Chapter 916 Farce
The eleventh year of Jianxing of the Han Dynasty was also the seventh year of Taihe of Wei.
Since he came to the throne, Cao Rui has felt that he has never been happy.
So he has never been very fond of the era name "Taihe".
In the early spring of this year, someone in Mopo (later Jiaxian County, Pingdingshan, Henan Province) saw a green dragon rushing out of a well and flying into the sky before disappearing.
At the same time, the first spring thunder came from the sky, and then rain fell on the land of Wei.
This matter spread a lot in the Central Plains, and it was quickly reported to the court.
After Cao Rui finished reading, he asked, "What's the sign of this?"
Tai Shi ordered Chu Li to say:
"In ancient times, there were well fields. The so-called seeing a dragon in the well means 'seeing a dragon in the field'; a dragon flying in the sky can be said to be a 'flying dragon in the sky'."
“This is a sign that your Majesty will achieve something after hard work for several years since he ascended the throne.”
When Cao Rui heard this, he was not happy but sad instead.
The Great Wei had Liaodong and Xianbei in the north, Shu bandits in the west, and Wu captives in the south. Even with the sea to the east, there were often ships between the Wu and Liao people.
It can be said that we are surrounded by enemies on all sides.
In the first year after he ascended the throne, Wu Lu invaded Jingzhou.
In the second year, the Shu people invaded Longyou.
Then Xianbei invaded the border, Liaodong secretly communicated with the Wu captives, etc.
In order to appease the anger of the Hu people, Tian Yu had to be transferred away from Youzhou.
Then he had to hold his nose and recognized the status of Gongsun Yuan in Liaodong who had taken the uncle's position, and even had to give him a promotion.
Then came the Battle of Shiting and the Battle of Xiaoguan...
The Great Wei Dynasty had nine states in its territory, but it was disturbed by bandits from all directions and was unable to settle down.
Not to mention that even Liangzhou and other places have been taken away by Shu bandits.
It’s okay if there are strong bandits outside, but there are also wealthy and powerful families inside that are holding us back.
I think about how I have been struggling for this world all these years, and I am not satisfied with food and sleep.
The dignified emperor, who is sitting in the middle of the world, fell into this state. It really makes those who hear it sad and those who hear it shed tears.
I think so, but I definitely want to say good things.
But Cao Rui looked appropriately surprised: "What do you mean by this?"
"Your Majesty, the so-called 'seeing a dragon in the field' refers to the ninth and second lines of the Qian hexagram, which means that your Majesty has ascended to the position of great treasure."
"It's just that the well looks like a deep abyss, and there is a hidden dragon in it, so don't use it. It's a metaphor that after your majesty ascends to the throne, you should first pay attention to governance and not to tamper with state affairs."
“Therefore, in the past few years, your Majesty has repeatedly used weapons and weapons, which has led to the unrest in the country.”
"Fortunately, the hidden dragon is now flying in the sky, which means that the Wei Dynasty's disobedience is over, and your majesty can express your ambition."
Tai Shiling’s explanation made Cao Rui look ashamed:
“I see, today I know the mistakes of the past...”
Hearing the conversation between the monarch and his ministers, many ministers in the court looked at Taishi Ling sideways:
You are really good at speaking!
Before the Battle of Shiting, several generals sent secret messages and gave strong advice, just to dissuade His Majesty and ordered Cao Xiu not to advance rashly.
In the end, there was no persuasion.
Before the Battle of Longyou, several important ministers wrote letters and bluntly stated that they wanted to advise His Majesty to rest and recuperate and not to start military campaigns lightly.
In the end, His Majesty let Cao Zhen lead the army to conquer Shu.
After the two wars, the foundation accumulated by Emperor Wu and Emperor Wen was completely defeated.
You just stood up today and said that you should not use the hidden dragon at that time. You saw the dragon in the field.
Now you can fly the dragon in the sky...
After the Shu invaders annexed Liangzhou, Da Sima personally went to Guanzhong to garrison, and it took less than two years for the Wei Dynasty to stabilize.
Now you are telling us that you want "flying dragons in the sky"?
Long, your mother-in-law!
Why don’t you go to heaven?
All the important ministers looked at the conversation between Cao Rui and Tai Shiling with dull expressions.
Seeing this, Cao Rui felt a little embarrassed on his face and forced a smile:
“What do you think of this?”
At this time, both Cao Xiu and Cao Zhen died, leaving only two of the four auxiliary ministers.
Sima Yi led the army outside, and Chen Qun, who stayed in Luoyang, became the head of the important ministers.
At this time, he will be the first to stand up, with a dead face:
“Your Majesty, the latent dragon was not used in the past few years, so everything in the Wei Dynasty was difficult. Today, the flying dragon is auspicious in the sky, which is a sign from heaven that your majesty is working hard to govern.”
"When a dragon flies in the sky, it moves clouds and spreads rain in all directions, just as your Majesty cultivates political principles and gives grace to the people. Those who serve the country should take the people as the foundation, and the people should take food and clothing as the foundation."
"If Your Majesty can make China free from hunger and cold, and the people will not be disloyal to their superiors, this is the so-called obedience to Heaven and knowing the right time. When the time comes, they can sit back and wait for the provocation of the thieves."
It doesn’t matter how much you brag about auspiciousness, but if you want money or food, you definitely won’t have it.
The Battle of Shiting and the Battle of Xiaoguan have caused the Central Plains to suffer from hunger and cold, and the people are suffering from alienation.
If you continue to act recklessly, you are really going against the grain, so you'd better think carefully.
In the years since he ascended the throne, Cao Rui has repeatedly tried to establish his authority, but all ended in failure.
In the original history, Emperor Wei Ming could act his own way and turn a deaf ear to the suggestions put forward by his ministers.
But now, he has to act modest and teachable.
Otherwise, under the scrutiny of powerful enemies, the monarchs and ministers of the Wei Dynasty cannot concentrate on internal conflicts, for fear that thieves will take the opportunity to break in.
At that time, the Cao family will not be able to end up in a situation like the Duke of Shanyang!
“I will remember the teachings of Si Gong in my heart. But since God has sent down auspiciousness, I have to make some changes to cope with the weather..."
As soon as Cao Rui said this, Shangshu ordered Chen Jiao, Shaofu Yang Fu and others to get up immediately.
“So I want to change the Yuan Dynasty. What do you all think about it?”
Oh, it’s a change of Yuan, so that’s okay.
A few people sat back down again.
After all, auspiciousness comes from heaven, and changing the yuan is the proper meaning.
“Your Majesty is wise!”
Mopo is not too far from Luoyang. Cao Rui decided to go and see the well with the green dragon in person. The most important thing was to worship it.
Then in February, he announced the formal change to Qinglong in the Yuan Dynasty and informed the world that there was a Qinglong in the Wei Dynasty.
In March, this news reached the State of Wu, and Sun Quan secretly laughed at him.
Auspicious auspiciousness comes from heaven. Anyone who knows it will naturally understand it.
At that time, a phoenix appeared in Cangwu!
Before Cao Pi became emperor, there were yellow dragons and white pheasants.
Before Liu Bei proclaimed himself emperor, a yellow dragon also appeared near Jincheng.
Who hasn’t played this trick yet?
So what Sun Quan laughed at was not Jiang Rui, but Cao Rui.
When a mortal master receives a new treasure, or a country is about to prosper, the vision that appears is called auspicious.
Given the current situation in which the Wei State has lost its land and suffered repeated defeats, it actually claims to have a vision.
I don’t know if someone is cursing Cao Rui to die early so that the Wei Kingdom can establish a new ruler, or is it because they feel that Wei’s national destiny is not going to be long and want to establish a new dynasty?
In order to maintain the last bit of face, he actually did such a ridiculous thing. It seems that Cao Rui's life is really difficult.
Although the envoy sent to Liaodong last year was intercepted and killed by the Wei people on their way back, they finally established formal contact with Liaodong.
No, at the beginning of spring this year, Liaodong sent envoys to declare their vassalage to Wu.
Gongsun Yuan was originally named General Yanglie and the Governor of Liaodong by Cao Rui.
Now turning one's back to Wei and facing Wu is enough to show that people's support is against them.
More importantly, with Liaodong, Wu had a source of war horses.
Emperor Wu was so happy that he decided to make Gongsun Yuan King of Yan and grant a general amnesty to the world.
In March, Emperor Wu decided to send Taichang Zhang Mi, Jin Wu Xu Yan, and General He Da to lead an army of ten thousand people, carrying gold and silver treasures, rare and exotic goods, and nine tins to Liaodong.
One is to show the solemnity of the canonization ceremony, and the other is to bring back more war horses.
The scale is large and the specifications are also large.
Unexpectedly, this decision was opposed by all the courtiers.
Prime Minister Gu Yong advised:
"Gongsun Yuan just sent an envoy to pay tribute, and he has never done any great service to the state of Wu. Your majesty treats him so favorably. Is it too much?"
"It would be better to send soldiers back to Liaodong envoys first, and try to find out more about their intentions. In the future, when I go to the north of Wu to attack the bandits, if Gongsun Yuan can really respond and raise his troops, it will not be too late for him to be granted a title."
Sun Quan was displeased:
"Gongsun Yuan traveled thousands of miles to send envoys to me to proclaim his vassalship. His sincerity can be seen clearly. Treating him favorably now is like buying a piece of gold for his bones."
“If it’s Bo Zhi, who will be willing to submit to Wu in the future?”
Hearing Sun Quan’s words, the ministers stood up suddenly, their hair and beards spread out, and loudly said:
"The land in Liaodong is only one county, and it is also bitterly cold. Gongsun Yuan claims to be a vassal but actually takes possession of the land. We, the State of Wu, cannot send officials to govern it, let alone collect any taxes."
“Gongsun Yuan was just afraid of Wei’s attack on Liaodong, so he had no choice but to send people to rescue him. I’m afraid it was not his intention to become a vassal.”
"If Your Majesty wants to confer a royal title on him like this, then if someone brings the county to our Kingdom of Wu in the future and makes meritorious service, how should Your Majesty thank him?"
Although Zhang Zhao is old, he has a bad temper and an upright character.
These words were very rude and made Sun Quan a little angry:
"Liaodong has sent people here several times. Gongsun Yuan's intention has been clear for a long time. How can he say that it is not his original intention? Doesn't Zhang Gong's behavior make the world laugh at my Wu country's incompetence?"
Zhang Zhao sneered:
“I dare to ask Your Majesty, if Gongsun Yuan changes his mind and wants to show himself to Wei, then I, Wu Taichang, Zhi Jinwu, and the general will not be able to return, and the people of the world will not laugh at him?”
Gongsun Yuan was actually just a prefect of a county, but he asked the state of Wu to send out Taichang, one of the nine ministers, and Jinwu, who was the same as the nine ministers, to perform the ceremony of canonizing him as a king.
This is enough to make people all over the world laugh.
Sun Quan became more and more angry and almost had a quarrel with Zhang Zhao in the court.
Zhang Zhao, however, refused to give in at all.
One is a monarch in his fifties, and the other is an old minister in his seventies.
Both of them can be considered old people, but when they argue, they look like young and energetic young men, with their faces turning red.
The two sides are at a stalemate.
Finally, Sun Quan stood up angrily, gritted his teeth and pressed his sword:
“The scholars of Wu State worship me when they enter the palace, and worship you when they leave the palace. I respect Duke Zhang very much!”
"I have called myself "I" for several years, but I have been humiliated by you several times in the court and in front of hundreds of officials. Do you really want to test how long I can endure it?"
As soon as these words came out, murderous intent suddenly arose.
Unexpectedly, Zhang Zhao was not afraid at all and looked directly at Sun Quan:
“Although I know that Your Majesty does not want to listen to what I say, I still repeatedly give advice without knowing what to do. This is actually because before the Queen Mother passed away, she called the old minister to her bedside and left an edict to take care of her life, entrusting your majesty to the ear of the old minister.”
At the end of the sentence, I burst into tears.
Sun Quan almost vomited blood!
here we go again!
In the court hall, in front of all the officials, when talking about the Queen Mother's death, what else could Sun Quan do except throw away his sword and weep with Zhang Zhao?
Zhang Zhao originally thought that Sun Quan had changed his mind after crying with him in the court hall.
Unexpectedly, as soon as Sun Quan turned around and returned to the palace, he immediately issued an edict and sent Taichang Zhang Mi and Jin Wu Xu Yan to Liaodong according to the original plan.
When Zhang Zhao heard about this, he was furious and blamed Sun Quan for not listening to him, so he complained that he was ill and could not go to court.
Sun Quan was so embarrassed that he also resented Zhang Zhao's behavior that showed no regard for the king's face, so he sent people to seal the gate of Zhang's house with earth.
Zhang Zhao did not give in at all, and also blocked the door inside with earth.
The two men, who were both monarch and subject, as well as master and apprentice, caused a farce.
There was farce in both Wei and Wu, and Liangzhou was not idle either.
General Guan Da and Secretary Zhang Da who stayed behind in Wuwei sent an urgent message to Governor Feng in Dunhuang, requesting that troops be sent to Yanze and Duyeze as soon as possible.
The person who came to deliver the letter was also beyond Feng Jishi's expectation.
One is Han Long, who has disappeared for a long time, and the other is Shi Bao, who has been following Zhao Guang around, looking for qualified war horses from the barbarians in the northern desert.
“I’ve seen the king.”
“No need to be formal.”
A master came back to him, which made Governor Feng very happy.
Han Long was not in the mood to talk to Governor Feng about their reunion. He looked anxious and said:
“Your Majesty, there may be changes in Bingzhou.”
Feng Yong’s face condensed:
“Bingzhou?”
Bingzhou is just east of Hetao.
If you want to have peace in Guanzhong, you must locate the Hetao. If you want to secure the Hetao, you cannot avoid Bingzhou.
“Don’t panic, sit down first, drink tea and speak slowly.”
After coming to the Han Dynasty for so many years, fighting wits and courage with the demons of the ages, digging big holes for aristocratic families, facing off against the famous generals of the Three Kingdoms, and traveling all over the country, Feng Jishi is no longer the young boy he used to be.
He first dismissed all the servants, then poured a cup of tea for Han Long himself and said calmly.
At the same time, he did not forget to signal Shi Bao to do whatever he wanted.
This is his temporary residence. It is in the courtyard next to the Dunhuang Prefect's Mansion, not far from the Zhang family, so it is very convenient.
Shi Bao was so flattered that he quickly stepped forward and poured tea for Governor Feng before sitting down at the bottom.
“Didn’t Mr. Han go to Youzhou?”
“A certain person returned to Youzhou, stayed there for a year, and then transferred to Bingzhou.”
“Why?”
"Kebineng!" Han Long, probably in a hurry, took a sip of tea before continuing, "In the past few years, Tian Yutian Guorang, the former military commander of Wuhuan, suppressed and divided many barbarians."
“Therefore, Kebineng in the north of Youzhou was unable to unite the various tribes of Hu people. Later, Tian Guorang was transferred from Youzhou, and the governor of Youzhou, Wang Xiong and Wang Yuanbo, took measures to appease the Hu people.”
"Kebi Neng took the opportunity to annex various tribes and greatly increased his power. Fortunately, Budugen of Bingzhou had a brother-killing feud with Kebi Neng."
“Last year Bu Dugen lured Ke Bineng’s subordinate Xie Guini to surrender, so Ke Bineng failed to unite the Hu people in the north of Youzhou.”
This happened last year, but Bingzhou is really far away from Liangzhou, let alone Youzhou.
Moreover, it was news from the grassland barbarians, so Feng Yong had no idea about it at all.
Ke Bineng always wanted to recreate the Xianbei grand occasion during the Tanshihuai era, and he was considered a relatively ambitious Xianbei man.
“Kebi Neng failed to unite the Hu tribes. Isn’t it a good thing for the people of You and the two states?”
Regardless of his position, if Kebi is really allowed to unify all the grassland tribes, the people in the north will suffer.
"It is indeed a good thing, but it is different now. This is the reason why I came to find the king."
Han Long couldn’t help lowering his voice:
“Ke Bineng is definitely an extraordinary person. He actually ignored Bu Dugen’s actions last year and wanted to lure Bu Dugen to attach himself to him and create rebellion and merge the state..."
“Think about it, my lord, if Kebi can join forces with Budugen, then the Hu people will be in trouble again like Tanshihuai!”
(End of this chapter)