Han Dynasty Achievements

Chapter 156: How can a man who lives in this world be depressed and inferior to others for a long ti

Chapter 156: How can a man who lives in this world be depressed and inferior to others for a long time?

Huangfu Song, Xun You and Zhong Yao looked at Liu Bian's expression and felt his gaze, and felt secretly awe-inspiring and uneasy in their hearts.

They had indeed discussed today's events in private. Seeing that Yuan Shu's rebellion was getting more and more intense, and the emperor's reaction was too strange, they had no choice but to step forward and give advice.

The situation of the Han Dynasty court is extremely difficult. If it continues to drag on, it will only make the court weaker and attract more ambitious people.

Smoke of war is rising everywhere, threatening the Han Dynasty!

Yuan Shu’s rebellion must be put down as soon as possible!

Liu Bian looked at the three people and did not speak.

There was silence in the small pavilion.

Pan Yin stood aside, glanced at Liu Bian's expression, and lowered his head quietly.

"What the three ministers said... makes sense."

In the silence, Liu Bian slowly opened his mouth and said, "I will think about it again."

The three of them looked at Liu Bian in surprise. At this critical juncture, he still needed to consider?

Zhong Yao's face twitched again and again, but he still raised his hand and said, "May I ask your Majesty, what exactly do you want to consider?"

Xun You was startled and glanced at him out of the corner of his eye.

Zhong Yao had a firm expression and did not look away.

Huangfu Song said nothing, but he couldn't understand why the emperor, with the Han dynasty in danger, would be so "soft-hearted" towards the rebels?

Liu Bian looked at Zhong Yao, and instead of being angry, he smiled more and more, saying, "I understand your intentions. I am waiting for the report on the new policy of Bingzhou, the salt policy of Jizhou, the extent of the resurgence of the Yellow Turban Rebellion in Qingzhou, Cao Cao's complete pacification of Yanzhou, and the detailed report of Wang Rui, the governor of Jingzhou..."

Seeing that Zhong Yao was about to say something, Liu Bian said, "I know that you are all worried, and I can't sleep well either. How about giving me three days to think about it?"

Zhong Yao wanted to say more, but Xun You quietly pulled him back, so he had to close his open mouth unwillingly.

I've waited for more than two months, so these three days won't make any difference.

Seeing this, Liu Bian sat up a little and said solemnly, "I still say the same thing. You ministers of the Secretariat should focus on promoting reforms and sum up your gains and losses. Sili and Bingzhou should increase their efforts! Yanzhou, Cao Cao will pacify it as soon as possible. The court should take this opportunity to complete the 'new system'. The governors and county magistrates of various counties should be directly under the Secretariat, not involved in military affairs, but focusing on people's livelihood! Yanzhou is the next place for reform. The Secretariat should concentrate its efforts and carefully select officials at all levels. Ability is important, but loyalty is more important, especially at this time!"

Xun You pretended to listen to the holy teachings.

Liu Bian has emphasized these words again and again, as if his majesty does not care much about the rebellion, but cares more about these "new policies".

Liu Bian said a lot, and without waiting for Xun You to respond, he turned to Huangfu Song and said, "The Grand Marshal's Office must continue to promote the reform of the 'military system'. It cannot be radical, but it cannot be delayed either. It must be fast and steady at the same time. As for the checks and balances between the governors, prefects, and generals of each county, we must further take measures and promote it in a timely manner..."

After Liu Bian finished speaking, Huangfu Song raised his hand and said, "I accept your order."

Liu Bian nodded, looked at Zhong Yao, and said, "Local criminal cases should also be removed from the hands of the chief officials. I am considering promoting the officials in the Supreme Court. Please discuss with the Secretariat and report to me on what to do."

Zhong Yao raised his hand and said, "I accept your order."

These were actually established plans, but because there were so many things to do, especially the pressure of "money and food", and rebellions one after another, they were delayed.

Liu Bian glanced towards the east and thought to himself: Yanzhou is the most suitable place for reform.

Compared with Sili and Bingzhou, Yanzhou is more representative in terms of population, land, economy and gentry. If Yanzhou's reforms can be successful, the accumulated experience and lessons will be more effectively promoted to the whole country.

"Your Majesty, the Minister of Rites has arrived." Pan Yin came to Liu Bian's side and said in a low voice.

Liu Bian nodded, picked up the teacup and took a sip.

When Xun You heard that Cai Yong was coming, he couldn't help but frown.

Cai Yong walked in quickly. Seeing so many important people, he became a little reserved and said, "Your Majesty, I am Cai Yong."

Looking at this cheap father-in-law, Liu Bian smiled and said, "No need to be polite, please take a seat at Mr. Cai's house."

Cai Yong didn't know about Liu Bian and Cai Wenji yet. After expressing his gratitude, he sat down next to Zhong Yao.

Then he took out a stack of paper from his bosom, handed it to Liu Bian, and said, "Your Majesty, this is the Shihou paper that Taichang has newly improved. Please take a look at it."

"Oh?"

Liu Bian took it with a surprised look, flipped through the pages one by one, felt around with his hands, and said with a smile: "It is indeed better than last time. You gentlemen should take a look too."

When Huangfu Song, Xun You and Zhong Yao saw the paper Liu Bian handed over, they all understood what he meant, and hurriedly stretched out their hands, pretending to check it carefully.

Paper has been around for at least one or two hundred years, but it has never become mainstream. The materials used by aristocratic families and the imperial court are still mainly silk and other materials, and paper is despised as "despicable".

Liu Bian took in the expressions of the three people, but ignored them and continued drinking his tea. He raised his eyes and glanced at his cheap father-in-law.

Cai Yong naturally understood Liu Bian's intention of summoning him. He coughed lightly and said, "Your Majesty, at present, Shihou Paper can produce 10,000 sheets a month. By next month, it can be 100,000 or even hundreds of thousands. The court and the public, as well as the aristocratic families, are vying to use it. At present, the output of the Ministry of Rites is not enough. I request to expand the paper production to meet the demand."

Liu Bian hummed and said, "What you said makes sense."

Hearing Liu Bian's obviously louder "hmm", Xun You's face moved, and he said: "Your Majesty, the Secretariat has sent a letter to all states and counties. Currently, thirty counties and hundreds of counties have expressed that they will use Shihou paper, but they just need the court to send it over."

Liu Bian nodded in satisfaction and said, "No need for the court, leave it to the Ministry of Rites."

Cai Yong had already calculated the amount needed for thirty prefectures and hundreds of counties in his mind. Hearing this, he quickly said, "I have prepared it and will send it over in various ways. Please rest assured, Minister Xun."

"His Majesty,"

Xun You hesitated again and again, and said cautiously: "There are some discussions in the court and the public, saying that Cai Hou's paper competes with the people for profit, which is not a good policy."

Liu Bian snorted coldly and said, "The price of paper is less than half of silk. How much money and grain can the court, poor noble families, and common people save in this year? Who said that? Is it because they have too much money and have nowhere to spend it, or are they reluctant to give it to the court?"

Xun You's eyes tightened, and he really wanted to say slow down, it would be best if things could develop naturally.

But thinking about the situation of the imperial treasury, he swallowed the words back.

Liu Bian looked at Xun You, sat up a little straighter, and said with a stern expression: "The Ministry of Personnel must make it clear that those who resist the imperial decrees, pretend to obey but secretly disobey, are weird, sit on the sidelines, insist on being hermits, and don't care about worldly affairs, the Ministry of Personnel must not recommend, recruit, appoint, or promote them! The imperial court of the Han Dynasty wants capable officials, not corrupt officials, those who have ulterior motives, unpredictable intentions, resign at the slightest provocation, and have no sense of responsibility!"

Xun You stared at Liu Bian in a daze, feeling a little frightened for some unknown reason.

"On clarifying the administration of officials,"

In the face of Xun You's uneasiness, Liu Bian said, "I will ask the Censorate to work together with the Criminal and Civil Service Departments. The first goal is to demote the mediocre and promote the capable! It's not just about character. Having a reputation without ability is just a matter of money and life! To steal the court's money and harm the people's lives, I will never allow it!"

Cai Yong waited until Liu Bian finished speaking, then raised his hand with a gloomy face and said, "Your Majesty is wise!"

Xun You and Zhong Yao both looked over there with displeasure in their eyes and dissatisfaction in their hearts.

At a time like this, wouldn't it be adding chaos to the mess if we evaluate all the officials in the country?

Cai Yong is just trying to curry favor with the emperor by accepting everything he says. Doesn't he know his own worth?

Liu Bian stared at Xun You and Zhong Yao.

The two of them had a lot to say in their hearts, but under Liu Bian's gaze, they could only say: "Your Majesty, I obey your order!"

Liu Bian hummed and said, "The land acquisition outside the palace has been completed, and the government offices at all levels can begin construction. The five departments of Li, Hu, Gong, Li, and Bing are together, and the three judicial departments of Yushitai, Tingweifu, and Xingcao are together. The prime minister and the left and right servants will stay in the Shangshutai. The powers and responsibilities of the Shangshutai, the six departments, and the nine temples must be further sorted out and refined. I will not allow a matter to be pushed back and forth, willfully delayed, and the situation where no one can be found when something goes wrong will occur. The powers and responsibilities must be specific to each person, and what power, what responsibility, and how to deal with it must be clear! Xunqing family, you have a heavy responsibility, especially when the prime minister and the assistant prime minister are not in Beijing."

Xun You looked stern, raised his hand and said, "I obey your order!"

At this time, a eunuch came over and said, "Your Majesty, the Queen Mother invites you."

Liu Bian nodded, and seeing that he had almost finished talking, he stood up and said, "Everyone, please perform your duties and work together. Don't be distracted. Let's stop here today."

Huangfu Song, Xun You, and Zhong Yao hurriedly stood up and said, "Your Majesty, we respectfully send you off!"

After Liu Bian left, there were only three people left in the pavilion.

Xun You and Zhong Yao were full of doubts, and Huangfu Song was not a talkative person, so they could only suppress their doubts and leave the palace one after another.

Chenliu County.

Cao Cao, who was originally going to pursue Zhang Miao, learned that Zhao Yun had killed Wen Chou in one blow and had chased Zhang Miao for hundreds of miles, so he had to withdraw his troops and turn to deal with the rebellion in Chenliu County and suppress bandits.

He had just wiped out a group of bandits, wiped the sweat off his face, and turned back.

Cao Cao and Xiahou Dun asked, "Yuan Rang, can you kill Wen Chou in one round?"

Xiahou Dun shook his head and said, "I fought with Hua Xiong in the Imperial Army camp, and it took me thirty moves to defeat him. Wen Chou fought with him for more than thirty moves, and I couldn't kill him with one strike."

Cao Cao turned his head and looked in the direction of Yingchuan, stroking his beard and said, "I have met Zhao Zilong before, but I never thought he would be so brave."

Guo Jia, who was drinking on the side, said, "I heard that Ding Shijun was in Shanyang County and had allocated a barracks for the general."

Cao Cao didn't care at all. His narrow eyes flickered as he said, "Fengxiao, do you think His Majesty will allow me to go and fight against Yuan Shu?"

Guo Jia asked, "General, do you still remember the bet?"

Cao Cao glanced at him, jumped on his horse, and said with a smile: "Feng Xiao, I will definitely win!"

Guo Jia fastened the wine jug, stood beside the horse, and said, "I think that His Majesty might send the general to Qingzhou to fight against the Yellow Turban Army."

Cao Cao remained calm and rode forward on his horse.

Guo Jia knew that he wanted to attack Yuan Shu, so he rode up to him and said, "Although I don't know what the court wants to do, I can be sure that the court must have someone in mind, and they are just waiting for the right time."

Cao Cao was startled and asked, "Who? When?"

Guo Jia shook his head and said, "I have never met His Majesty, so I don't know what he thinks, but he is definitely someone who is beyond everyone's expectations. As for the timing, it may be after Dong Zhuo's defeat."

Cao Cao frowned and thought, thinking about those in and outside the court who were qualified to lead the army to fight. In a short time, five or six people flashed through his mind. He also thought of a few who were not normally considered, but none of them was "unexpected".

Guo Jia staggered while drinking his wine, looking towards the direction of Chenliu County, and suddenly said: "The whole Yanzhou is in chaos."

Cao Cao seemed to think nothing of it at first, and then looked at Guo Jia, his face unchanged, his eyes strange, and he asked: "What does Fengxiao mean?"

Guo Jia was slightly stunned. Something seemed to flash through his mind just now, but he couldn't remember it in an instant. He held the wine pot in his mouth and shook his head for a long time, saying, "General, shouldn't you give more consideration to Ding Shijun?"

Ding Yuan has recently imposed more and more "restrictions" on Cao Cao, not limited to designating a garrison for Cao Cao, but also requiring Cao Cao to report in advance and obtain his consent before deploying troops, etc.

Cao Cao snorted coldly and said, "I am more concerned about Lu Bu. Does Fengxiao have a way to win him over?"

Guo Jia knew Cao Cao's love for talent, and said with a smile: "General, didn't you use a lot of tricks? Lü Fengxian is loyal to Ding Shijun, so we have to find the right time."

Cao Cao nodded and said, "I was impatient."

While drinking, Guo Jia recalled the flash of inspiration that had just passed through his mind.

It was getting dark, Shanyang County, Changyi.

Lu Bu sat alone in the small pavilion in the yard, drinking one cup after another, his face flushed, his eyes full of resentment, and he sighed helplessly from time to time.

Ding Yuan was deprived of his military power, and Lu Bu refused to follow Cao Cao, so he returned to his old job: chief clerk.

The hands that had held a spear were not used to holding a pen. Lu Bu was depressed and sighed in the duty room every day.

At this time, three women came over. Seeing how distressed he was, they looked at each other and said, "My dear, drinking too much is harmful to your health. Why don't I help you to have some rest?"

Lü Bu looked at the three people with drunken eyes, and said in a voice that sounded like he was crying and laughing: "A real man lives in the world, how can he be depressed and live under others for a long time?"

The three wives and concubines were stunned, and Nono didn't dare to speak.

Lü Bu picked up the wine glass again, stared at the withered eyes in the glass, stroked his unshaved beard, and sighed bitterly: "I am such a hero, but I was hurt by wine and sex..."

At this time, a minor official came in and said from a distance: "Master, Gao Shun is here."

"Let him in." Lu Bu said loudly while drinking.

Upon seeing this, the three wives and concubines bowed silently and left.

Gao Shun was tall and strong, with eyes as bright as crystals and a silent face. He came closer and said, "Master, General Fenwu has sent his men to Chenliu to suppress the bandits."

Lu Bu buried his head in his drink and said, "If you want to go, go ahead. Don't worry about me."

Gao Shun said: "I only want to follow the chief clerk!"

Lu Bu looked at him, sighed, and continued drinking.

Gao Shun didn't say anything, just stood behind him.

As a military general, who can only be a clerk? Who can be willing to accept this?

Sorry, sorry, it’s Dragon Boat Festival today and I’m really busy.

I have something else to do tomorrow, so the update will be a little late.

I will return to normal the day after tomorrow and continue to work hard towards my goal!