Chapter 1081 Winning over
I don’t know if it hit a small stone on the street. The carriage suddenly vibrated, and then there was another "shaking" sound.
Awakened Sima Shi who was deep in thought.
Recalling what he had planned in his heart, Master Sima felt a little guilty.
He glanced at Sima Yi carefully, fearing that his master would see what he was thinking.
Unexpectedly, Sima Yi was already sitting cross-legged with his eyes closed, as if he didn't care what Master Sima was thinking at all.
Sima Master secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
He lifted the car curtain and looked out of the car. Only then did he realize that this was not the direction back to the Taifu's Mansion, and he was a little surprised:
“Sir, are we not going back home?”
Sima Yi did not open his eyes:
“One more thing.”
Master Sima suddenly thought of the humiliation he suffered outside Xiahou's mansion, and his heart tightened: "I wonder what else you have to do, sir?"
If it happens again, Master Sima doesn’t know if he can hold on.
Fortunately this time, the family Sima Yi went to had no conflict with Sima Shi.
It can even be said that even the exchanges are almost non-existent.
This family's surname is Huang, given name is Quan, and courtesy name is Gongheng. He is currently the general of Zhennan, granted the title of Marquis of Yuyang, a minister in the imperial examination, and the governor of Yizhou.
Huang Quan has never been involved in Wei's court disputes since he surrendered to Wei.
Of course, he seems to be honorable, but in fact he has no power and is not qualified to participate in Wei's court disputes.
But he happened to be an example set by Wei State, so his status was extremely transcendent.
As long as he doesn’t cause trouble, basically no one will come to trouble him—probably this is the power of political correctness.
If you win without using force, you may be accused of bullying by others, and you may even be looked down upon by some big shots in the DPRK:
You bully others like this, what do those people in the world who want to abandon darkness and turn to light think?
If you lose, it will be even worse: you can't even fight for surrender, you are simply a waste!
No matter what the outcome is, you will lose.
The other party is winning, and they are losing money.
So how could Master Sima not be surprised when he heard that his lord was going to visit Huang Quan?
The carriage stopped, and Sima Yi got out of the carriage, looking up at the high steps of the Huang Mansion, the thick doorposts, and the shiny copper-nailed door.
He couldn't help but feel a little emotional.
This palace was built by Emperor Wen himself when Huang Quan came to invest.
The purpose is to show the magnanimity of the Wei Dynasty and encourage more thieves to abandon the dark side and join the bright side.
But who could have imagined that in just fifteen years, the Wei and Shu captives would already have different offensive and defensive forces?
If Emperor Wen had known about it, would he regret building such a splendid palace for Huang Quan?
Just as his thoughts were racing, the gate of Huang Mansion was opened, and Huang Quan went out in person to greet the Tutor:
“I don’t know that when Taifu comes, he will be greeted from afar and disrespected!”
Although Huang Quan's temples were gray, he still behaved calmly and neither humble nor overbearing when facing the most powerful Sima Taifu in the Wei Dynasty.
It seems that living in seclusion for more than ten years has not made him depressed.
But Sima Shi, who was standing behind Sima Yi, was a little surprised when he looked at the old man in front of him.
Not for anything else, just for the change in the other person's appearance.
In his early years, Sima Yi, as the most trusted minister of Emperor Wen, met Huang Quan more than once at banquets.
Even Sima Yi and Huang Quan commented on the characters of Shu many times.
At that time, Master Sima also met Huang Quan several times with his master.
In his impression, although Huang Quan was a descendant, he never lost the demeanor of a celebrity.
The most famous thing is that the news of Liu Bei's death reached the Wei Dynasty. All the ministers congratulated each other, but Huang Quan did not smile at all.
Emperor Wen wanted to try and surprise him, so he sent edicts to Huang Quan.
Huang Quan is still on the road. Emperor Wen has sent several groups of envoys to rush him. Their horses are galloping and crisscrossing the road. The officials and attendants are all timid, but Quan behaves calmly.
It is precisely because of his ability that he can convince the kings and ministers of the Wei Dynasty, and everyone must treat them with courtesy.
Unexpectedly, Master Sima had the impression that he was a fast warrior. Although he tried to straighten his back, he still could not hide his slightly stooped figure.
If you look carefully, you will see that even if the face is not full of ravines, it already has an old look that cannot be concealed.
It has only been fifteen years. Not only does the world seem to have changed, but the people have also completely changed.
“General Huang is serious. Someone suddenly came to visit me. I should be the one who is rude!”
Sima Yi looked at Huang Quan in front of him, thinking of the past when he and Huang Gongheng were discussing people in Shu. Huang Gongheng was full of praise for Zhuge Kongming and would often sit up and sigh.
Now that Zhuge Kongming is dead, Huang Gongheng has become like this.
Sima Yi stroked his beard and felt something in his heart: He was getting old too.
Huang Quan did not turn away Sima Shi like Xia Houxuan did, but personally welcomed Sima Yi and his son into the house.
He even asked his son to come to see him.
After Huang Quan arrived in Wei, he married another wife and gave birth to a son Huang Yong. He was only twelve years old now and was frail and sick.
Looking at his son who was at a loss after obeying his master's words and mechanically saluting and greeting Sima Yi and his son.
Huang Quan apologized a little and said helplessly to Sima Yi:
“Since Quanzi was born, he rarely goes out of the house to interact with others, so he is a bit ignorant of life and does not know the etiquette. I ask the Taifu and the Central Guards to forgive me.”
Cao Shuang intended to let Xia Houxuan serve as the Central Guard Army, and at the same time, he asked Sima Division, who was originally serving as the Central Guard Army, to move to the Central Supervisory Army.
It's just that this appointment has just been spread from Xuchang to Luoyang and has not been officially spread yet, so Huang Quan's title to Sima Shi is still his old position.
Sima Shi was at least as famous as Xia Houxuan and others back then.
As long as he is not facing the Xiahou family, Sima Shi has a reputation for morale and will not care about Huang Quan's small negligence.
He even smiled warmly at Huang Yong who was hiding behind Huang Quan.
“I heard that your son is frail, and the doctors in my house still have some medical skills. Why don’t you ask them to come over and give me a look?”
After Sima Yi and his son sat down with Huang Quan respectively, Sima Yi looked at Huang Yong who was exiting and asked with some concern.
Huang Quan smiled bitterly: "Thank you for your kindness, but the dog's physical weakness was brought about in the womb."
“At that time, Emperor Wen also sent medical workers from the palace to take a look at it, and said that it could only be recuperated slowly the day after tomorrow, and there was no other way.”
"Emperor Wen..." Sima Yi continued with a sigh.
After a while, he suddenly also smiled bitterly:
"I remember that after the battle of Yiling, General Zhennan abandoned his rebellion and followed the upright. Emperor Wen was very happy, but he only thought that Shu was in decline, and he even sent people to Shu to persuade him to surrender."
At that time, the Wei Dynasty was at its peak and ranked first in the world.
The Zhou Dynasty divides the world into two, while the Wei Dynasty divides the world into seven out of ten, and its power is even greater than that of the Zhou Dynasty.
“However, within just ten years, the situation in the world has turned into this!”
If it had been anyone else, he would have thought that Sima Yi was mocking him in person.
However, since Huang Quan surrendered to Wei, he has never said that the monarchs and ministers of Shu were not good, and even praised Liu Bei, Zhuge Liang and others without concealment.
Even if others are mocking, it is impossible for them to mock me with this kind of thing.
Therefore, there is only one reason why Master Sima said this:
“Taifu, is it possible that there is something going on in the Kingdom of Shu again?”
Sima Yi looked at Huang Quan, and the bitter smile on his face became even worse:
“Over the years, the Wei Dynasty has not won a single victory against Shu. It seems that even General Zhennan has become accustomed to it.”
Huang Quan had a complex look on his face and said in a somewhat astringent voice:
“But the Shu people captured Shangdang?”
Sima Yi sighed: “Not yet, but according to my estimation, it should be soon.”
“Hebei simply does not have the extra troops to reinforce Shangdang, and the troops and horses in Hanoi that are capable of supporting Shangdang have no orders from Xuchang.”
"Secondly, Thief Feng has not only been staying in Hedong for the past three months, but also judging from the news from Xi Zuo, he has been continuously increasing his troops in Hedong, and seems to have the intention of advancing eastward."
"Therefore, the 50,000 troops led by the general (i.e. Jiang Ji) dare not move easily. If this continues, no matter how dangerous the terrain on Shangdang is, it will be difficult to stop the Shu people!"
Huang Quan was silent.
After a while, he finally spoke:
"Zhuge Kongming and Feng Mingwen are indeed rare and intelligent men in the world. They took the Bingzhou and had a glimpse of Hebei and the Central Plains, so that the Wei Dynasty no longer had dangerous terrain."
Sima Yi nodded in agreement:
“Before the people of Shu took over Bingzhou, they didn’t know the importance of Bingzhou. After Wei lost Bingzhou, they were shocked to realize that Bingzhou was actually a barrier to the world.”
Huang Quan said slowly:
“If Bingzhou is the world’s barrier, then Shangdang is the backbone of the Central Plains, protecting Heluo. If it is lost, the Central Plains will be unsafe.”
Whether it was in Shu Han or Wei State, Huang Quan was respected, and it was certainly not without reason.
His strategic vision is outstanding.
These words are not threats, but facts.
From Hanoi to Hedong, there is Zhiguanxing.
From Hanoi to Shangdang, there is Taihangxing.
If Shangdang is lost, Hanoi will not only have to bear the pressure from Hedong to the east of Zhiguan, but also face pressure from Shangdang in the north.
How long Hanoi can survive under attack from two sides is something no one can guarantee.
“So Shangdang cannot be lost, at least not all of it.” Sima Yi said decisively, “Even if we lose Huguan, we must defend Gaodu (Jincheng in later generations).”
Hearing this, Huang Quan couldn't help but take a deep look at Sima Yi.
He was able to stay in the Wei Kingdom safely for so many years and maintain his aloof status. Naturally, he could not be blind and deaf.
The relationship between Luoyang and Xuchang is now very delicate.
If Sima Yi really wanted to keep Shangdang, why did he mention this matter when Shangdang was about to fall?
Sima Yi seemed to see the deep meaning in Huang Quan’s eyes, and there was a bit of self-deprecation on his face:
"I am really powerless to protect the Party! Xuchang, let alone agreeing to send troops to Luoyang to go north, I am afraid they will not listen to my suggestions."
"I'll tell the truth to General Zhennan. The reason why I want to keep Gaodu now is actually to keep Hanoi."
Hanoi is the headquarters of the Sima clan and must not be missed.
Sima Yi did not hide this idea in front of Huang Quan.
But Huang Quan still doesn’t quite understand:
"Taifu, you have a large number of troops, but you still say that you are unable to protect the party. I am even less able to do anything about such important national affairs. Why do you want to tell me this?"
Who doesn’t know that I, Huang Quan, seem to have a great reputation, but I don’t have any power at all.
Even the subordinates who were brought over back then are now either scattered everywhere with no news, or they are depressed and just hanging around for as long as they can survive.
Sima Yi picked up the tea cup and took a sip. Then he looked at Huang Quan and said:
“Gong Heng, do you think I don’t want to send troops north? But, alas!”
Sima Yi put down the tea cup and shook his head with a sigh, "How dare I mobilize troops without His Majesty's order?"
“Besides, there are fifty thousand soldiers and horses on the other side of Hanoi!”
Luoyang soldiers and horses want to cross north and enter Hanoi, but they have to agree with Jiang Ji.
When Sima Yi said this, he turned sideways towards Huang Quan and his voice became a little deeper:
"I came here this time just to ask Gong Heng to go to Hanoi and help me bring a message to Jiang Zitong (that is, Jiang Ji)."
“Even if he was forced by Feng Mingwen and did not dare to send troops to reinforce the Shangdang, he would at least send troops to defend Gaodu.”
“I hereby promise Gong Heng that if Feng Thief in Hedong really makes any move, even if it is against the Holy Will, I will reinforce Hanoi and try my best to protect Hanoi.”
“With Gong Heng’s perspective, we can certainly see that if Gaodu is lost, Hanoi will not be saved. I hope Gong Heng can make this clear to Jiang Zitong.”
Even though he had vaguely guessed it, Huang Quan was still shocked when he heard Sima Yi say this himself:
"How can this be done? How could Quan dare to leave Luoyang without the emperor's order?"
"It doesn't matter." Sima Yi smiled slightly, "The late emperor's decree asked me to assist the government for this day, and also asked me to record the affairs of the minister, and gave me the power to maintain integrity."
Speaking of this, he emphasized word by word:
"Now I am fully responsible for all matters in Henan. I only need to report to the emperor afterwards."
Huang Quan was stunned after hearing Sima Yi's words.
Legally speaking, Sima Yi is right.
He does have this right.
But this matter has violated Huang Quan's code of conduct over the years.
Especially in the current complicated situation, if you get involved in this kind of thing, it is easy to die in an unknown manner.
Of course, Huang Quan is not afraid of death, but he is afraid of affecting his wife, family and children.
It will even implicate the old officials who followed him to the Wei Dynasty.
Over the years, Huang Quan has always felt guilty for these old officials.
I can remarry and have children here, but most of these old officials are not even qualified to remarry.
After all, given Wei’s policy of giving birth to married women, how could they possibly get their turn?
So they can only look at Shu from afar, fearing that they may not be able to see their wives and children until they die.
Sima Yi saw Huang Quan's appearance, took out a letter from his sleeve, put it on the desk, and gently pushed it towards Huang Quan:
“I know that although Gong Heng rarely leaves the government in recent years, he is very concerned about the news of his former subordinates and soldiers.”
“This list is the information about the people I can find so far.”
Huang Quan stood up suddenly and stared at the letter on the desk.
Sima Yi pressed his fingers on the letter and tapped it a few times:
"There are probably a dozen or so soldiers in my army. If Gong Heng can help me persuade Jiang Zitong, I will ask them all to remove their armor and send them to Gong Heng's house to perform a military service. How about that?"
Taifu Sima can make these more than ten soldiers remove their armor, and naturally he can also make them vanguards and fight the enemy in battle.
Huang Quan moved his lips, and finally made a heavy fist, and then said:
“Since the Taifu has been entrusted with something, he should do his best with his own authority.”
Since Taifu Sima wants to take advantage of his reputation, what if he sells his reputation to help his old officials?
PS: There are four steles on the tombs of Huang Quan and his wife, two of which were erected by his son Huang Yong and his old officials, indicating that until his death, he was still surrounded by his old officials.
Situation map of the Central Plains: Open the comments, the first floor has not been simple since ancient times.
Finally, Happy New Year—except that I was forced to update by the Tiger Girl on the first day of the Year of the Tiger, so I didn’t feel very happy.
(End of this chapter)