Chapter 778 Temptation
“What’s the plan?”
Chen Jiao was delighted. This was the second time he had asked this question.
Chen Qian did not immediately come up with a solution, but mentioned another matter: "Sir, the most controversial thing in the Wei Kingdom today is the attack on Shu."
"Your Majesty is determined to conquer Shu, but all the important ministers in the court cannot say so. Among them, the one who is most determined to oppose your Majesty's intention is General Yang Ji, the leader of the army. Are you right?"
Chen Jiao nodded, "Not bad."
The dispute between the DPRK and China has been going on for many days, and this matter cannot be hidden from others.
What's more, as a minister, Chen Jiao also wrote a brief statement called "Shangyan Bei Shu", which contains the following words:
"In the past, the thieves hid in caves, but they were still frightened. In the past, they led an army of 100,000 people out of Qishan Mountain, beating drums and hanging on the side. Zhang He was defeated. From this, the thieves cannot be ignored."
I hope this can remind Your Majesty that the Shu army is not weak and cannot be defeated in a single battle.
It is a pity that His Majesty could not listen.
His two sons naturally know this matter best.
"Then Liu Ye is respected by His Majesty, but he doesn't know whether he supports His Majesty's conquest of Shu or opposes it?"
Chen Qian asked again.
Chen Jiao frowned: "Liu Ye never publicly expressed his attitude towards this matter in court. However, according to what General Yang Ji said, Liu Ye often opposed the invasion of Shu in private."
Chen Qian, however, sneered: "My child also heard that His Majesty also publicly declared in the court that Liu Ye supported the attack on Shu when he made a private report."
Chen Jiao had a look of disgust on his face: "You're just a clever talker!"
In this battle over the conquest of Shu, Yang Ji said that Liu Ye opposed the conquest of Shu, and His Majesty said that Liu Ye supported the conquest of Shu. However, Liu Ye did not say a word in the court, which made many people see the clues.
Although I don’t know how Liu Ye managed to please His Majesty and Yang Ji at the same time, Chen Jiao clearly looked down on Liu Ye’s behavior.
Chen Qian followed up and asked: "Does Liu Ye support the conquest of Shu or opposes the conquest of Shu?"
"Who can know this? But in my opinion, he is mostly trying to please His Majesty."
Before Chen Jiao finished speaking, Chen Qian chuckled: "If you really mean to flatter me, that would be the best."
Chen Jiao was moved in his heart and asked quickly: "What should I say?"
Chen Qian’s eyes flashed coldly:
"Liu Ye wanted to please both your majesty and his important ministers, so he hesitated at both ends. Ordinary people would feel disgusted when they see this."
"What's more, your Majesty is impatient and is the master. If you know that Liu Ye has deceived him in this way, how do you think your Majesty will react?"
Chen Jiao was happy at first, and then sighed when he thought of the current situation:
“Liu Ye was able to handle a major event like conquering Shu in front of His Majesty. How easy would it be to expose him in front of Your Majesty?”
Chen Qian, however, disagreed with his lord’s statement:
“Sir, Liu Ye was able to please both sides in the conquest of Shu because he knew the intentions of Your Majesty and General Yang. What if he didn’t know what Your Majesty wanted?”
"How to say?"
Chen Jiao asked.
"Others may not be as valued by your majesty as he is, and they may be angry but do nothing; or they may be deceived by him, thinking that he is loyal to the country, so they cannot prove Liu Ye's hypocrisy in front of your majesty."
"But Lian Zhao is different. He is a close confidant of your Majesty, and he has the intention to compete with Liu Ye for favor. If he is allowed to do this, it may not be impossible."
Chen Qian's lips raised a smile: "As long as Lian Zhao can persuade His Majesty to test Liu Ye, then Liu Ye's hypocrisy will be exposed in front of Your Majesty."
"As long as your majesty knows Liu Ye's hypocrisy, then his frame-up will be solved, and your majesty will even have more trust in you."
“In addition, we have helped Lian Zhao fulfill his wish, so you don’t have to worry about him being harmful to you in the future.”
Chen Qian originally wanted to say that Lian Zhao must be related to the Hussar General, so it would be best if your Excellency could agree with the matter of the Hussar General’s younger brother becoming an official.
But after thinking about my lord's character, it is already rare for him to remain silent on this matter.
Hearing his son's solution, Chen Jiao was delighted: "Da Lang is simple and simple, Er Lang is resourceful. It seems that our Chen family is expected to prosper!"
The eldest son Chen Ben, who had been watching the fishing, looked a little embarrassed when he heard this.
In fact, he likes to read and has many contacts with young talents in Luoyang, especially Xia Houxuan.
In the ongoing turmoil of the flashy crony case, he was almost implicated.
When he heard the adults talking about him like this, he naturally felt a little ashamed, thinking that he was not as good as his younger brother.
A few days later, Wei Emperor Cao Rui wanted to visit Chang'an again in person because the attack on Shu was related to the fate of the country.
As soon as this proposal was put forward in the court, it was fiercely opposed by almost all important ministers.
There were those who spoke sincerely, pulling on Cao Rui's clothes and pleading:
"In the past, when His Majesty personally visited Chang'an, rumors spread in Luoyang that His Majesty was killed in the defeated army. Some people even suggested that King Dong'a (Cao Zhi) should return to Luoyang to prevent unforeseen events."
"Longshan is difficult to cross, Hanzhong is difficult to enter, and the Shu captives are fierce and cunning. Your Majesty puts a body of thousands of gold in danger. What will happen to the world?"
Cao Rui refused to listen and went straight into the palace. The officials wanted to see him but could not, so they could only sigh outside the palace gate.
After a while, the yellow gate of the palace came out to send a message, asking Liu Ye to enter the palace to see him.
Yang Ji was the most familiar with Liu Ye. He hurried forward and grabbed Liu Ye:
"Zi Yang, Your Majesty values you the most. This time when you enter the palace, you must find a way to persuade Your Majesty and not make the same mistakes as in the past."
“What the Wei Dynasty should do most now is to guard the borders externally, implement virtuous governance internally, and wait for the right time. If we advance rashly and encounter another big defeat, there will be worries about instability in China.”
Liu Ye nodded: "Don't forget what you said first, I'll write it down."
After saying that, he motioned to Huangmen to lead the way, and under the watch of everyone, he entered the palace to see Cao Rui.
Before he could see the emperor, he heard Cao Rui's roar from a distance:
“Am I the emperor or are they the emperor? When I originally wanted to build a palace, they said it would waste people and money.”
"A few days ago, I wanted to attack Shu, but neither of them agreed. They all said that military affairs are a major matter for the country and should not be acted rashly."
"Since it is a major national event, what's wrong with me personally going to supervise the war? Emperor Wu personally visited Shiya and spent his life as a soldier. Emperor Wen led the army to conquer Dongwu several times."
"Now I just go to Chang'an to supervise the battle, and I don't personally lead the troops into battle. Isn't this okay?"
…
The weather was still a bit hot, so Cao Rui had already taken off his formal court clothes and hat, and did not wear a crown on his head. He even wore only a blue-white half-sleeved silk coat to keep cool.
Wearing such clothes to meet ministers is a rude behavior, but Liu Ye looked straight, his eyes drooped, and saluted Cao Rui: "See your majesty."
“Get up, someone is coming, give me a seat.”
Cao Rui waved his hand.
Before Liu Ye could sit down, Cao Rui couldn't hold back his anger and asked: "Mr. Liu, let me ask you, is it really inappropriate for me to come to Chang'an to supervise the war in person?"
Liu Ye had long known that Cao Rui would ask such a question, so he smiled slightly and said, "There is nothing wrong with it."
When Cao Rui heard this, he turned from anger to joy:
"I knew that Mr. Liu knew my heart. Just now in the court, all the ministers said no, and repeatedly gave reasons. It was difficult for me to refute. I wonder why Mr. Liu taught me?"
Liu Ye replied.
Cao Rui had a look of embarrassment on his face. He had just compared himself with Emperor Wu and Emperor Wen. If he really wanted to spread the word, he was afraid that others would say that he was arrogant and disrespectful of his ancestors.
Unexpectedly, Liu Ye said seriously:
"Our leaders in the three dynasties of the Wei Dynasty are all talented people. Your Majesty has the first emperor of Qin and Xiaowu of the Han Dynasty. He also supports the righteousness of the world and drives hundreds of thousands of elite troops to attack the Shu people. How can there be any danger?"
When Cao Rui heard this, he smiled broadly: "You are the only one who agrees with me in the whole court."
Liu Ye quickly made a panicked look: "How dare I compare with His Majesty's wisdom?"
Seeing the joy on Cao Rui's face, Liu Ye quickly took the opportunity to advise:
"However, if your Majesty is to patrol Chang'an westward, and the Wu invaders hear about it, they may take action, so please pay attention to your Majesty."
Cao Rui nodded: "I have already prepared for this matter, so Mr. Liu does not need to worry."
“It turns out that His Majesty has already made arrangements. It seems that the old minister is overly worried.”
Liu Ye said with admiration, "Your Majesty, although Sun Quan has now moved to Jianye, so Hefei is a key defensive place, but Lu Xun is still in Wuchang, Jingzhou must also be guarded!"
“Now that your majesty has asked the Hussar general to lead the army up the Han River, the Wu invaders will most likely take the opportunity to capture Xiangyang. If Xiangyang falls into the hands of the Wu invaders, Jingzhou will no longer be in the possession of the Wei Dynasty.”
Cao Rui listened and nodded in agreement:
“If we place Hefei in the east and Xiangyang in the south, Sun Quan will not be able to move an inch to the north and will be trapped in Jiangdong, while we, the Wei Dynasty, can move south at any time. These two places are really important areas."
At this point, his face showed regret again.
"Originally, if we could defend Qishan to the west, the Wei Dynasty would have no worries. Unfortunately, Zhuge was cunning, but Feng Yong was fierce. He first occupied Qishan and then cut off Longguan."
“We, the Wei Dynasty, have to station hundreds of thousands of elite troops in Guanzhong, which consumes a lot of money and food, although the current national treasury can still support it.”
“But if this goes on for many years, I’m afraid that in the end we will end up like the late emperor, who abolished coins in order to collect food...”
Although Cao Rui's words were a bit vague, Liu Ye understood.
Why did the late emperor abolish the five-baht coin?
It’s not because food prices are too high.
After the Battle of Wu and Shu, the two countries became enemies. Didn't the late emperor know that it was a good time for the Wei Dynasty to unify the world?
In the first year of Huangchu (i.e. one year before the Battle of Yiling), there was a severe drought in the Central Plains, and there was also a locust plague. The people were starving, so how could they get food and grass to march south?
In the second year of Huangchu (the year of the Battle of Yiling), the late emperor wanted to reinstate the five-baht coin to consolidate his imperial power. However, within a few months, the price of food was too high and he had to abolish the five-baht coin again.
In the third year of Huangchu's reign, Jizhou encountered a locust plague again.
At that time, the Wei Dynasty suffered from famine for three consecutive years and had no food in its treasury. How could it conquer the south?
It was not until the fourth year of Huangchu that enough military rations were collected to conquer Wu.
It’s just that Wu and Shu had already reunited their alliance by then, and the best opportunity for the southern expedition had been missed. What could God do?
After all, it was because the imperial court did not have enough food.
What to do if there is no food?
We can only compromise with the aristocratic families, let them provide money and food, and let them help appease the place...
Although we know that this is a poison that can only temporarily quench thirst, when given the choice between dying of thirst immediately or being poisoned to death later, everyone will choose the latter.
It's only a matter of time that I can survive. Maybe I can find an antidote later?
Liu Ye did not take up the topic of Cao Rui, and he did not dare to.
Although he has been through three dynasties, he is even among the first group of people to join Emperor Wu.
But now the official position is no more than that of Shizhong, the title is no more than that of Guannei Marquis, and he has not even been able to get a hereditary title.
From the time Emperor Wen ascended the throne to the present, his official position has not changed.
From here it can be seen that although the emperor of the new dynasty valued his strategy very much, he was wary of him because he was a direct descendant of Emperor Guangwu.
As long as the Wei Dynasty did not unify the world, or as long as the Shu Han existed for one day, his identity would only remain so embarrassing.
“If the people don’t have food, they will be in chaos, and if the army doesn’t have food, they will disperse. This matter of food and grain is indeed a big problem.”
Liu Ye avoided the important point and said lightly, "Your Majesty, Guanzhong is fertile. If the expedition to Shu is blocked, it is better to increase the intensity of farming in Guanzhong to prepare for the future."
Cao Rui nodded: "I also have the same intention, but I wonder if Liu Gong knows anyone who is good at farming?"
“Since Emperor Wu, there have been many failures in the field farming in various places. If there is no manpower available for a while, Your Majesty can issue an edict to ask the states and counties to recommend candidates.”
“Good.”
After discussing the matter, Cao Rui asked Liu Ye to be sent out of the palace.
Seeing Liu Ye's figure disappearing around the corner of the palace wall, Cao Rui's face darkened.
Lian Zhao came out of the hiding place and called softly: "Your Majesty."
Cao Rui looked at Lian Zhao, with a cold light in his eyes, and gritted his teeth and said: "Liu Pifu is really as you said, how dare you keep trying to figure out my heart in order to cater to my wishes!"
Lian Zhao gently poured another cup of hot tea for Cao Rui and said warmly:
"Liu Ye is a loyal traitor, not a loyal minister. How can such a villain deserve your Majesty's anger? Too much anger can damage your liver, so your Majesty should take care of yourself."
“And it’s a blessing that Your Majesty has discovered this person’s character now. You won’t have to be deceived by him in the future. You should be happy.”
Cao Rui picked up the tea cup and took a sip, closed his eyes, exhaled a long breath, and said slowly:
“Most of the important ministers of the Manchu Dynasty are those who advise me. Although they are against my ears, their true intentions are always what the court wants. I have never blamed them.”
“Liu Ye is the only one who always obeys my wishes. I thought he knew my heart, but I didn’t expect him to be so cunning!”
Although he spoke slowly, Lian Zhao knew that his Majesty was the most impatient, and he was afraid that he already had hatred for Liu Ye.
“Go and announce the decree to Chen Jiao and Xu Xuan at the Shangshutai, and they will come to the palace to see you tomorrow.”
Chen Jiao was the minister, and Xu Xuan was Zuo Pushe, the deputy of the minister.
At this sensitive moment when preparations are being made to conquer Shu, having important ministers of the court enter the palace continuously in one day will only give rise to bad associations.
)
When Chen Jiao learned that the emperor was going to meet him tomorrow, he felt a little uneasy and didn't know whether it was a blessing or a curse.
This whole day, he was absent-minded even when he was on duty. When it was time to get off duty, he hurriedly went back home and called his two sons to discuss it.
When Chen Qian learned that His Majesty wanted to see his master tomorrow, he clapped his hands and laughed on the spot:
"These days, ministers who want to see your majesty in private are unable to do so. Now that you can come to the palace to see me, I'm afraid your majesty has already let go of you!"
Chen Jiao was still a little confused: "There will also be Zuo Pushe who will enter the palace tomorrow. I'm afraid your Majesty is doing it for official business..."
“Whether it is yes or no, won’t your Excellency know it when you enter the palace tomorrow?”
On the second day, Chen Jiao and Xu Xuan entered the palace, and Cao Rui announced to them:
Moved General Cao Zhen to be the Great Sima, commanding all the military forces in Chang'an, and then moved the Hussar General Sima Yi to be the Great General, and joined forces with the Great Sima to attack Shu.
At the same time, in order to prevent Soochow from taking the opportunity to go north, he decided to visit Xuchang. The minister ordered Chen Jiao to go with him, while Zuopushe stayed in Luoyang and took care of other affairs.
"Your Majesty does not want to be blessed with Chang'an in the west, but wants to be blessed with Xuchang in the east?"
Chen Jiao and Xu Xuan were shocked.
(End of this chapter)