Chapter 1087 Temptation
Note: Xu Yun’s wife Ruan’s daughter is one of the four most ugly women in history. She is as famous as Huangdi’s wife Monmu, Qi Xuan’s queen Zhong Wuyan, and Liang Hong’s wife Meng Guang (the one who raised eyebrows).
The four ugly women are either of extraordinary character or intelligence, and their fate or marriage is much better than that of the four beauties.
The Ruan daughter, who had the worst fate, could have predicted that her husband would be in danger of death due to political struggles in his later years.
But she saved Xu Yun's two sons under the eyes of Sima Shi and Zhong Hui. It is said in history that Zhong Hui was inferior to this woman in terms of intelligence.
The following is the text:
The Ruan daughter believed that the two auxiliary ministers of the Wei Dynasty were fighting, and the general would be inferior to the Taifu, so she suggested that Xu Yun join Sima Taifu in advance.
It would be false to say that Xu Yun was not moved at all.
In fact, when Sima Taifu's second son Sima Zhao was in Luoyang, because the Xu family was from a Hebei family, he also visited the Xu family.
But now the emperor and the general are in Xuchang. To put it bluntly, the emperor of Wei is under the control of the general.
And the Taifu just controlled a nominal Wei capital in the name of assisting the government when he was free.
No matter how you look at it, the general has the upper hand now.
The so-called human heart is actually a bit too ethereal - the so-called human heart is unpredictable, but that's it.
Besides, who knows what Taifu Sima did in Luoyang?
What if what he does is similar to that of the general?
It was precisely because he had too many worries that Xu Yun could not make up his mind immediately.
Just when Xu Yun was worried about gains and losses, a big event happened in Xuchang.
Yang Yi, a descendant of the Han Dynasty, confessed the details lurking inside the Wei Dynasty.
For a time, assassins and traitors were out in Xuchang, arresting Han people for their spies.
In less than half a month, dozens of people were executed.
People are beheaded on the streets of Xuchang almost every day.
More than ten families were implicated in this incident and had their homes ransacked.
There were not only ordinary people among them, but also officials, and even military lieutenants and colonels.
For a time, everyone in Xuchang was in danger.
At this time, Tingwei Gaorou couldn't stand it anymore, so he stood up and persuaded Cao Shuang:
“The purpose of eliminating Xizuo was to make everyone feel at ease. However, the current move to eliminate Xizuo has caused panic among the people in the city. This is not the original intention of eradicating evil.”
"There are also people who take advantage of the opportunity to seek personal gain, and do not hesitate to expand the charges, and convict and execute the criminals on their own without going through the court officials. This is an act that disturbs the court's laws."
When Gao Rou first followed Cao Cao, he served as the assassination commander and was a veteran of the four dynasties.
He not only understands the legal principles, but also adheres to principles very much. He has been serving as a Tingwei since the time of Cao Pi, and it has been fifteen years now.
At that time, Cao Pi had an old grudge against Bao Xun, the chief censor, and wanted to pervert the law and kill him for a minor mistake. Gao Rou argued hard and refused to allow it.
In the end, Cao Pi had to transfer Gao Rou away, took the opportunity to kill Bao Xun, and then transferred Gao Rou back again.
As a former leader of the assassination gang, Gao Rou saw that not only the **** was being abused.
Even the right of the Tingwei to convict criminals was deprived by Cao Shuang's cronies, and he was very angry.
Not to mention the late emperor, even Emperor Wen, if he wanted to kill someone, he would have to transfer me away in order to do so.
You juniors, you are so bold and arrogant, you are really bullying others!
This is the time for Cao Shuang to win over people's hearts. No matter how stupid he is, he knows that at this time, he cannot openly offend a veteran minister with a high reputation like Gao Rou.
So he accepted Gao Rou's advice and apologized: "I didn't pay attention, but fortunately Gao Tingwei reminded me."
The turmoil in Xuchang just stopped.
It's just that Xuchang's detailed arrests have been completed, but there are still some people in the list provided by Yang Yi who have not been found out.
These fish that slipped through the net are not in Xuchang, but in Luoyang.
One of them was personally sent by the late prime minister of the Han Dynasty. His surname was Guo Mingmo. He has now joined the army and is serving in the army under Sima Taifu.
In order to show his ability and at the same time to show off his achievements, Cao Shuang wanted to send someone to Luoyang and specifically informed Sima Taifu about this.
It’s just that now, many discerning people in the court have noticed:
Taifu Sima of Luoyang and General Cao of Xuchang seem to be inseparable from each other.
At this time when the situation is unclear, most people naturally try to stay away from possible disputes between the two.
As for the people sent to Luoyang, their status should not be too low, and it is best to have a certain reputation.
Famous people are the ones Cao Shuang wants to win over at this time, so it’s better not to be too forceful.
Cao Shuang's loyal cronies, such as the Three Dogs of Taichung, were regarded by him as his right and left arms and he was unwilling to let them stay away.
It would be great fun if he was detained by Sima Taifu when he arrived in Luoyang.
So for the matter of going to Luoyang, I couldn't find a suitable candidate for a while.
Just when Cao Shuang was thinking about candidates, Xu Yun saw the opportunity and took the initiative to stand up.
Xu Yun at this time was Cao Lang selected by the minister. He was born in a wealthy family in Hebei and was famous in Jizhou at a young age.
It can be said that the status is neither high nor low, and the reputation is not bad, so it is most suitable.
More importantly, Xu Yun was not considered a close confidant of Cao Shuang, but he once offered a plan to let Huan Fan, a fellow countryman of Cao Shuang, go to Jizhou.
In Cao Shuang's eyes, Xu Yun can be considered a trustworthy person.
So he immediately agreed to Xu Yun's request.
After Xu Yun accepted the mission, he returned to his home without any delay. After telling his wife about the matter, he set off for Luoyang the next day.
Xuchang is nearly four hundred miles away from Luoyang. If we go by land, even by horseback, it will take at least eight or nine days.
Fortunately, Xuchang is one of the five capitals of Wei (i.e., Xuchang, Yecheng, Luoyang, Chang'an and Qiao).
Emperor Wen and the late emperor often traveled between Luoyang and Xuchang.
Therefore, not only was there a smooth official road between the two places, but the Yingshui River connecting the two places was opened into a canal and used as a navigation channel for ships.
With this waterway, it is much more convenient to travel between the two places.
When Xu Yun arrived outside Luoyang City with several entourage, there was already a car waiting for him.
Some people came up to meet me from a distance and greeted me warmly: "Mr. Xu, long time no see."
Xu Yun took a look and found out that this person was Sima Zishang, the second son of the Taifu who had visited his house in Xuchangli.
“I’ve met Sima Langjun.”
Xu Yun saw Sima Zhao approaching and quickly saluted, "What a coincidence that I met Sima Langjun here."
Sima Zhao laughed:
“Of course it’s a coincidence, because I have been here to serve you for a long time.”
Xu Yun was surprised when he heard:
“Sima Langjun is actually waiting for me here?”
"Of course." Sima Zhao took Xu Yun's hand and said affectionately, "When I learned that Xu Jun was coming, I was sent to wait for you."
“While I was in Xuchang, I visited Xu Jun before, but I was unable to have an in-depth conversation. Now that Xu Jun has come to Luoyang, it would be a good idea to stay for a few more days, so that I can fulfill my friendship as a landlord.”
Hearing Sima Zhao's words, Xu Yun couldn't help but feel a little flattered.
Taifu Sima actually sent his son to greet him outside the city.
Recalling that when Sima Zhao visited the mansion in Xuchang, he only talked with him in general terms. He didn't expect that he would be so enthusiastic when he came to Luoyang.
“The Taifu is really unwilling to accept the offer.”
“Xu Jun, don’t be polite, please.”
Sima Zhao led Xu Yun into the city until they came to the gate of Taifu's mansion. When he looked up, he found another person waiting outside the gate of the mansion.
“Sir, is this Mr. Xu?”
Sima Shi walked down the steps and bowed to Xu Yun repeatedly:
“Oh, Mr. Xu, you’re finally here. Your Excellency has been waiting for you.”
Xu Yun quickly returned the gift.
Under the enthusiastic support of the two brothers of the Sima family, Xu Yun knew that this might be a deliberate act of courtesy by Taifu Sima.
But I am afraid of comparison in everything.
Thinking of Cao Shuang's various actions in Xuchang, it seems that he was also trying to win people's hearts.
But what is bought is only the hearts of trusted people.
Xu Yun couldn't help but sigh secretly.
Thinking of Xijun's suggestion again, Xu Yun felt even more shaken.
Walking into the Taifu's Mansion, Xu Yun discovered that although the Taifu controlled the entire Luoyang City, the Taifu's Mansion was not as luxurious as the General's Mansion.
On the contrary, I didn't see too many slaves, and it seemed that the house was quiet and quiet, which seemed like a quiet place in the bustling streets of Luoyang.
Coming to the living room, after meeting Sima Yi and sitting down separately as host and guest, Sima Taifu’s first sentence was to ask:
“I wonder if the emperor is still well?”
Xu Yun quickly stood up again: "Thank you for your concern, Taifu. The emperor is well."
Seeing this, Sima Yi stretched out his hand and pressed it, signaling:
"Sitting and sitting, I heard from Zishang that when he was in Xuchang, when he went to visit others in the mansion, he was often turned away. It was rare to see people like Mr. Xu who welcomed him into the mansion."
“I’m here. Thank you very much, Mr. Xu, for taking care of him.”
"Don't dare!" Xu Yun said quickly, "Teacher, you should call me Shizong. Erlangjun is in Xuchangli, and he is not taken care of by Yun. Yun doesn't dare to take credit."
“Shi Zong is truly a sincere gentleman.”
After the pleasantries, Xu Yun told Sima Yi the purpose of his trip.
After hearing what Xu Yun said, Sima Yi's face was calm, as if he had expected this.
But I saw him nodding:
"I already know this. The general is really using his heart to assist the emperor."
Hearing this, Xu Yun twitched the corner of his mouth.
The general assists the emperor with all his heart?
maybe.
In the first two or three months, I was really attentive.
It’s just…alas!
"Since Yun came to the city, he saw that the officials in the city lived in peace, the people were happy and prosperous, and the city was as prosperous as in the past. The Taifu was sitting in Luoyang, and he was really thinking about it."
Hearing Xu Yun's words, Sima Yi's eyes seemed to flash with a faint light.
As an old fox, he escaped Cao Cao's suspicion and became Cao Pi's most trusted minister.
Finally, under the attack of the Han Prime Minister and Feng Gui Wang, he successfully led the army back to Luoyang.
At the same time, he seized the almost impossible opportunity and became the actual controller of Luoyang under Cao Rui's eyes.
The flaw in Xu Yun's words, or the thoughts revealed by the words, was immediately detected by Sima Yi.
Coming on behalf of Xuchang, the other party heard that he praised the general. Instead of answering, he praised his effectiveness in governing Luoyang.
What does this mean?
At least in Xu Yun's mind, Cao Shuang seemed to be inferior to himself in governing Xuchang?
Thinking of this, Sima Yi sighed:
"Shizong has been over-praised. Do I still need these false words in front of my own people? Nowadays, the Shu soldiers in the west are very powerful, and Luoyang is much deserted than before!"
"On the contrary, I heard that in Xuchang, the general boldly eliminated the old disadvantages and appointed celebrities in an unusual way, which is quite new."
Hearing that the Taifu was still praising the general, Xu Yun sighed:
"The general's intention was good, and he really wanted to create a new dynasty. Unfortunately, he was too hasty and inevitably used too much force, which made some veterans in the dynasty doubtful."
Sima Yi had a smile on his face and comforted him:
“I have heard a little bit about the general’s approach, but the general is young and energetic, so his approach is a bit hasty, which is understandable.”
Xu Yun looked at Sima Yi and tried to pick him with words:
"According to Yun's opinion, at this time, the old ministers in the court should provide more guidance, instead of allowing the general to be deceived by villains and disrupt the court's laws."
When Sima Yi heard this, a smile appeared on his face:
"After all, the general is the auxiliary minister entrusted by the late emperor. Now the time is short, let's take a look first. If Shi Zong is interested, he can ask the old officials in the court what they think after returning to Xuchang."
Xu Yun's heart beat a little loudly.
He took a deep breath and tried to stabilize his emotions: "What the Master said is true."
Although it is not stated explicitly, the relationship between the two is still shallow, and for this reason, it is enough.
Someone sent Xu Yun down to rest, and two brothers, Sima Shi and Sima Zhao, came in.
“Sir, I didn’t expect that the secrets of the Shu captives were hidden so deeply, especially that Guo Mo. Do you want to order this person immediately to be arrested and tortured?”
“Torture? What to torture him for?”
Sima Yi looked at Sima Zhao strangely and asked a question.
“Of course I’m going to ask him about the situation with the Shu captives.”
Sima Yi smiled strangely:
“If I remember correctly, this Guo Mo was the one who joined the Wei Dynasty in the first year of Taihe’s reign. It has been ten years now!”
"He has been in the Wei army for so many years. I'm afraid he doesn't understand the situation of the Shu captives as well as we do. Do you still want to get news about the Shu captives from his mouth?"
When Sima Zhao heard this, he realized that he was a little too impatient, and he couldn't help but have a sneer on his face.
It is Sima Shi, who is much more stable than Sima Zhao:
“Sir, we should control this person first.”
Sima Yi nodded.
Then he suddenly shook his head: "Zi Yuan, go to the army and bring this person to me. Remember, don't alarm too many people."
“Sir, these are the remaining people, go and arrest them all.”
)
Compared to the high-octane fighting in Xuchang, the meticulous arrests in Luoyang seemed a bit calm.
In just one day, the results were already achieved.
“Sir, most of those detailed works that Xuchang mentioned had fled Luoyang more than two months ago.”
Sima Yi seems to have expected this situation:
"How could the Shu people be unprepared for Yang Yi's coming to surrender? I'm afraid these meticulous people have already received the news, so how could they stay in Luoyang and wait to die?"
“Then Xuchang…”
“Xuchang said they caught a lot of Xizhuo, but what kind of confessions could they get from Xizhuo?”
Sima Yi said in a gloomy tone: "This is just someone taking the opportunity to make things worse."
“In that case, Guo Mo may have also escaped?”
"Don't worry, he can't escape. Guo Mo is a member of the army and is an ordinary and meticulous worker. How can he infiltrate into the army and inform him?"
Sure enough, Master Sima brought Guo Mo back in the evening.
Guo Mo didn't seem to realize what was happening. This was the second time he saw Sima Yi.
The first time was when he first came to Wei State, he told the then Wei Xing prefect that Meng Da wanted to rebel. After Sima Yi learned about it, he summoned him in person.
“I’m going to lower my official rank, Guo Mo, to pay my respects to the Grand Tutor.”
(End of this chapter)