ushernet Chapter 157: Suppressing the Rebellion Army
Chapter 157: Suppressing the Rebellion Army
Chapter 157: Suppressing the Rebellion Army of
Three days later, at the Imperial Guards camp.
Liu Bian, Huangfu Song, Xun You, Zhong Yao and others stood on the observation deck, all watching the martial arts training ground.
A middle-aged man in his forties, holding a large bow, is testing a new weapon.
咻
The arrow shot from the bow and hit the bull's eye in the blink of an eye.
"Captain Huang is mighty!" the soldiers cheered.
Huang Zhong is forty-five years old this year, but he has thick hair and beard, fair skin and bright eyes. He ignored the soldiers' shouting, picked up the crossbow behind him, loaded three arrows on it, pulled it hard, and stared at the target not far away.
嘭
Three arrows hit the target, which shook violently and made a continuous buzzing sound.
"Great crossbow!"
Huang Zhong looked at the crossbow in his hand with surprise and joy on his face, and he couldn't let go of it.
On the stands, Xun You glanced at Liu Bian and said, "Your Majesty, was this really found in the Qin bamboo slips?"
Liu Bian hummed casually and said, "If your family is interested in this, I will have someone send it to your family."
"I have no interest, I'm just curious." Xun You said quickly.
'Even if you are interested, I can't find it.'
Liu Bian smiled and saw a cavalry of more than ten men galloping past the training ground, with their feet in the stirrups, very steadily.
Zhong Yao quietly observed Liu Bian and pretended to be thoughtful before saying, "Your Majesty, the Yuan Shu rebels have already invaded Langya County."
Huangfu Song and Zhong Yao immediately looked at Liu Bian, their expressions unchanged, concentrating secretly - the three days were up.
Liu Bian looked at Huang Zhong, hummed, and said, "What do you think of Huang Zhong?"
Before Zhong Yao could say more, Liu Bian raised his hand and on the martial arts field, Dian Wei, neatly dressed, holding a spear, rode out slowly from the side door.
"Fight with me!" Dian Wei stepped forward, pointing his spear at Huang Zhong.
Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent and looked towards the martial arts training ground.
Huang Zhong was testing a new weapon. He looked up and recognized Dian Wei. Without hesitation, he picked up his sword and mounted his horse.
The two of them didn't waste any time talking and started fighting right away.
Not only the people on the watchtower were paying attention, but the soldiers all around also put down what they were doing and came over to watch.
After only two rounds, Dian Wei and Huang Zhong realized that they had encountered a strong enemy. They looked serious, gripped their weapons tightly, and rode their horses to charge again.
"drink!"
"what!"
Changmao and Dadao fought against each other, and their horses paused and they retreated forcefully.
"What great strength!" Xun You couldn't help but exclaimed as he looked at him.
The others also looked surprised. They were all more or less aware of Dian Wei's strength, but it was truly amazing that Huang Zhong, who was in his forties, could fight him head-on and not be at a disadvantage.
Seeing Xun You's rare loss of composure, Liu Bian smiled and said, "This Huang Zhong was originally Wang Rui's man. Later he went to Chengdu, and then to Bingzhou. Not long ago, I transferred him back to the capital. What do you think of Huangfu Qing's family?"
Huangfu Song looked at the two men fighting hard and said, "Your Majesty, Huang Zhong is indeed a brave general."
Liu Bian smiled even more and said, "I intend to order him to replace Xu Rong and guard Huanyuan Pass."
Huangfu Song heard this and said, "Your Majesty, the situation is urgent. I think we should order Xu Rong, Cao Cao, Gongsun Zan, Zhao Yun, and Dong Zhuo to attack Liang and Pei in the east, and order Jingzhou Governor Wang Rui to attack Runan and encircle Yuan Shu!"
Liu Bian shook his head and said, "Order Huang Zhong to guard Huanyuan Pass, Xu Rong to be stationed in Yanzhou, Zhao Yun and Cao Cao to return to the Imperial Army camp. Appoint former Chief Lü Bu as the Colonel of Suppressing the Enemy and send him to Xuzhou. Order Dong Zhuo and Gongsun Zan to join forces to attack Runan, and order Wang Rui to attack Yangzhou."
Huangfu Song, Xun You and Zhong Yao were stunned after hearing what they heard. What kind of arrangement was this?
Huangfu Song decisively raised his hand and said, "Your Majesty, this move is too scattered. We may be defeated one by one by the rebels. We should concentrate our forces now to annihilate the main force of the rebels!"
Zhong Yao followed up and said, "Your Majesty, although I don't know much about military affairs, the Grand Marshal has been in the army for many years and has made great achievements. I second the proposal."
Liu Bian raised his eyebrows, glanced at him out of the corner of his eye, and thought to himself: Are you saying that I, an amateur, am giving orders to the experts?
Liu Bian looked calm and said, "The so-called main force of Yuan Shu is just some young and strong men who were dragged here by force. They are not even as good as the Yellow Turban rebels. You nobles should not think too highly of them. So, give Dong Zhuo an order. If he fails to recapture Liang within half a month, he will be punished by military law!"
The four words "military law" often represent extreme punishment. For Dong Zhuo, it actually means death.
Huangfu Song, Xun You and Zhong Yao listened to Liu Bian's arrangements, which seemed reasonable but were actually very willful.
Just as he was about to continue his advice, he heard loud shouts from below.
In the school martial arts field, Huang Zhong and Dian Wei were fighting fiercely. As the saying goes, they were evenly matched. The two did not stop at the last hurdle and fought harder and harder.
Seeing this, Liu Bian quickly called for a halt, "That's enough, both of you gentlemen, please stop."
Dian Wei and Huang Zhong heard Liu Bian's shout and reined in their horses with some reluctance.
Dian Wei had a simple and honest face. He smiled and raised his hand and said, "Dian Wei from Chenliu."
Huang Zhong looked at Dian Wei deeply, folded his hands and said, "Nanyang Huang Zhong."
Dian Wei grinned and reined in his horse to leave the field.
Huang Zhong followed beside him and whispered to him, "Captain Dian, how does General Zhao Zilong compare to you?"
Dian Wei shook his head and said, "I have never competed with him. He looks skinny and weak."
Huang Zhong knew that a military general should not be judged by his appearance. After having fought Dian Wei on equal terms today, he really wanted to compete with Zhao Yun, who had killed Wen Chou in one blow.
On the observation deck, Liu Bian turned around, looked at the three people, and said thoughtfully: "My three nobles, this rebellion may not be a bad thing for our Han Dynasty. Rather than letting those people with ulterior motives operate in secret and the court be on guard all the time, it is better to lure them all out at once and deal with them in one fell swoop. It is only reasonable to be a thief for a thousand days, so there is no reason to be on guard against thieves for a thousand days."
The three of them were stunned, and they all thought to themselves: So this is what His Majesty was planning?
However, Xun You's expression darkened immediately, and he said, "I understand your majesty's painstaking efforts, but now is not the time to lure the thief. Yuan Shu has become powerful and occupied three states. He is an unprecedented traitor. He must be annihilated as soon as possible to stabilize the people's hearts and to ensure the safety of the country!"
Liu Bian had finally found such an excuse, so he was not going to be persuaded. He hummed and said, "Then order Dong Zhuo to mobilize all the troops from Xuzhou, Jingzhou, and Yuzhou, a total of nearly 100,000 troops, to march in unison and coordinate the suppression!"
Xun You's face twitched, and he really wanted to say that Huangfu Song's tactics were the most appropriate, but when he saw that Liu Bian finally gave in, he had to look at Huangfu Song.
Huangfu Song thought carefully for a while and said, "Your Majesty, I don't know whether Lu Bu should send Cao Cao or Xu Rong to Xuzhou?"
Liu Bian waved his hand, walked down, and said: "Your family still overestimates Yuan Shu. Do you think a hundred thousand troops are not enough? It's settled."
Huangfu Song thought about it and didn't say anything more.
With the combined forces of three states, an army of 100,000 is indeed a lot.
Xun You and Zhong Yao looked at each other and felt somewhat relieved. Even if a hundred thousand troops could not succeed quickly, it would curb the arrogance of the rebels.
Once the summer grain arrives and the court has money and grain, it will not be too late to make a decision based on the situation.
Pan Yin came up from below, came to Liu Bian's side, followed him, handed over a memorial, and whispered: "Your Majesty, the prince has returned to the capital."
Liu Bian opened it and saw that Wang Yun had criticized the reform of Bingzhou from beginning to end, accusing the "official system": disturbing the local area and private ownership. "Measurement of land" is to compete with the people for profit, which is more harmful than beneficial. "Census of households" is to provoke civil unrest and the source of disasters.
After a concert, Liu Bian looked indifferent and asked, "Is the Prime Minister still in Sanfu?"
Pan Yin bowed and said, "Yes. The Prime Minister wrote to me last time, saying that in the Three Prefectures, nearly one million people have fled, and the disaster is unprecedented."
Liu Bian glanced at Wang Yun's memorial in his hand and said, "Keep this memorial in the palace. Tomorrow, please invite Wang Yun to the palace to have dinner with me. Send an order to Liu Biao and order him to go to Bingzhou on my behalf. Remember, the court is unwavering and united in its "new policy". No one is allowed to change it!"
"Yes." Pan Yin responded quickly.
Xun You and Zhong Yao followed behind Liu Bian, looking thoughtful but not saying a word.
There has always been great resistance to the "New Deal" from both the government and the opposition, and there has also been a lot of resistance to changes at the local level.
The governors and county magistrates sent by the imperial court to Bingzhou encountered resistance to varying degrees. As for "measuring the land" and "census of households", the obstacles were even more serious.
It was very difficult for Lu Zhi to implement the "New Deal" in Bingzhou, and the court received various impeachment memorials every day.
After walking a few steps, Liu Bian looked at Xun You again and said, "The 'New Deal' of Sili must be implemented as soon as possible. All obstacles must be removed with all our strength. There must be no delay! In addition, various vacancies in Yanzhou must be filled with great caution. We must have capable officials who are brave enough to take charge! Regarding the 'New Deal', I will order Xu Rong to fully assist. Anyone who dares to obstruct, resist, or even plot rebellion will be resolutely suppressed and there will be no mercy!"
"I obey your order!" Xun You replied with a gloomy face. He felt more and more that the emperor in front of him valued the "New Deal" far more than Yuan Shu's rebellion.
Zhong Yao could also perceive it clearly, and thought to himself: Your Majesty, are you underestimating Yuan Shu's rebellion too much?
Liu Bian thought over and over again, and said, "Let's wait and see if Ding Yuan is not competent for the job, transfer him back to the capital."
Xun You's expression tightened, and he said, "I understand."
Transferring the governor of a state back to the capital was actually a "severe punishment", foreshadowing the end of Ding Yuan's official career.
Liu Bian hummed and said nothing more. He went down the observation tower and came to the training ground.
This training ground could accommodate thousands of people, divided into countless formations.
Some are running, some are shooting arrows, some are training, and some are riding horses...
Seeing this, Liu Bian nodded slightly and said to Huangfu Song: "How many people are there in the Imperial Army Camp at present?"
Huangfu Song followed beside him and said, "Your Majesty, there are still 50,000 troops left. If Zhao Yun and Xu Rong return, it will be 80,000."
"Add Cao Cao's 30,000 troops, that's 110,000 troops..."
Liu Bian said to himself, before he knew it, the number of soldiers in the imperial guard camp had reached as many as 110,000!
Xun You stood behind Liu Bian, his expression unchanged, but he felt under a great deal of pressure.
110,000 soldiers and horses, the daily expenditure is a terrifying figure. The court tried every means to raise money and food, but still could not afford to support them!
Liu Bian walked leisurely, looking around and glancing at Huangfu Song, Xun You and others behind him from time to time.
He intended to let Liu Xie go to Dong Zhuo to supervise the army, but Huangfu Song, Xun You and others would never agree to this proposal even if they were beaten to death.
At the same time, Taichang.
Cai Zheng directed the recruited servants to pack stacks of Shi Hou papers into boxes.
"Be careful, be careful, don't wrinkle it!"
"Waterproof, waterproof! If you get wet on the road, I'll break your legs!"
"These boxes are for Hanoi, your stickers are wrong!"
"The carriage is ready! Move it up, move it up!"
Cai Yong was proud of his status and did not come closer. Instead, he stayed in the accounting office not far away, looking at the account book in his hand, which recorded the numbers item by item.
"Two years and 70 million, I'm sure Your Majesty will be satisfied..." Cai Yong said quite complacently.
Seventy million is seventy thousand strings of cash, equivalent to seventy thousand taels of silver, which is already a considerable sum of money.
Cai Wenji came in with tea and whispered, "Even if it's 700 million, he still thinks it's not enough."
Cai Yong turned his head and saw that his daughter was not wearing a veil, which was rare. She was no longer sad and depressed, with watery eyes and a rosy face. He couldn't help but wonder, "Have you encountered anything recently? You seem to be much happier?"
Cai Wenji's heart skipped a beat, and she said guiltily, "My daughter just read some books."
Cai Yong didn't think much about it, and continued to look at the account book. He sighed and said, "You are right. The court needs money everywhere now. These 70 million are just a drop in the bucket. Your Majesty will not be satisfied. We have to find another way."
Seeing that her father had no doubts, Cai Wenji felt relieved. She pursed her lips and said softly, "Father, I am a student of the Imperial College, can you accept the money?"
Cai Yong frowned and said, "It has already been collected. If we collect too much, it will cause controversy. Some people are poor to begin with. If we collect more money, they will not be able to study. Their talents will be wasted and they will have no way to serve the country."
Cai Wenji thought about what Liu Bian had said to her, and said more softly: "If you don't have money, you can go to Hongdu Gate to study. Those who are admitted to the Imperial College have families that are not short of money. It should be no problem to charge a few thousand yuan per person."
Cai Yong still shook his head and said, "You should focus on your studies and don't get involved in these things. By the way, have you been to Puguang Temple often recently? Didn't you only go there once or twice a month before?"
Cai Yong felt more and more guilty, and he moved his lips and said, "No need to go there anymore."
Cai Yong looked straight at Cai Zheng and the servants, not noticing his daughter's blushing face, and said casually, "Well, it's better to go less often."
How could he know that his daughter had already planned to discuss with Liu Bian to move to another place.
After calming down, Cai Wenji took out her veil and put it on her face, then said, "Father, has the Hongdu Gate School in Taiyuan been built?"
Cai Yong suddenly saw a middle-aged man with servants coming in, and hurried out, subconsciously saying: "It will be ready soon, you should go back early, don't leave the house unless necessary, and don't go to the palace. The Queen Mother is preparing to choose a queen for His Majesty, you and Lady Tang should go out less."
Cai Wenji blinked and thought to herself: How come I don’t know?
Cai Yong came to a place not far from the box, recognized the person, and quietly hid behind the box.
The man who came was Buqi Hou Fu Wan. He said to Cai Zheng, "I really can't buy any outside. Please ask Cai Zheng to be lenient and sell us 1,000 tickets."
Cai Zheng looked at the boxes that had already been packed, and there was nothing left over. He smiled and said, "Buqi Hou, it's not that I don't want to sell, but I really don't have any left over."
Fu Wan was dissatisfied and said, "My daughter has entered the palace. Today, she asked for some Shihou paper to repair the marriage certificate. Could it be that the Minister of Rites is going to stop her?"
Cai Zheng had no idea what was going on here, and was shocked when he heard it. He said hurriedly, "Wait a moment, Lord Buqi. I will go and ask the Minister of Rites for instructions."
Fu Wan snorted and said, "Go quickly."
Cai Yong listened and stepped back silently.
Cai Wenji was still tidying up her father's desk in the room. When she saw Cai Yong coming in like a thief, she looked puzzled and asked, "Father, what happened?"
Cai Yong walked into the room and stood up straight, shaking his head and said, "Buqihou's daughter Fushou has been selected to enter the palace. It is said that she will be granted the title of noble lady. Buqihou has come to me to ask for Shihou's paper."
Upon hearing this, Cai Wenji pursed her lips, thinking about what Liu Bian said in bed a few days ago, and hesitated to speak.
I wish you all a healthy Dragon Boat Festival!
I'm done, I'll resume updating tomorrow~