"Hmph," Yuan Shu didn't take them, the Han officials and old Confucians, seriously at all.
In troubled times, these people are actually willing to follow Yuan Shao, not Yuan Shu.
But in fact, in terms of vast territory and prosperous population, he is not weaker than Yuan Shao, but most of the world's heroes belong to him.
But these people refused to come to Yuan Shu. Most of the talented people in the south of the Yangtze River were willing to come to rely on them because they were the emperor's envoys.
There are also many officials who are willing to come because of Ma Rixi's connections.
After Jin Shang left, advisers came one after another to suggest that as the autumn harvest was about to end and the fields and grains were collected into warehouses, taxes should be reduced this year so that the people would be a little grateful.
After handling the official business, Yang Feng and Han Xian sent their deputy generals to ask for an audience. They were stationed in the Guangling area and there was a shortage of food and grass. The soldiers could only eat fish and shrimps in the river. They thought they would need thousands of stones of food to store food and grass. Keep a safe place.
After hearing this, Yuan Shu sneered again and again: "What he means by this is that he intends to threaten him. If he doesn't give it, he will cause trouble to Guangling."
"Haha, I don't have food to transport to distant places. Let Yang Feng and Han Siam lead the remaining troops to Huainan and garrison in Jiujiang. I can provide food accommodation."
"only."
In the afternoon, Yan Xiang came to see him again, disturbing Yuan Shu's meeting with many wise men.
He was quite dissatisfied and went from the main courtyard to the side hall to set up tea and meet Yan Xiang to ask questions.
"Sun Ce led his troops through Qu'a and marched towards Kuaiji. After repelling Wang Lang, he gathered his troops in Kuaiji and asked for food and fodder. He will fight with Wu Commandery again and decide to capture Soochow for the Lord."
"Soochow..." Yuan Shu curled his lips and thought for a long time, then asked tentatively: "How much food and salary does he want?"
"Thirty thousand stones, gold, silver and cloth to reward the army. At the same time, iron, copper and other stones are needed to be transported. Five hundred craftsmen were also invited to help build armaments. In addition, he said that he would not ask the lord for soldiers and horses, but only invited Sun's old troops to help. That’s it.”
"Sun's old tribe?" Yuan Shu's heart tightened. The victories in these years were almost all achieved by veterans of his old tribe. His generals Ji Ling, Yuan Huan and others were all in the Chinese army and had never fought in a big battle.
Liu Xiang, who was under his command at that time, was a brave man, but he did not expect to be attacked and killed by Cao Cao's cavalry in Kuangting.
If Sun's old tribe is also returned to Sun Ce, their achievements will be even greater, and I will also rely on him.
"What do you think?" Yuan Shu asked.
Yan Xiang had a thick beard and stretched out his hand to caress it. His face was rich and round, but he looked tired due to hard work. He thought about it for a long time and said, "I think it is inappropriate to send Sun Ce's old troops to Sun Ce."
"He led the army to attack Kuaiji. He has already achieved great success. He can return to Huainan to receive a reward. My lord should ask Sun Ce to come to discuss merit and rewards in the name of the next emperor's edict. He proposes to record all his father's and his achievements in a book and send them to him. Go to Xudu and ask the emperor to grant you an official title."
"In this way, there is no need to transport food, and there is no need to worry about Sun's old generals following Sun Ce."
Yuan Shu nodded slightly, but then quickly shook his head, "Isn't this bad..."
He was a bit hard to judge. If he did this, wouldn't it be a breach of trust and instead be resented by Sun Ce?
You must know that the reason why Sun Ce was allowed to lead the army and perform meritorious service was because he presented the jade seal that his father had obtained in Luoyang and presented it to Sun Ce as the destiny.
At that time, Yuan Shu had promised to let him lead the attack and seize Jiangdong with meritorious service.
This matter was done in secret, and only the closest officials knew about it, so it was not allowed to be known to others for the time being.
Yuan Shu is still preparing, waiting for the time to come, so that he can no longer be controlled by Cao Cao.
Otherwise, the current situation can be said to be very serious. If you obey the imperial edict, you must not antagonize Cao Cao. If you do not obey the imperial edict, you will be called a traitor and be punished by the Han court.
In this world, the Han Dynasty has long existed in name only. That is to say, Cao Cao did not respect martial ethics and insisted on welcoming the Han Emperor back to worship him.
Otherwise, where would the Han Dynasty still exist? Wouldn’t it all belong to the princes?
Cao Ah Ma is really a thing that harms others but does not benefit himself. What use does he have for the emperor? We and other princes will obey the imperial edict, but we will never truly submit to Cao Cao's command.
It is estimated that everyone is trying to find a way out of his control. Cao Cao wants to imitate Li Jue and Guo Si. If he doesn't do it right, he will become the next Dong Zhuo.
"Hey," thinking of this, Yuan Shu couldn't help but laugh, turned to Yan Xiang and said, "How can you be so defensive about your subordinates? Sun Ce is a chivalrous man, and he is very brave."
"Lord..." Yan Xianggang wanted to persuade him again, but Yuan Shu waved his hand with a smile and said softly: "The meritorious ministers should be rewarded, and his father and his achievements should be sent to Xudu. The rest should rely on him to transport grain, grass and craftsmen. give him."
"Let him temporarily take charge of Kuaiji, govern the local people, and take in the refugees to demonstrate my benevolence in Huaiyang."
Yan Xiang looked stunned and frowned in dissatisfaction. When he was about to speak, Yuan Shu raised his hand to stop him: "Yan Jun, don't worry. The princes are currently fighting. Sun Ce is because of my kindness in helping his father, and because of Sun Jian's My family has entrusted me with these things, and these are all filial piety. If he wants to rebel, there will be no place for him in Jiangdong."
"Okay," Yan Xiang nodded slightly, twirling his beard, and then said goodbye to Yuan Shu.
When he walked out, Yan Xiang had some feelings. He thought that his lord had been deeply mired in his current prosperity and was a little complacent.
But what he just said was a lot of thought. Sun Ce has his father's favor and will not rebel easily unless something happens that forces him to rebel.
In short, as long as the lord does not give Sun Ce any chance, he will not be able to leave Yangzhou easily.
but……
After Yan Xiang walked a few steps, he looked back at Yuan Shu, who was already at his desk looking at the military situation.
Why, I always feel a little uneasy in my heart.
…
Hedong.
Zhang Han led eight hundred black-robed armored cavalry to escort the emperor's envoys to Hedong to reward Zhang Yang. Because among Cao Cao's confidants, he was currently the only one who had nothing to do every day, so he was given some merit to be recorded.
Zhang Yang, a middle-aged general with rich combat experience, received the title of marquis and general after being awarded this year, which can be said to be a distinguished reputation.
At the same time, the emperor ordered him to continue to station in the east of the river without moving. Of course, before that, Cao Cao had secretly sent many gifts to Zhang Yang through Dong Zhao, and they had exchanged swan geese with each other several times, and they were already friends.
This time the envoy was Zhong Yao. Because of his role as a guard, he was appointed as Yushi Zhongcheng. This official position did not have much real power, but it was a respected position.
However, in these years in Chang'an, there were more Zhong Yao than Xiliang generals. The generals guarding the north and south went around and got to know each other and gained their respect.
So when he came to serve as the emperor's envoy and send edicts and rewards, he actually had other intentions.
Zhong Yao was in the carriage and asked Zhang Han to get in the carriage and talk about the purpose of the trip.
Although Dong Zhao is already taking care of it, they still need to discuss and prepare. Zhang Han still needs to be there to witness how to discuss with Zhang Yang.
Zhong Yao received dual orders from the emperor and Cao Cao, and both wanted to win over Zhang Yang. However, Zhong Yao was from the Zhong family of Changshe and did not respond to Cao Cao's words, but he did not dare to disobey the emperor's orders.
Who Zhang Yang will be his ally in the end depends on his own choice.
After talking for a while, Zhong Yao talked about some interesting things, "Junhou, I heard some of your deeds when I was in Chang'an. I was ambushed in Yingchuan, and then——"
"Zhongcheng, there is no need to say more," Zhang Han quickly raised his hand, with a solemn air, "I will not vent my anger on the Yingchuan tribes for this matter. At that time, each of them was their own master. Maybe some of them wanted to be attached to Yuan Shu, so that's why. "
"These matters were already taken care of back then, so Zhong Cheng doesn't have to worry," Zhang Han smiled grandly.
Zhong Yao's face remained as usual, the corners of his mouth raised slightly, and he said calmly: "I heard that the Zhong family invested more than eight thousand gold to quell the rebellion and eliminate thieves?"
Zhang Han's face froze, and the corners of his mouth trembled a few times. At the same time, he suspected that Zhong must be related to the assassination.
Because they offered 10,000, but told Zhong Yao that there was only 8,000, which is enough to explain a lot of problems.
However, those are all things that have been revealed in the past, and it is useless to mention them now, because when the money was originally made, the crime was already placed on the bandits, and most of the bandits have surrendered, and some of them continue to flee. So we are our own people.
Everyone shared more than 40,000 gold worth of property, including cloth, gold, silver, and jade articles, and some families used food to pay for it. In short, each other was very happy.
Although the various tribes in Yingchuan lost their money, they gained the joy of eliminating thieves and supporting the Han people.
"Hehehe..." Zhong Yao saw that Zhang Han was silent, and then continued: "How much did the prince share?"
"Zhongcheng, don't say this nonsense," Zhang Han said with a straight face.
If you tell me again, I'll run away on horseback.
"Hehehe..." Zhong Yao chuckled, but he no longer dwelled on this topic. He sighed and said, "Your Majesty, you are escorting me to Hedong this time, but you have another secret order?"
"No," Zhang Han shook his head, "My lord just asked me to escort him back and forth for half a month to return to Xudu in time for the winter. After this year's autumn harvest, the warehouse is full of food. In addition to reducing taxes to benefit the people, we have accumulated dozens of military rations. Tens of thousands of dendrobium, the generals of the clan led troops to garrison around Runan and Yingchuan, to pacify the refugees and recruit local brave men, so I have nothing to do except to maintain security."
"So let me protect Zhong Cheng."
Zhang Han didn't need to get close to Zhong Yao anymore. He already had Sun Qian, Mi Zhu and others around him. There was no benefit in getting involved with the nobles. When he came to Hedong this time, in addition to meeting Zhang Yang, he still had to bring Dong Zhao with him. go back.
Dong Zhao had made considerable achievements on his way to welcome the Han Emperor, and almost won too many allies for Cao Cao.
If we talk about secret orders, this is one of them.
The other thing is to find out whether Zhang Yang's love for his lord can truly become a long-term ally. If not, he should set up a defense in advance. You must know that the opening in Hedong is no less than Nanyang in the south.
Because it can be a springboard for Yuan Shao to advance, Zhang Yang and Yuan Shao had quite a feud in the early years, but this does not mean that there will never be hidden dangers. Alliances change with interests and time, and maybe one day the two will unite.
The world is like this and people's minds are unpredictable, so being appropriately suspicious is a good thing.
Thinking of this, Zhang Han calmed down and did not intend to tell Zhong Yao everything.
Zhong Yao nodded and smiled: "I understand."
"The prince should be here to help Dong Zhao return. In fact, there is no need to hide these things. When I was in Chang'an, I had contact with Dong Zhao and conspired with the emperor's return eastward. He had written three letters on behalf of Duke Cao. Write me letters, and every one of them is sincere."
Zhong Yao took out two letters from under the desk, put them on the table, and then said leisurely: "I don't understand. There are many words of appreciation and admiration for me in this letter, but since I have arrived so many years ago, But his attitude seems to have changed drastically, and he doesn’t remember these words at all.”
"Well, my lord has always kept my respect for you in mind. Why do I need to express it at any time?"
Zhang Han immediately said with a guilty conscience. He understood that Dong Zhao must not have communicated with Cao Cao in advance. After the emperor returned eastward, he immediately went to Zhang Yang to report the situation. Although he made many achievements in the process, he never had the opportunity to come to Cao Cao's tent. Down.
Therefore, Cao Cao definitely didn't know what Dong Zhao said, or he only knew that he said good things but didn't know the content of his words.
Zhong Yao can think of it, but he probably doesn't know the details.
"I like to hear this," Zhong Yao pointed out. He looked at Zhang Han deeply and said with a mysterious smile: "You will remember what you said today. I will keep it in my heart as a golden rule. My lord will definitely remember to respect me."
Zhang Han was suddenly startled, and quickly waved his hands and said: "No, no, no, no, I didn't say anything."
"Haha," Zhong Yao smiled easily again, and then said quite intriguingly: "The king is here. After meeting Dong Zhao, you can visit the generals under Zhang Yang's command. There is one person you can make friends with, named Yang Chou."
"Yang Chou..." Zhang Han muttered silently, feeling that the name was somewhat familiar.
"Aside from Yang Chou, there is another person who is an old acquaintance of the king and the lord. His name is Sui Gu. Do you still remember him?"
Zhang Han was suddenly startled. This name was indeed familiar. When Yu Du and Bai Rao's Black Mountain Army joined forces with Sui Gu to attack Dongjun, it led to a year-long fierce battle. In addition to this incident, Zhang Han also Some private grudges should actually be settled with Sui Gu.
One hundred and seventy-three of his brothers in the first battalion died in Sui Gu's ambush. At that time, Cao Ren fell into the trap and made a mistake in dispatching, resulting in the loss of more than a thousand soldiers and horses. Among them was Zhang Han. 's team.
As an uncle, Zhang Han was unable to make any comments and could only act according to orders. Moreover, it was impossible to know the full extent of the marching strategy and he could only follow orders. Naturally, Zhang Han could not make any judgments.
He was able to survive because the hierarchy in the army was strict and he had no deserters under his command.
At the same time, it was those brothers who protected him and ran out to grab the only war horse.
Those without war horses would naturally have no choice but to die in pursuit.
Zhang Han was also a person who suffered defeat. Thinking of these things, his head was buzzing. Now Sui Gu has actually mixed up with Zhang Yang, which means that he is a subordinate of the hero at the moment. It depends on Zhang Yang's face and refuses. Its conflict as well.
Thinking of this, Zhang Han laughed directly, cupped his hands to Zhong Yao, with a cynical smile on his face, and said: "Zhongcheng, I just understand that you invited me to come up to the car and talk to me around the corner. After so much, it turned out that I was asked to take care of the overall situation and not mention my personal grudges when I see my enemies again?"
"Don't worry. Victory or defeat is a common thing for military officers. I, Zhang Bochang, know the current affairs best and cherish my life. How could I do such a thing on someone else's territory?"
After hearing this, Zhong Yao smiled lightly.
He knew a lot about Zhang Han's past. Xun Yu was a gentleman, and he concealed some private matters and did not speak out.
But the deeds of these defeats were not hidden.
Therefore, Zhong Yao guessed that either Cao Cao had a secret order, or Zhang Han had some own purposes and wanted to accompany him to Hedong.
Otherwise, it would be impossible for him to be willing to protect him, and there would be nothing to do. Isn’t it possible that the garrison captain wasn’t busy at all?
Zhang Han and Zhong Yao handed over their hands, got out of the car, and asked Ji Boxiao to bring the horses. They went to the side with Dian Wei and Gao Shun and told him about the incident.
Dian Wei's eyes widened and he suddenly became excited: "Okay, kill him."
"Kill," Zhang Han said decisively, but immediately became confused. He touched the stubble on his chin, frowned and said, "But Zhong Zhongcheng mentioned Yang Chou again. What does he mean?"
This old thing seems to be an old silver coin too.
(End of chapter)
