Guo Jia sighed softly.
"Cao Cao is so virtuous and capable..." Cao Cao's voice was depressed and heavy, with an unspeakable emotion.
Guo Jia looked calmly at the dark opposite side, picked up the wine bottle, took a sip, and said: "But the general's achievements are not in Luoyang. In today's troubled times, only the late Qin Dynasty can be compared. It is the place where heroes can use their skills. The general's achievements are On horseback, not another Confucian.”
Cao Cao was silent.
Lu Zhi tried his best to plan for him, even if he was ill and entertained the courtiers all night long. This kind of kindness made it difficult for him to say anything else.
Guo Jia seemed to understand and couldn't help but laugh and said: "General, don't worry. According to my estimation, the general will not be able to leave Luoyang in the next year, but after this year, the general will be able to do it without leaving."
Cao Cao's expression perked up and he said, "Why did Fengxiao say this?"
Guo Jia drank again and said: "I told the general before. The imperial court used Dong Zhuo, Yuan Shao and others to hold back the rebellion of Yuan Shu and others, which attracted the attention of almost the whole world, but in the northern states, they were put down one by one, especially The general's pacification of Qingzhou gave the court great confidence."
"Moreover, the various 'new policies' implemented by the imperial court are all aimed at stabilizing people's livelihood. Although there are twists and turns, there is no threat to the north except the Montenegro Army."
"When the imperial court gets through this year, its strength will be greatly increased next year. It is expected to send a general to coordinate all parties and comprehensively crush the rebellion."
Cao Cao sat up straight, his narrow eyes shining brightly, and said: "I remember that Feng Xiao said before that the court was too anxious to do this."
Guo Jia smiled and said: "I am anxious. But isn't His Majesty in the palace always anxious?"
Cao Cao felt that Guo Jia's judgment was too arbitrary, but he couldn't help but think about where he would start if he led the army on an expedition.
Seeing that Cao Cao didn't speak, Guo Jia reminded: "General, you still have to work seriously."
Cao Cao woke up and couldn't help but frown and said: "Fengxiao, you don't know what the Grand Sima Mansion is doing. If it is really up to me to do it, I'm afraid I will offend everyone in the world!"
Guo Jia drank wine, his smile not diminishing, and said: "General, are you afraid of offending the people of the world?"
Cao Cao was startled for a moment, then suddenly burst into laughter and said loudly: "Those who know me are filial piety! Go to bed, and tomorrow, I will explain my thoughts to Grand Sima and Mr. Lu!"
Guo Jia saw that Cao Cao had untied his knot, so he said no more and lay down to sleep.
Tomorrow, he is also going to visit some people.
The next day, Cao Cao washed up and went to Lu Mansion to pick up Lu Zhi. As a result, Lu Zhi was still sleeping and had to take leave.
Cao Cao had no choice but to enter the palace alone, organize his words and report to Huangfu Song what he had thought about last night.
"Da Sima, I think that if you want to divide the military power of the chief officers of the prefectures and counties, you can't do it forcefully, but you need some skills. For example, rotation, cross-transfer the chief officers of the counties and counties before they take office. , first order the captain to take over the military power, in this way, the danger may be reduced..."
Cao Cao sat opposite Huangfu Song with a serious expression.
Huangfu Song was a little surprised. He thought about Cao Cao's suggestion and said, "It's a good idea. However, this matter needs to be negotiated with Shangshutai, officials and others. I'm afraid the news will leak out in advance."
Cao Cao's narrow eyes flashed slightly and said: "Then we will only discuss it with the officials. The matter must be kept secret and we will figure it out slowly."
"Okay." Huangfusong thought for a while and said, "But..."
Before he finished speaking, a petty official came in hurriedly and said: "Da Sima, your Majesty has summoned me."
Huangfu Song stood up and said to Cao Cao, "Write a memorial."
Cao Cao raised his hand and said, "Yes."
Huangfu Song left Da Sima's Mansion, looked in the direction of the Chancellor's Desk, and went straight to Chongde Hall.
Chongde Hall, in the back hall.
Liu Bian was sitting on a chair, holding in his hand a memorial written by Xun You recommending Cao Cao as the chief of the Grand Sima Prefecture.
Looking at the content above, Liu Bian was filled with emotions.
Naturally, Liu Bian knew very well what Lu Zhi had done recently.
Although Lu Zhihui was wrong, few people could match his magnanimity.
"That's all, I can't let you down at this time." Liu Bian whispered to himself.
If Liu Bian told Lu Zhi that he had no intention of letting Cao Cao take over the Sima Mansion, Lu Zhi would probably leave with disappointment.
Pan Yin came in from outside, glanced at Liu Bian, and then stepped forward and said: "Your Majesty, this is Huangfu Jianchang's memorial."
Liu Bian smiled and said: "After such a long time, we finally have news about him."
He took it, reached out and opened it, and with just a sweep, Liu Bian's face showed a strange expression.
This memorial written by Huangfu Jianchang summarizes what he has seen along the way and involves a lot of information.
For example, Tao Qian was seriously ill, and his subordinates Zang Ba and others took real power and were entrenched in Langya County.
For example, Ding Yuan was alone in Guangling County and was trying to seize the troops of Sun Jian and Lu Bu.
For example, when Guan Yu arrived at Yuan Shao's tent, he almost killed Zhang He in Jiujiang County, but Zhang He was so frightened that he could not hold on.
For example, when Liu Biao arrived in Lujiang County, he won the support of Wu, Cai, Sun and many other powerful clans. Now he had a strong army and strong horses. He fought fierce battles with Yuan Shu in many places and rarely lost. He already occupied half of Jingzhou.
Liu Bian examined it for a long time and had a clearer understanding of the war situation in the south. He suddenly looked up at Pan Yin and said, "What is Zuo Li doing?"
Pan Yin bowed and said, "I don't know."
Liu Bian frowned, feeling very dissatisfied with Zuo Li.
Compared with Huangfu Jianchang's information, Zuo Li's information seemed to be just hearsay, and it was difficult to tell whether it was true or false.
After a moment, Liu Bian loosened his brows and said: "Give this Cheng Yu the title of Chief of the Imperial City. In addition, inform Chief Huangfu Jian and ask him to watch with cold eyes and try not to interfere. Also, give me a touch of Sun Jian and Liu Biao The bottom.”
"Yes." Pan Yin responded and stepped back.
Immediately, Huangfu Song came in, raised his hand and said: "I see your Majesty."
Liu Bian waved his hand and said with a smile: "The Qing family came just in time. Let's take a look at these two memorials first."
Huangfu Jianchang sat down opposite Liu Bian, took the memorial and read it. The first one was that Xun You recommended Cao Cao.
Not only Liu Bian could see clearly what Lu Zhi did, Huangfu Song also knew it very well, so he didn't pay much attention to it and put it aside.
Then, there is a memorial from his second son.
Huangfusong continued to focus subconsciously, looking at the clearly organized memorials in the memorial book. He was gradually attracted by the content and began to think seriously.
After a while, Huangfu Song looked at Liu Bian and said, "Your Majesty, I have no objection to Cao Cao being appointed Chief of the Grand Sima Prefecture."
"As for Huangfu Jianchang's memorial,"
Huangfu Song showed hesitation and said: "I believe that various forces in the south are intertwined, and the situation is complex and changing rapidly. It is difficult to see clearly even if you are in the midst of it. It needs to be verified."
Liu Bian picked up the teacup, took a sip, and said: "After all, he is his biological son. The Qing family does not need to be too harsh. Based on my understanding of the second young master, I will not write to me if I am not completely sure."
Huangfu Song bowed and did not answer.
In the past few years, he had only met that bastard a handful of times. Although he had a change of heart, Huangfu Song still couldn't fully believe that that bastard could change his appearance and do so many things after knowing him for more than ten or twenty years.
Seeing that he didn't speak, Liu Bian shook his head secretly and said: "Let's get down to business. I agree with Cao Cao, who has a long history. Cao Cao comes from a noble family and has a somewhat casual temperament. He needs to be tempered. The Qing family will take him with him and train him well. , what should be taught should not be hidden."
Huangfu Song quickly raised his hand and said, "I accept the order."
Liu Bian hummed and said thoughtfully, "The Qing family has also read the Second Young Master's memorial. Now it seems that the governor of Xuzhou will be vacant."
Huangfu Song observed Liu Bian's expression and said, "Your Majesty, Sun Jian may be qualified."
Liu Bian shook his head directly and said: "The Sun family is already powerful enough in Jiangdong and cannot add more."
Huangfusong thought for a while and said: "Xuzhou is connected to Qingzhou, Yuzhou, Yangzhou, etc. It has a dangerous geographical location and various forces are intertwined and complicated. It requires a person with sufficient ability to guard it."
Liu Bian grunted and said: "I will consider the candidate again. I called the Qing family today for another matter. Yizhou Shepherd Liu Yan is not in good health and can no longer get out of bed. Except for Liu Zhang, the others Several of his sons are dead. He wrote a letter requesting that Liu Zhang be allowed to return to Mianyang. It is very obvious that he intends to let Liu Zhang succeed his Yizhou Mu. What do the Qing family think?"
Huangfu Song's expression remained unchanged and he said: "No!"
Immediately, Huangfu Song bowed and said: "Your Majesty, this may be a good opportunity. The imperial court should make changes and bring Yizhou back to the imperial court as safely as possible."
After Liu Yan entered Sichuan, Yizhou became an independent kingdom. He was obedient and submissive to the imperial court. The word rebellion was almost written on his face.
But the imperial court has always been powerless in this regard, and has to do more to win over him to prevent him from really rebelling.
Because Yizhou's geography is unusual, once Liu Yan openly rebelled, the court could only shout a few words, but there wasn't much that could be done.
Now Liu Yan is seriously ill. When he dies, Yizhou will become an unclaimed land, and the imperial court will have the opportunity to take it back!
(End of chapter)
