Chang 'an.
In the Imperial Palace, Liu Xie, the emperor, received a letter from Yingchuan Prefecture. Governor Xu Zhen had reported that there was a great drought this summer and that there was a grain disaster in various places.
In the counties of Yingchuan, more than ten merchants from large families opened their granaries together with the county governor to provide food to more than 100,000 hungry people.
They even sent food to Guanzhong so that the vassals could survive the drought. Now that the people's morale had stabilized, they asked General Zhang Ji, General Li Jue, and Cheqi Guo Si to provide food for the army after the autumn harvest.
Tian Zi sat on the main seat and looked at the civil and military officials below him. His eyes were calm as he said softly,"Everyone, this is not the first time I've heard of Xu Zhen's name. When Cao Cao of Yanzhou recommended him as the Governor of Yingchuan, it was because he had made outstanding contributions in the battle to pacify the millions of Yellow Turban soldiers in Qingxu.”
" Now, he has even provided disaster relief to the people. He is a peerless warrior of the country. If he doesn't reward them, I'm afraid it will be difficult to convince the people. He has spent 35,000 stones of military rations on disaster relief. There are also the various clans in Yingchuan, led by the Xun, Chen, and Guo clans, which have more than 50,000 stones. Can you allocate the rations in Taicang?"”
Liu Xie is now more than thirteen years old and will soon be fourteen.
He was no longer a child. On the contrary, he had been smart and calm since he was young. He was sensible and resourceful, so when he first met Dong Zhuo, he was happy because of his calmness.
That was why Dong Zhuo had crippled Liu Bian and chosen Liu Xie.
Now, he knew how to settle the voices and reputation of all parties. He also knew in his heart that Xu Zhen had rendered meritorious service in eliminating thieves and disaster relief. It was obvious that he was a refined person who loved the people.
Even if he did not come from a great clan, he must have come from a poor family. He was a tragic person who cared about the world, had unparalleled benevolence, and was worried about the country.
This kind of person should be promoted.
His request to the emperor was probably because he had a request from the court. Moreover, it was really because the disaster relief expenses were too much. Now, Yingchuan was probably unable to make ends meet.
If he could distribute military rations as a supplement, it would be good for him to be close to this general in the future.
At the beginning of this year, General Ma Teng and General Han Sui of Western Liang had come to Chang 'an for an audience. They had almost brought him out of the shackles of Chang' an's imperial court.
Now, this Xu Zhen might be able to get along with him.
"Your Majesty, this person…is indeed a disaster relief, but…"
Guo Si and Zhang Ji immediately had something to say. Both of them were generals who had personally experienced Dian Wei selling grain. They had thick beards and were of medium build. Their expressions were very indignant.
However, he couldn't say it out loud.
This was because Dian Wei had first raided the military camp and used his cavalry to harass the camp. He had used up all the rations in the camp and disguised it as bandits and raiders before coming to sell the rations.
The way the general acted was no different from the Mountain Bandits. It was a common trick used by Bai Bo and Black Mountain in the past, and it even made people suspect that they were the same kind of people.
Moreover, that thief general was simply a vajra in the clouds. He was extremely robust, tall, and mighty, and was not easy to talk to.
They spent a lot of gold and silver, gold and silk from the Imperial Residence, chariots, clothes, and other items to exchange for 30,000 dans of food.
How could it be 35,000?
This form was really shameless, but it couldn't be verified. How could he give her food?
But Zhang Ji and Guo Si couldn't say it.
Today, Li Jue was also present in the hall. Recently, due to their own suspicions, there had been some animosity between Li Jue and Guo Si. Back then, Taicang's grain had been opened up by Hou Wen, and he had taken a lot of the money and grain used for disaster relief.
Hou Wen was one of Li Jue's men. If Li Jue knew that they were secretly hoarding food, he would probably have other ideas.
"Why, do you two generals feel that we shouldn't reward such a loyal minister of the Great Han?”
Liu Xie smiled gently. He seemed to be asking calmly, but in fact, he was feeling guilty.
He could punish many officials, but Guo Si, Li Jue, and their generals were not to be trifled with.
These people controlled the power of the court and only gave out a few administrative positions.
It was to prevent the political chaos of the surrounding people.
Guo Si's face darkened and he said coldly," What's there to reward these people? Even if they really gain the reputation of the common people and lead the aristocratic families in disaster relief, they can't be compensated completely."”
"We can give them 6,000 shekels of military rations in the name of the drought and the lack of food in Chang 'an.”
" That's good." A few civil officials immediately agreed, hoping that Liu Xie would give up on the idea.
A skinny old man stepped out and bowed deeply.""Your Majesty, if you are worried that he will be dissatisfied, you can give him another title of nobility. The food city will be equivalent to 300 households. Give him a pavilion near Xu County. He will naturally be grateful to Your Majesty.”
Food fiefdoms belonged to enfeoffment, which meant that the taxes of that area would belong to Xu Zhen. The commoners within the territory would be enfeoffed. If a pavilion was enfeoffed, it would usually be a pavilion marquis.
For example, Guan Yu's Hanshou Pavilion Marquis had a very nice name, but the Han Dynasty had hundreds of pavilions, and the number of pavilions was very small.
"That's good."
Liu Xie nodded and looked deeply at the old man.
This was someone he was quite afraid of.
This person was called Jia Xu.
After Dong Zhuo's death, Wang Yun had originally occupied the government. With Wang Yun's character, it could be stabilized for the time being. In the future, he would naturally return to power. It was just that he might be relied on for many years if he had made great contributions.
In less than half a year, Li Jue and Guo Si had gathered Dong Zhuo's remaining soldiers and returned to Chang 'an. In a surprise attack, Wang Yun committed suicide and Chang' an fell.
The city fell into the hands of the rebel general once again. Later on, they learned that this plan came from Jia Xu.
With just a few words, he could stir up the entire world, turning Li Jue and Guo Si from fleeing like rats into tigers and wolves.
How powerful was he? Moreover, this old man was trusted by Li Jue and Guo Si.
His status was very high.
"Other than that, please take care of the troops stationed here this year.”
Liu Xie said a few words and waved his hand, signaling the other officials who wanted to speak to shut up.
The morning court dispersed.
When he left the main hall, he let out a long sigh of relief.
However, he remembered Xu Zhen in his heart.
Compared to those powerful dukes who were hoarding troops outside, he was definitely a good person for being willing to help the victims.
If there was a chance, he should send someone to investigate.
……
Winter left and spring came.
Construction began in various parts of Xu County, and they began to stock up on grain for the new year.
An edict of appointment and dismissal arrived.
"I have heard that you have made great contributions in exterminating the rebels and have been very brave in quelling the rebellion. I have conferred you the title of Marquis Qingting and also the title of General of Agriculture. I'll do my best."
It was simple and clear. The Great Han Dynasty's imperial edict had always been like this. There was no such thing as obeying the heavens. Words like the emperor's edict only existed in later generations.
Xu Zhen never dreamed that asking for some food from Han Ting would bring him such great benefits.
"Congratulations, Lord."
Guo Jia immediately cupped his hands and bowed deeply.
Now, Xu Zhen's status was completely different. Although he was only a small marquis, he was recognized by the Han imperial edict. After the chaotic times were settled, he would still be useful.
As long as Xu Zhen did not rebel now, he could continue.
Of course, in this chaotic world, even if you were conferred a title of nobility, if you didn't have the strength, virtue, and reputation to occupy this land, you would still be a piece of waste paper.
"Aiya, this Tian Zi is quite kind, he gave at least six thousand more stones.”
Xu Zhen laughed happily.
After Guo Jia stood up, he said somewhat worriedly,"However, I don't know if it's the Emperor's will or Li Jue and Guo Si's will.”
A smile slowly appeared on Xu Zhen's resolute and handsome face. He immediately stood up and placed his hands behind his back. He said in a deep voice,"Who cares whose idea it is."
"Since Tian Zi is so kind, let's give him a surprise.”
"Call Dian Wei and prepare to send troops."
Guo Jia frowned. Send troops?!
Where do I go?
This book comes from：m.funovel.com。