"Greetings, Lord."
The Zhen family had now become synonymous with a declining aristocratic family. The head of the family, Zhen Yi, was also Lu Zhi's student when he was studying.
He was also acquainted with Liu Bei and Gongsun Zan. When he was young, he had been an official and had obtained an official position like the order of Zhongshan. It was less than 2,000 koku, but he was famous and had friends all over the north.
It was a pure aristocratic family.
At this moment, Xu Zhen was dressed in white, with a ponytail on his head and hair hanging down at his temples. He looked very carefree and unrestrained as he saw the woman who came to welcome him outside the door.
"Who are you?"
"I am Zhen Jiang. Greetings, Lord. I am the sister of the little sister that Lord is going to marry.”
"I see."
Zhen Jiang wasn't young and was already married. However, war was raging and her husband's family was destroyed. The only male left was also dead. Zhen Jiang had nowhere to go and could only return home.
Nowadays, the fate of a woman was full of troubles. If her husband's family was gone and she had no place to go, she would definitely be arranged to immediately marry another person and have children.
No matter where it was, women were required to have children. This was because of the current war. Many people in the world would die every day.
It would be a fatal blow to a dynasty.
Therefore, it would encourage childbirth.
"Alright, please follow me to Xu City.”
"Young Master."
A woman wearing a white veil came out of the Zhen Manor. She covered her face and followed a woman with some clothes into Xu Zhen's carriage.
She knew that her fate was irreversible. No matter who the Lord was, she couldn't go against him.
Otherwise, their entire family would be massacred.
At this moment, Zhen Mi was only a 16-year-old girl and looked quite skinny.
She entered the carriage and took off her veil, revealing a beautiful face. Her skin was delicate and her face was oval. With a little makeup, one could tell that she was as exquisite as a celestial being.
Her figure was graceful and elegant like an orchid.
Her eyes were clear and bright, and her eyebrows were relaxed. She wore a curved skirt that covered her small feet, and her skin was fair.
Xu Zhen could tell that she was indeed a beauty with just one look. Moreover, she was the type that could be seen from afar. She had an immortal aura and had a bearing. If she were to play with her, it would ruin the beautiful scenery.
In a few years, when she grew up, she would become even more elegant and beautiful.
Unlike the other madams, Da Qiao was gentle and Xiao Qiao was playful.
Sweet plum blossoms are soft and charming, and Mi Zhen is noble.
Cao Xian, on the other hand, was graceful and elegant, like a strong woman.
Zhen Mi was quiet.
It was extremely quiet. She sat in the carriage like a painting, elegant and elegant, like a beauty by the river.
"Lord, the journey to Xu City is long. I hope Lord will treat me well.”
" You don't have to be so polite." Xu Zhen waved his hand, and their eyes met." Just call me hubby."”
"Hubby?"
Zhen Mi blinked. Her smooth face was filled with confusion." What do you mean by that?"”
"Yes, it means to treat each other with respect.”
"I see…then, hubby.”
Zhen Mi's voice was very gentle, and Xu Zhen's heart fluttered when he heard it.
It was extremely comfortable.
At this moment, Dian Wei's voice came from outside the carriage," Hey, Lord! In that case, I should call you hubby too! I'll also be respectful to you until I'm old."
"Hubby!" Dian Wei's low and muffled voice immediately drifted in.
Such a vulgar voice!
If Zhen Mi was like a gentle breeze, Dian Wei was like a big iron pancake that blew directly on his face.
The corner of Xu Zhen's mouth twitched. He immediately lifted the curtain and kicked Dian Wei's shoulder.
At this moment, Dian Wei was walking and leading a horse.
He didn't move much after being kicked, so he scratched his head helplessly.
What was going on?
He didn't even kick hard. Was the Lord shy?
"Eh, Lord? Are you blushing?"
Xu Zhen rolled his eyes at him." Get lost! Lead the horse well and accelerate the march later!”
"Hey."
……
It was the end of the year.
The army of Xudu returned to court.
He led his troops to gather in the city.
Xiahou Dun and Cao Ren were left behind to lead the troops and continue to invade Jizhou.
The difference was that in the past, in order to fight quickly, there was no need to transport rations many times. However, this time, it was not a quick battle.
Instead, he let the generals use Wei County, Zhongshan County, and Changshan County to recruit troops and use the local troops to attack Yuan Shao.
After Yuan Shao retreated to Youzhou, he had already sent troops to quell the rebellion.
Youzhou was connected to the Wuhuan, and before the Great Han Dynasty had fallen to such a state, these foreign Hu people had been constantly harassing the border.
Later on, when the border defense was not as strong during the Xi Ping period, they directly plundered the south, entered Luronce to kill and rob, and set fire to the houses.
It made the people suffer.
Later on, the White Horse General Gongsun Zan came. Every time he fought with outsiders, he was very brave and always shouted loudly like thunder.
Only after five years did these foreign races stop.
Now, it was happening again.
They knew that Yuan Shao had been defeated and Youzhou was in turmoil, so they had attacked many times. In order to ensure future troubles, Yuan Shao had been suppressing the rebellion.
However, once he quelled the rebellion, it gave the Cao camp a chance to further stabilize Jizhou and Qingzhou.
Then they marched into Bingzhou and Youzhou.
At this moment, Yuan Shao had been driven to Gongsun Zan's position, and Cao Cao had replaced him as the ruler of Jizhou.
Moreover, Cao Cao still had Tian Zi, so it was extremely easy for him to secure his position.
Hence, the difference between the two sides was like heaven and earth.
Cao Cao had already returned to the capital and had the emperor return to the throne room.
Why did he bring the emperor to Guandu?
Naturally, it was for safety. If they lost, the emperor could rise again in Xudu at any time.
It was only safe to bring it with him, and it could also motivate the soldiers.
In Xu Zhen's words, bringing the Son of Heaven into battle would increase morale by 50%.
At this moment, in the Prime Minister's residence.
Xi Zhicai brought four soldiers and carried two large chests into the main hall.
"My lord, please take a look."
Xi Zhicai bowed deeply and said solemnly,""These two boxes contain all the letters sent to Jizhou by the officials of Xudu and Yanzhou.”
"Hmm, how many?"
Cao Cao asked casually as he ate.
"Two hundred and thirty-four letters," Xi Zhicai replied without hesitation.”
"Have you seen it?" Cao Cao looked up at him.
Xi Zhicai bowed deeply." I haven't seen it before. I'll see it when my lord returns."”
" Yes." Cao Cao laughed." These people…are really persistent."”
"How do you think we should deal with these letters?”Cao Cao raised his head and looked at Xi Zhicai.
"I think we should read the letters one by one and understand who is kissing Yuan Zhou.”
Xi Zhicai was a little uncertain. He could not figure out his lord's thoughts. He could only say what he thought was right in his heart and express his sincerity as much as possible.
It had to be said that accompanying the emperor was like accompanying a tiger. The main thing was that Xi Zhicai knew that Cao Cao wanted to ask every strategist, but he didn't know what he wanted to do.
As expected, after Cao Cao nodded, he smiled at Xi Zhicai again.
"Alright, I understand. Go and invite Wen Ruo over.”
"Alright."
Xi Zhicai turned around and left.
Soon, Xun Yu also came to the Prime Minister's residence from the palace. After bowing to Cao Cao, Cao Cao immediately asked,""These letters were sent to Yuan Shao by all the officials in the court.”
Xun Yu was stunned." Of course not."
"Alright, then what should we do with this letter?”
Cao Cao sat on the praying mat with a casual expression.
Xun Yu thought for a moment and said,""Deal with it impartially. The Lord rules the world strictly and strictly enforces the law.”
"However, I believe that we should not punish him severely. We should investigate him heavily and punish him lightly.”
Cao Cao grinned and nodded,""Mm, I got it. Call Jia Wenhe over.”
"I'm here."
F * ck!
Cao Cao suddenly jumped in fright and immediately turned his head to look. Jia Xu was sitting in the middle of the left strategist's seat in front of the curtain. The color was almost the same as the curtain.
He raised his head and looked at Cao Cao in confusion. Sigh, I've always been here. Why did you invite me?
"You, you…"
Cao Cao was stunned. There was someone here?!
"My lord, is my presence really that low?”
Jia Xu's tone clearly became resentful. I just don't like to talk.
"Uh, what do you think?"
Cao Cao asked awkwardly.
Jia Xu said," This is an opportunity. Point out the names of the people in the letter and list them on the list. Exile them all or dismiss them for the crime of colluding with the enemy. Then, you can promote talents again. Only talent will be promoted."”
"This way, the threat of the gentry to the court can be reduced.”
" The aristocrats won't control the Imperial Court too much, and it'll be more convenient for them to…prepare for the future. Perhaps, the Prime Minister has defeated Yuan Shao, and his reputation is great. He has made great contributions and is a hero of the current era. If the Great Han Dynasty didn't have the Prime Minister, I'm afraid that he would have already run out of breath. Why don't we take this opportunity to promote another person?”
After saying this, Jia Xu's expression was still as cold as usual, without the slightest fluctuation. However, Xun Yu had already changed a little.
The smile on his face stiffened slightly.
This change in expression was seen by Cao Cao.
"Alright, I understand. You guys go out and call Bowen over.”
Cao Cao waved his hand again, and after a while, Xu Zhen also arrived at the Prime Minister's residence.
Cao Cao asked the same question.
Xu Zhen thought for a moment and said,"Burn it in front of all the officials."”
" Huh?!"
Cao Cao frowned, but deep down, he felt strange and pleased.
"Why would you suggest that?"
Xu Zhen smacked his lips and thought about how Cao Cao had done such a thing in his previous life when he was showing off his charm. He had also clearly said that he could not even protect himself in the struggle for the official crossing, let alone the civil and military officials.
Therefore, he burned all these letters.
To subdue the hearts of those aristocrats.
"In short, I suggest burning it, and carry it.”
Xu Zhen looked at Cao Cao seriously.
Cao Cao narrowed his eyes, finding it interesting.
Xu Zhen and Jia Xu both suggested that it was time to move in, but their methods were completely different.
What Jia Xu said was to use this opportunity to wipe out all the soldiers and establish a regime that was completely stable for himself. In this way, Cao Cao would be the true emperor in the future.
He was not the Son of Heaven, but he was comparable to the Son of Heaven.
Xu Zhen's words were like a slow knife cutting through flesh, making the gentry owe more favors so that they could be subdued in the future. The more they owed, the more they would stand up and support them.
Both methods could ultimately achieve results.
"Bowen, why did you persuade me to move up?”Cao Cao laughed.
This was what he wanted to know the most.
Xu Zhen's face was conflicted." Paying respects to Yuan Shao is already very prestigious. If I don't promote him, what will happen to the generals below? What should I do?"
The civil and military officials who followed Cao Cao all wanted a higher title, official position, and nobility.
Especially those who were in the Prime Minister's residence. If they were not promoted, they would only be able to stay in the Prime Minister's residence for the rest of their lives as a small official. If their official positions were not in the Han Dynasty, they would not be able to become a high official.
As for knighthood, there were even fewer.
To put it bluntly, they wanted to share the cake.
Cao Cao had to constantly enlarge the cake to feed the people below.
This included Xu Zhen. However, Xu Zhen was about the same age as them, so they could talk about feelings first and did not involve such matters.
"Of course I know."
Cao Cao sighed," How can I mistreat you? If you were promoted, how many people would support you?"”
"I support all of them, but I'll be the first to object." Xu Zhen laughed.”
Cao Cao rolled his eyes at him." Tsk, what are you trying to do?”
"Save Xun Yu."
After Xu Zhen finished speaking, he bowed deeply.
Cao Cao was stunned.
Then, his heart wavered a little, and he suddenly understood a lot. What a good sentence to save Xun Yu.
Xun Yu had always had a reputation for being pure and was loyal to the Han Dynasty. He was also the leader of the aristocratic families. If he did not subdue the aristocratic families and immediately promoted them, it would be difficult for Xun Yu to do so in the future.
He will be stuck between me and the Shi clan.
Sigh.
Bowen was thoughtful.
"Bowen, I'll leave it to you then."
"Yes."
Xu Zhen bowed deeply and turned to leave.
……
On the second day.
When the emperor went to court early in the morning, Cao Cao gave him a seat to listen to the emperor's instructions. The civil and military officials should come.
A memorial from a noble family, Xi Lu, came and said loudly,""I have a request!"
"Your Majesty, please approve!"
"The Prime Minister's contributions are worth the sun and the moon. In order to help the Great Han Dynasty, he defeated Yuan Shao at Guandu. This contribution can be seen by the sun and the moon. Therefore, the officials petitioned the Emperor to confer the Prime Minister the title of Duke of Wei.”
" Huh?!"
The emperor, Liu Xie, was stunned.
This, this could make him a country. It was completely different from being a marquis.
Once he was conferred the title of duke, the power he would be given would exceed that of his original subjects, and he would have the foundation to become the ruler.
As a descendant of the emperor, Liu Xie naturally understood this since he was young.
Han Gaozu, cut off the white horse alliance.
If the king is not surnamed Liu, the world will attack him together.
If Cao Cao was promoted to the Duke of Wei now, he would be granted the throne in the future.
"This, this matter is so important. I have to consider many things and follow the rules. If I were to rashly confer the title of duke…"
"Your Majesty! I can't accept it. Please take back this memorial!”
Cao Cao waved his hand and rejected.
Xu Zhen immediately stood up and said,"Yes, I object!"”
He swept his gaze across everyone, and the atmosphere in the entire hall froze.
"What? Xu Zhen objected?"
"He should be on the Advising Faction, so why should he oppose it?”
"No, he's definitely from the Prime Minister's faction. What is he doing?”
" This is just a matter of one person and one sentence. It's just a matter of whether they're right or wrong. In reality, they're still a group of people…"
Xun Yu looked back at Xu Zhen, his eyes full of surprise.
Why did Bowen oppose it in public?
And he looked so serious.
Was he really against it?
"The north has not been decided, the world is still falling apart, and the great cause has not been completed.”
Xu Zhen turned around and glanced at the advisors behind Cao Cao.
His eyes were filled with a lot of power at this moment, making people shudder.
After all, the first place on the Brave General List was not for show.
Although Guan Yu was the only one who had obtained the title of the Golden Roll, the title of the First Rank was still the most influential.
To put it bluntly, first, second, fourth.
They were all Xu Zhen's men. Whoever dared to provoke him in the imperial court would have their heads smashed.
Therefore, the atmosphere froze.
However, Liu Xie felt relieved. At least, he did not have to be forced into such a sorry state.
So he opened his hands and smiled." I know how much you all love me. However, as Minister Xu said, now is not the time to be conferred the title of duke. Since the Prime Minister has said so, let's put it aside for the time being and wait for the north to be pacified before we confer the title of duke. How about that?”
Cao Cao immediately thanked him," Thank you, Your Majesty. We will discuss this again after I have completely pacified Yuan Shao. As for the title of Duke, I really do not dare to accept it."”
When Xun Yu heard this, he couldn't help but sigh secretly. He stood there with a straight face and didn't say a word. Behind him, many eyes were staring at him.
There was suspicion, disdain, and pity.
Xun Yu could imagine that what he would face next would be the verbal and written criticism of these aristocratic families.
Moreover, how should I deal with myself in the future?
If the Prime Minister becomes the Duke of Wei and the King of Wei in the future, wouldn't I be betraying all the nobles?
Selling the Ying River nobles to Cao Gong, then obtaining the title to usurp the Han Dynasty, suppressing the nobles and opening a new era, what virtue and ability do I have to do such a great thing!
At this moment, Xun Yu even began to feel a sense of despair.
Fortunately, in this despair, there was still a glimmer of hope. Even Xu Zhen objected.
However, Xun Yu wanted to know why he opposed it.
Moreover, Xun Yu was even a little grateful. He had wanted to oppose the court, but he did not dare to speak up. As for why he did not dare to, it was not because he was afraid of death.
It was because he didn't know what to be afraid of, that was why he felt scared.
Xu Zhen directly said what he wanted to say.
At this moment, Cao Cao suddenly stood up from Liu Xie's side and said calmly,""Although I appreciate your good intentions, there's something I have to mention. Men!”
Cao Cao called out. Four soldiers outside the door carried a huge chest in and placed it on the main hall.
"Everyone, these are the letters that the civil and military officials of the court sent to Yuan Shao in the north when I was at Guandu.”
As soon as Cao Cao finished speaking, everyone in the hall was speechless, and their breathing became weak.
There was even a trace of panic, and both of his legs were trembling.
Amongst them were many officials of the aristocratic families.
Even the old Zhong Yao was trembling.
This scene was witnessed by Cao Cao.
Hehehe, scaring these old officials every day is really interesting…
Liu Xie felt as if his heart had fallen to the bottom of the valley, as if he had fallen into an ice cellar.
Was he going to kill again?
This, no wonder he wanted to ask about the matter just now. From the looks of it, there would be two results if he agreed or not. Was this the allusion of calling a deer a horse?!
Cao Mengde, Cao Mengde!
This person was truly too sinister.
At this moment, not only did the emperor Liu Xie think so, even the officials and ministers thought so.
It was no wonder that someone had come to persuade him to carry on, and then the Prime Minister could see who opposed and who agreed.
Thus, he could use this letter to kill people.
Xun Yu immediately understood and looked at Jia Xu angrily.
This plan must have been his. He was ranked second on the current Advisor Ranking. He was truly vicious and cunning!!!
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