Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3232 Soldiers

 Outside the Zhicheng Gate of Chang'an, next to Taiye Pond.

 Some gentry children held a banquet here.

 Eating and drinking may not necessarily solve the problem, but it is indeed the first problem in life.

 If you don’t invite guests, no one will come at all.

 Simply put, it’s like getting eggs for free.

Of course the banquet here is not as good as the Zuixian Tower in the city, but the Zuixian Tower is expensive...

 Chen Xu sat among them, with some hesitation in his expression.

This banquet was hosted by Chen Xu.

The banquet is not very delicacies, nor is it luxurious, but it is a flowing water banquet, with a large basin of soup cakes, and then boiled at any time.

 The stew is also served in a basin, so you can eat as much as you want.

 In addition, each person has a plate of braised pork slices and a jug of water and wine.

There were quite a lot of people participating, and most of them were the same down-and-out kids from Shandong.

We all had similar unlucky experiences, so the more we ate, drank, and chatted, the more we comforted each other and licked each other's wounds. The atmosphere was not bad and it was very lively.

Logically speaking, the scientific examination standards set by Fei Qian are not difficult. At least compared with the college entrance examination of later generations, they are simplified to the point of being impossible to simplify. However, even so, some Shandong students still cannot pass.

Over time, these people have spent all their money and are inevitably in despair.

 That's the case with Chen Xu.

 Because he is not used to it.

 Shandong Classics and Guanzhong Classics are different, but this is not completely denied, but the main difference lies in prophecies.

In other words, as long as we don’t engage in those ridiculous things, everyone is still a good comrade.

 The problem is that Chen Xu is used to prophecies...

　　In other words, it is the right of free interpretation of certain scriptures, just like the smallest, tiniest, most vague and inconspicuous line under certain clauses.

 The key point is that even if Chen Xu wanted to change it, he couldn't change it for a while.

After all, he is a little older, and his memory is not as good as when he was a child. If he is asked to memorize the Guanzhong standard scripture books in Qinglong Temple again, he will not be able to memorize them.

At the beginning of the banquet, everyone was still normal, but after they had eaten and drank some wine, at some point, someone started to talk about their depression, and then it was like opening up a chat box, murmuring. Just go outside.

Most of the people came from various counties in Shandong. They were not particularly famous people in Shandong. Most of them were from the side branches. Many of them came to Guanzhong to try their luck because they couldn't make it in Shandong. What I didn't expect was that life was still bleak after arriving in Guanzhong.

　Many people not only fail to live the good life they imagined, but also owe a lot of foreign debt...

Speaking of these foreign debts, everyone couldn't help but wonder if Chen Xu had attached himself to some noble person. After all, if he wanted to host such a banquet, even if the food, water and wine were not too expensive, it would still be a big sum when there were many people. This Chen Xu How can Xu get the money?

It's just that everyone has a greedy mentality. In addition, these children of the Shandong gentry may not all be able to live well in Chang'an. If they see free food and drink, it doesn't matter what they do. Let's live a happy life first.

Of course, some people are wondering who is the financial backer behind Chen Xu?

Even if you can't hold it on your lap, you can still eat two mouthfuls of soft rice.

 It’s all about having a good meal, there’s no shame in it.

 After all, there is nothing else of value to throw away...

After eating and drinking for a certain period of time, the person sitting behind Chen Xu secretly poked Chen Xu.

Chen Xu trembled and stood up subconsciously.

When everyone saw Chen Xu standing up, they showed respect for the dishes and drinks, so they gradually stopped talking and looked at Chen Xu.

Perhaps it was because of the attention of everyone that Chen Xu finally made up his mind. He trembled a little, coughed, and then said: "Everyone!" Dear brothers and fellow countrymen, today’s banquet does not include big fish or meat, so I’ll wait for you! I just hope that you can eat enough, and I will be satisfied! 』

　　　　Thank you, Brother Chen, for the hospitality! 』

　　　Brother Chen is so awesome! 』

 Everyone responded in confusion.

Chen Xu was talking nonsense again, and everyone didn't understand what he was talking about, but for the sake of a meal, they still gave him some face.

The person sitting behind Chen Xu seemed to have a discomfort in his throat and coughed several times.

Chen Xu's body trembled slightly, and the smile on his face became a little stiffer...

 That's right, Chen Xu has sold his dignity.

 Be able to betray yourself once.

You can betray him a second time.

 Then the third time…

Although Chen Xu knew that once he said this, there would definitely be problems in the future, but...

 Just take care of the meal in front of you first!

Chen Xu stopped laughing and said with a bit of vehemence, "We are having a drink here, but don't forget that there are people who are being wronged and are being punished!" 』

The atmosphere during the banquet was originally quite lively, but as soon as Chen Xu said these words, it suddenly became completely quiet.

　　　『Chen, Brother Chen, what do you want to do? It's not okay to cause trouble! 』

Someone asked, obviously a little scared.

Just a meal of soup cakes, what is it worth? !

　　Well, even if you have wine and meat, it won’t work!

 Chen Xu waved his hands, "It's not a big deal!" I just want to find a leader to explain it to us! 』

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　文 from ” After everyone heard this, they calmed down somewhat.

 Oh, it’s not that you want to rebel, that’s fine.

But there are still people who are worried, "Brother Chen, it is also a serious crime to surround and coax officials..."

Chen Xu smiled and said, "Don't worry, I'm not stupid either. I won't go to either Chang'an Yin Official House or Huqi Mansion Office!" 』

 ‘Oh…’ Everyone was completely relieved.

　Discussing explanations often occurred in the feudal era when the laws were not yet complete. For example, if any village uses more water in the canal, a group of villagers will come to ask for an explanation, so everyone is familiar with this matter. As long as they don't go to Hussar to cause trouble, everyone thinks it's not a big deal.

This is also a common thing in Shandong...

　　　　Brother Chen, don’t worry! Count me in for this statement! 』

"Yep! Brother Chen seems to be a real person at first glance. This must be Brother Chen’s account! 』

　　　『We people from Shandong are like duckweeds in Guanzhong, we must unite and help each other even more! 』

　　　　Zhonglie! 』

　　　…

Everyone's statement, many people think that it is not like in Shandong, just asking for a statement. What are the big things? After helping Chen Xu on such a trip, if something happens to me in the future, wouldn't it be possible to find someone to ask for explanation in the same way?

 There is strength in numbers!

 Chen Xugong cupped his hands and said, "Thank you very much for your generosity!" But we foreigners alone can’t do it! Nowadays, the people of Shandong are being humiliated in Guanzhong. If we really want to have a say, we should ask some great scholars from Guanzhong, who are well-educated and upright people, to redress our grievances! 』

When everyone heard this, they agreed more and more. After all, he was not the one in the lead. Even if there was any trouble in the future, it would just fall on others. So there was no need to hesitate, so they all started shouting and clapping their hands. Those who patted their thighs patted their thighs, and those who patted their desks all felt that Chen Xu's words made sense.

While they were still drunk, everyone walked together and suddenly felt emboldened.

 Amid the cheers of the crowd, Chen Xu walked at the front.

 For a moment, Chen Xu felt as if he had returned to Shandong...

In the land of Shandong at that time, the gentry children were so tyrannical. They rode horses and drove cars to cause trouble. The unlucky guy deserved to be injured. Even if he was killed, what would happen? Just pay some money and be done with it. He couldn't help but bite back, saying that the deceased's family members only wanted to extort money and were despicable!

 So, Webster's "waiting" wind finally came.

　　　　Thank you for your support! 』

 Wei Duan stood on the steps with a big smile and bowed his hands in greeting.

『Everyone, everyone, listen to something! 』

　　　『Husband’s land is the vastness of the universe! Human beings are the supreme beings in heaven and earth! Since ancient times, the land has been divided into nine states, and the land has been split into pieces, creating its own country. However, every county in the world, regardless of whether the land is north or south, and whether the people are east or west, are all Han!　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 somehow], I swept away the filth of Liuhe, united the territory of the four seas, built the great cause of the Nine Cauldrons, and opened up the territory of the Eight Wastelands. From then on, China was unified, and the descendants of Yan and Huang, regardless of whether they reached the Hanhai in the north, Zhuya in the south, waded in the quicksand in the west, or faced the blue sea in the east, all regarded themselves as Han, and worked together to enjoy peace in the prosperous age! 』

　　Looking to the north, the scholars of Yan and Zhao are drinking horses from the Yellow River. They have great ambitions. Their energy swallows up mountains and rivers, and their ambitions are as good as the stars. Looking at the southern border, the people of Chu and Wu cultivated and weaved the Yangtze River, their love was as deep as water, their elegance was unparalleled, and their meaning was long-lasting. Although the regions are very different and the customs are different, they are all countries with a loyal heart and abiding by etiquette. 』

　　　　Therefore, the land is not divided into north and south, and people are not divided into east and west! How can we disobey the great achievements of the Han ancestors and destroy the legacy of the saints? 』

“Nowadays, there are narrow-minded people who divide China from north to south and east to west, and subjugate the people’s will. Aren’t they trying to destroy the unification of China and cut off the great cause of Hussar?” ! Now that I am not talented, I will be supported by you, and I am determined to avoid such narrow views! 』

　　　『May my great man be prosperous forever! 』

 ‘May the Hussar’s great cause last long! 』

Wei Duan was impassioned and raised his arms.

　　　　Someone heard something! 』

“Now that the hussars have temporarily left the pass, there are some minor officials who appear to be loyal and good, but are treacherous in their hearts. Sneaking and stealing, greedy for ink, anointing people with their wealth, and squeezing them day and night. His behavior is like a rat stealing a dog, and his heart is like a wolf, tiger or leopard. The people are complaining, but the petty officials are shameless and think they have a plan! 』

　　　　However, the heavenly net is vast, sparse and not leaking! There are righteous people who are righteous, courageous and loyal, and cannot bear the suffering of the people. Therefore, they closely observe their feelings, carefully examine their appearance, and report their actions. Their intentions are good. If there is a way, if there is a mistake, correct it. If there is no fault and encouragement, there is no great good. 』

　　　But it was unexpected. The officials protected each other, and the arrests were made secretly. They blocked the road and harmed the hussar's career! If this lasts for a long time, I dare to ask how Xijing will be clean and how will the people live in peace? 』

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　ifies in the suffering of the people, and that you are willing to enlighten the people below to understand right from wrong! 』

　　　『Hu Qi once said that to govern the people is to rely on trust! 』

　　　『I am willing to seek the trust of the people on behalf of the people! 』

　　　『If it is correct, then its name will be corrected! 』

　　　『If it is rotten, punish it by law! 』

Hearing this, everyone praised Wei Duan for being a very upright person as his name suggests.

Wei Duan smiled.

 At this moment, he got the "right of representation". He said that he represented the people...

 May I ask if the "people" have any objections?

 Because he represented the people, he brought legitimacy and legitimacy to himself, even though the people did not let him represent him at all.

 Among the people at the foot of the steps, Chen Xu was also smiling.

The two people seemed to have met their eyes, but they seemed like strangers.

This wind is getting stronger and stronger, but who can ride on the wind next, and who is a pig without wings, we have to wait and see...

 …

 …

  Jizhou.

On the south gate wall of Liyang.

 A military general is patrolling the city.

He was said to be a general, but it didn't look like him at all, because not only was he not wearing armor, he was not even wearing a military uniform. Instead, he was wearing a Confucian scholar's robe and a crown. Because it was windy at night, he was also wrapped in a layer of fox fur. . Not only is the skin on her face tender and delicate, but her hands are also white, without even the slightest callus from dancing with guns and sticks. Not only that, she also wears two gold rings on her fingers, with huge jade stones inlaid on the surface of the rings. Under the light, it sparkles, and the wealth is compelling.

If it weren't for a group of military academy soldiers following behind him, nodding and bowing, no one would have thought that this man, who looked to be in his twenties or thirties, looked like a scholar with a thin beard, slender eyebrows and handsome eyes, and was very handsome. The handsome and suave guy is regarded as a military general of a county!

However, in Jizhou, this phenomenon is very common.

 Jizhou and Yuzhou, one must first become a scholar before they can hold certain positions.

 As for whether this position is something that this nobleman is good at, or whether he originally understands the knowledge and skills required for the position, it doesn't matter at all. Therefore, a person who just studied some scriptures and kept his mouth shut can not only serve as a general, but also engage in water conservancy work, and even become the leader of a place!

Looking from left to right, this figure does not look like a general in any way, but he is the land of Liyang, and he is an out-and-out general in charge of the army!

 No reason, just because this person’s surname is Cao.

Unlike the land of Guanzhong, where Wei Duan had to do everything possible to gain some say, in Shandong, sometimes a surname can decide everything. Of course, there are also upper and lower surnames. Originally, Cao Ying was just a side branch of the Cao family, but he happened to attach himself to Cao Pi, so the tide gradually rose.

Cao Ying was an ordinary scholar before. If he were to be seen in later generations, he would have been nothing more than a bachelor's degree majoring in Chinese language. However, he was able to take on important responsibilities. As an inspection envoy to inspect the surrounding areas of Jizhou, after walking around, After no problems were found, he ended up getting a good relationship. A group of noble officials said that Cao Ying was a good comrade and should be given more responsibilities. So it was logical that he took over Li Yang's military responsibilities and became the highest military officer in the area. military commander.

 The speed of promotion is unparalleled.

Anyway, as long as Cao Pi is the endorser and he is a member of the Cao family, the relevant appointment assessment system originally formulated by the Han Dynasty will be like a fart. Apart from having a smell when it is released, it has no other effect.

To the south of Liyang is Baimajin. Therefore, the military general here is not only responsible for the defense around the county, but also controls the military stronghold of Baimajin. Although he is only a county lieutenant, he is dispatched above and has military control. In terms of actual power, he is a very important general.

At the same time, because Liyang is located at an important strategic location, there are not only traders and pedestrians coming and going, but also a huge demand for the transshipment of military supplies...

Logically speaking, a qualified military general should be assigned to such an important location. However, this general Cao Ying has never practiced martial arts for a day since he was a child, let alone read a book on the Art of War, or After spending a day in the military camp, I really didn't smell like a soldier at all.

Of course, for people from Shandong, having a military atmosphere may not be a good comment.

 Warrior!

 Be brave and aggressive!

It is better to be a literati, gentle and reasonable, not only pleasing to the eye, but also nice to speak...

Cao Ying was originally a side branch, and his family was naturally poor. Now that he has taken power, in addition to daily defense, arresting bandits, etc., the most important thing is to buy a family fortune for himself and his family. Come.

Therefore, using authority to acquire some good land, collect some taxes, open a few stores, recruit merchants, and then use free soldier labor to build some houses for rent are all normal activities.

In addition, Cao Ying also has a deep understanding of city repair techniques and military equipment maintenance techniques, which can achieve maximum results at the minimum cost...

For example, if you replace some old weapons with new ones, it will not only cost you a lot of money, but it will also make it impossible to replace them in the coming year. Everyone knows that water conservancy construction must be carried out every year, of course, and road and city wall repairs must be repaired every year, so how can weapons and armor be kept intact all year round?

 So some unnecessary weapons and armors would be better if they were painted with wood!

  As for what is “unnecessary”, that is naturally a matter of opinion.

Therefore, there are all kinds of things, big and small. Even though Cao Ying has only been here for a short time, the clothes he wears naturally become noble...

As for the precautions and defenses, there is no need to mention them at all.

Anyway, in the land of Liyang, everyone is our own people, so what's the problem?

However, on this day, Cao Ying could hardly get to the top of the city to patrol.

Cao Ying, who had not come to patrol the city since he took office, suddenly came today. He immediately frightened the military academy and other people on duty on the city. They quickly followed behind, not knowing what was inside Cao Ying's gourd. What kind of medicine are you selling?

Cao Ying was also impatient. After patrolling around, he stood still, pointed to the west, and asked, "Have you heard about Chaoge?" It is said that the Qiao cavalry crossed Taihang and attacked Chaoge! Do you think this is true or false? 』

"This..." The military officers following Cao Ying looked at each other in confusion.

 What should I say about this matter?

The military academies murmured for a long time, and then said with low eyebrows: "We are all vulgar people, how can we know this... Please give me some advice from the county captain..."

Cao Ying snorted and said proudly: "Taihang, you are so majestic!" 』

The military academies couldn't help but shrink their heads and swallowed a mouthful of saliva, but they seemed to have heard some fairy tune, and showed a happy and attentive look.

　　　The Taihang Mountains stand tall and majestic, like a screen between heaven and earth. Its peak reaches into the clouds, like a dragon soaring into the sky; its veins cross the territory, like a tiger looking across the wilderness. Since ancient times, many heroes have wanted to reach the top, but not all of them can do so. 』

　　　　I once wore the stars and the moon, overcoming obstacles and going through hardships in order to catch a glimpse of the majestic appearance. Walking to the mountainside, looking back in all directions, the mountains are all small, but Taihang is towering and the sea of ​​clouds is soaring, like a fairyland. 』

　　　However, Tai Xing is so high that it is extraordinary and unattainable. On the way, you may encounter steep cliffs or dense forests and deep valleys. If you are not careful, you will be shattered to pieces. In the past, the thieves from Heishan had been in Taihang for many years and knew the geography well. They only lived in the valleys and could not fight across the territory, let alone the hussars? 』

　　　　Do you understand this? 』

 Cao Ying scanned the surrounding military schools with disdain.

 He was indeed a little unhappy.

It had only been a few comfortable days in Liyang when I received some news about the cavalry breaking through Taihang. Cao Ying would have laughed so hard!

Just like what Cao Ying discussed with Ren Guanshi of the Jizhou Granary near Huangze, is Taihang so easy to travel?

 Otherwise General Le Jin would not have been defeated at Hu Pass!

It would have been fine if Cao Ying had not held this important military position, and he might not have known the meaning of it, but now that he is the captain of Liyang County, Cao Ying really knows the secrets!

This is probably because Chaoge's defenders were so greedy that they couldn't even defeat the bandits in the Taihang Mountains!

That's right, Cao Ying believes that the so-called hussars and horses are just the remaining bandits in the Taihang Mountains!

 Because the deficit was so severe that it was not evened out when the accounts were audited, so they took advantage of the bandits to write off the old accounts...

 Cao Ying was very familiar with this technique.

So he came to the city specifically today to gather his military academies together. On the one hand, he was exposing the matter to show his wisdom, and on the other hand, he was warning his military academies not to go too far. , and in the end he couldn't do the accounting, and he couldn't even pass the inspection. It wouldn't be nice if he was implicated.

All the military academies were suddenly enlightened, and they repeatedly patted their chests and assured, saying that they were all professionals and could definitely transfer the account!

The accounts were all done by the descendants of the gentry in Jizhou. Everyone knew each other. As long as they looked at the secret notes, they would know whose relatives and children had done the accounts. They would all take good care of them and would never give them to Cao Cao. Should bring a little bit of trouble!

Cao Ying nodded slowly and said with a smile: "With everyone working together, we can naturally ensure that the people of Liyang are safe and sound!" I feel so relieved, so relieved! 』

 The military academies sent another round of free flattery.

While they were enjoying themselves, suddenly a soldier on duty at the top of the city shouted, which startled Cao Ying and all the military schools!

Before Cao Ying and the military academy could get angry, the soldier quickly pointed his finger and said, "Over there, there is fire over there!" Come with fire! 』

Everyone could not help but turn their heads and lay on the battlements to look. They saw faint lights on the road in the distance, which became more and more obvious in the gradually gloomy night...