Chapter 35 1. Emperor Wei's strategy of checks and balances

"When I went on a tour to worship the late emperor's temple just now, I saw the faces of the common people on the side of the street with yellow vegetables." Liu Chan got off the Luanyu and asked Huang Hao immediately, "Is the Ministry of Households right again? Are they extorting money? Huang Hao! Just look at the endless wars abroad, but the people in the country are hungry—I am really worried!" Huang Hao looked up and looked around, and found that no one was paying attention, but he still didn't dare to answer, he just lowered his head and trot followed Liu Chan into the backyard of the palace.

Liu Chan sat on the dragon bed and murmured to himself: "Yesterday, Chen Zhi came to the palace to report that three years ago, the population of Yizhou was 1.1 million. Unexpectedly, after these three years, my Yizhou The population of Shimin is still about 1.1 million! Huang Hao! Huang Hao! Do you understand what this means? This shows that in the past three years, my people in Yizhou were busy preparing for the war, and even the population I didn't do anything about reproduction... the people are living very hard..." "Oh! Your Majesty, all of this happens to show that I, a big man, cares about the world and the people, and has a wonderful heart in my heart. I share the worries and solve the problems for Your Majesty's great cause of rejuvenating the Han Dynasty!" Huang Hao rolled his eyes and hurriedly opened his mouth to change the topic of Liu Chan.At the same time, he waved his hand outward, and the attendants and eunuchs in the pavilion all understood and retreated one after another.Then, he leaned forward and said in a low voice: "I respectfully ask Your Majesty to be careful with your words. If Lord Dong Yun heard what you said just now, and he impeaches you in front of the Prime Minister, what will happen?" Is good?"

Liu Chan's whole body trembled slightly, a look of timidity flashed between his eyebrows, he hurriedly raised his head to look at the door of the pavilion, and found that no one was listening, so he leaned on the back of the dragon bed and sighed deeply: "I Tell the truth! Dong Yun himself doesn’t understand? Xiangfu dispatched 130,000 elite soldiers this time, recruited 180,000 farmers, and consumed 40,000 shi of food and grass every day...a month is 1.2 million shi , 2.4 million shi in two months... I am afraid that the treasury will be wiped out by this Northern Expedition soon! If there is another natural or man-made disaster in the country, what will I do in the rear to deal with it? ?”

"Your Majesty, what are you doing with your leisure? Master Jiang Wan will help you solve your problems..." "As the Son of Heaven, why shouldn't I worry about these important military affairs? I'm twenty-six years old this year! If I don't hurry up and study this way of governing the country, how can I regain the Central Plains and revitalize the Han Dynasty in the future?" Huang Hao blinked his eyes, turned his pupils secretly a few times, and picked out his words and said: "Your Majesty is really a wise king who strives hard to rule like Emperor Xiaowu and Emperor Guangwu! With such lofty ambitions, this servant has the guts to make a bold statement—in fact, this servant also feels that although Prime Minister Zhuge has built more than 3,000 "wooden cows and horses" to transport food day and night, it is only slightly lightening the burden on my fellow citizens... Prime Minister If my lord can no longer attack the city, support the war with war, and transfer the huge pressure to the puppet Wei Shishu, the national power of our big man will be unsustainable one day..."

When Liu Chan heard this, he looked thoughtful and stared at him deeply. Huang Hao thought that Liu Chan hated him for "interfering in politics", so his face turned pale in fright, and he hurriedly said: "You should slap your mouth! You should slap your mouth! Could it be that what you said is wrong? It is the fact, the Prime Minister Once, I really took out all the storage of my big man and put all my eggs in one basket..." "Forget it, I know what you said." Liu Chan stopped him with a wave of his hand.He sat there quietly for a long while.Finally, he gritted his teeth, as if he had made his final decision: "The Northern Expedition to the Central Plains and the restoration of the Han industry have always been Xiangfu's long-cherished wish. If Xiangfu does not even fulfill this long-cherished wish, Xiangfu may collapse immediately... I can only spare no effort and support him without objection..."

"Your Majesty is so brave and benevolent. This servant really admires you. However, this servant has always harbored a faint worry in his heart, and I don't know whether to say it or not..." "Father Xiang once taught me, 'It's really a great blame for a minister to speak before the king, but not to speak against him.' You lowly man, even though you are an eunuch, you are still my minister after all—what do you have? It’s okay to talk, even if there are mistakes, I will forgive you for your innocence.” "Your Majesty, this servant has been thinking about this question. If the Prime Minister succeeds in the Northern Expedition, what will happen to the political situation in the court?"

"What kind of situation can there be?" Liu Chan curled his lips disapprovingly, "At that time, I will lead you to drive to Chang'an, Luoyang and other famous capitals to enjoy the happiness of peace and prosperity... " "Hmm... Your Majesty's words made this servant very happy. However, what this servant is thinking about is, will the Prime Minister still be the Prime Minister at that time?" Huang Hao said slowly, while secretly scrutinizing Liu Chan's reaction. . "What do you mean by that?" Liu Chan stared at him. When Huang Hao saw it, his heart suddenly trembled, but he thought of Zhuge Liang's usual discrimination and suppression of eunuchs like himself, and his hatred soared. Years ago, Li Yan, the former Shangshuling, wrote a letter to the prime minister, urging him to enjoy the gift of nine tins, and to be promoted to be the king... The reply from the prime minister was somewhat meaningful, "I am a corporal from the East, and I misused it for The first emperor, who was an extremely personable minister, bestowed tens of billions of dollars in rewards. Now he has failed to punish the thieves, and his confidant has not answered. It is not righteous for Fang to favor Qi and Jin. , and promoted with all the princes, although ten lives can be accepted, how about nine?' Your Majesty, listen to what the Prime Minister said, it is too..."

"Shut up! If Xiangfu can really regain the Central Plains and revitalize the Han industry, I will make him the gift of ten tins and the title of prince, and he can be said to be convinced and omniscient!" Liu Chan stared at Huang Hao's eyes suddenly cold Come down, "Huang Hao——if you continue to tell these stories in front of me, I will immediately cut off your tongue and feed it to the dogs..." "Your Majesty...Your Majesty! I... my minister should...damn... my minister's day...in the future... I won't dare to speak lies!" Huang Hao was frightened, covered in cold sweat, and hurriedly lay on the floor He kowtowed his head "dong dong dong".

"That's all! Stay here!" Liu Chan stopped him, and seemed to think of something again, and ordered: "Tai Shiling Qiao Zhou recently submitted a secret report, saying that the father of the prime minister had trouble sleeping and sleeping because of his hard work in military affairs. I have already suffered from hyperactivity of heart-fire and deficiency of lung qi and yin, and sometimes have symptoms of dysphoria and chest tightness. The condition is very worrying... I am also very concerned. Huang Hao, go down and choose some medicines for clearing the heart and moistening the lungs, eliminating fire and removing phlegm When the precious medicinal materials come, quickly send them to Xiangfu to eat..."

In the Imperial Study Room in the backyard of the Xuchang Palace, Cao Rui sat quietly leaning on the dragon bed with his eyes slightly lowered. This palace was rebuilt from the Weiyang Palace where Liu Xie, the last emperor of the Han Dynasty, lived.I don't know why, but when Cao Rui sits inside, he always has a feeling of ecstasy and restlessness—could it be because this is the palace of the former deposed emperor that he secretly felt unlucky?Thinking of Liu Xie who is currently living in seclusion in Shanyang County, Cao Rui couldn't help feeling an indescribably strange feeling.

In the area of ​​Hefei on the east wing, Man Chong, the governor of Zhendong, led Wang Guan, Tian Yu and others, and the main force of Soochow led by Sun Quan to fight inextricably; Tai also resisted Lu Xun and Zhuge Jin from the north bank, curbing their aggressive edge.However, only in the Guanzhong area of ​​the west wing, Sima Yi and Zhuge Liang, the governor and general of Zhengdong, fell into a stalemate of "no fight, no fight" after only a short fight in Shilipo-the situation was exactly like the five years of Taihe It was exactly the same! Of course, Sima Yi also gave an obvious strategy for resisting Shu - "Based on defense, braked with static, ready to attack, and wait for the opportunity to attack", and through Sun Zi and Liu Fang, he persuaded himself to issue an order to give it a try. adoption.But all these are superficial phenomena, what exactly is Sima Yi trying to do in private?Would he want to "force the palace" by embracing soldiers for self-discipline and raising bandits for self-respect?Are you forcing me to confer him the honor of Taiwei and the title of Marquis of the County?Originally, Cao Rui had previously thought that when Zhou Xuan was ordered to serve the army in Chang'an, he would take advantage of the opportunity to confer Sima Yi as the new Taiwei to encourage his fighting spirit, but at the last moment he was dissuaded by Shang Shuling Chen Jiao.The reason given by Chen Jiao is: Sima Yi is now in the middle of Bingyue Guanzhong, with a strong hand in hand, and a full-time outsider. If he is given the power of Taiwei, then the soldiers and horses of the entire Wei Dynasty will fall under his control. Who can give checks and balances? Although Cao Rui finally listened to Chen Jiao's advice, he was always on the verge of hesitation in his heart and could not implement it.This time he deliberately stayed away from Luoyang and came to Xuchang to accompany the capital to "supervise the war". Circle to find another countermeasure.So, today he summoned Chen Jiao, Minister Ling, Cao Shuang, General of Wuwei, Xiahouxuan, General of Huben Zhonglang, Xiahouba, Weiwei Xiahouba, etc. to discuss the matter of checking and balancing the Sima family. "Sima Gong is loyal and wise, and he has made great achievements. He can be called a "minister of the pillars". At this time when the enemy is in the face, can we promote him as the current Taiwei to show his honor?" Cao Rui looked at Chen Jiao, if it was intentional or unintentional, asked. "I only know that General Sima is the 'Hope of the Court' at the moment. As for whether he is indeed a 'Minister of Pillars', I don't seem to be able to know." Chen Jiao also answered cleverly, "The position of Taiwei , the responsibility is heavy, if there is not a loyal "man of the pillars" to guard Fang Yi, there may be unexpected troubles in the future." Cao Rui knew that Chen Jiao was a capable minister jointly recommended by former Tai Wei Hua Xin and former Sikong Chen Qun to check and balance Sima Yi, so he asked straight to the point: "Chen Lingjun, according to Qing's opinion, Sima Yi can't stand against Zhuge Liang in Guanzhong now, is there another way?" With intentions? Does he still want to force me to make a deal with him?" After Chen Jiao listened, he was silent for a long time before he said slowly: "Your Majesty, Hua Taiwei once said in the suicide note written when he was dying that year, 'Sima Yi stole benevolence and righteousness to disguise conspiracy, this is treachery; forbearance It is a danger to deceive the world and deceive the country in order to win people's hearts. Such a treacherous hero is really a disaster for the great Wei." After two years of saying this, I still feel vivid In the eyes...Your Majesty, please think about it. For the past three years, Sima Yi has been sitting in Duanguan, in the name of "strengthening soldiers and preparing horses, training soldiers and preparing for war", but in reality he secretly rejects dissidents and monopolizes power. When he is fighting Zhuge Liang today, he has repeated the old tricks. Just like in the fifth year of Taihe, 'close the camp and leave the camp, and support the bandits' self-respect'..." "I know all these things." Cao Rui looked at him indifferently, "What I need is countermeasures to check and balance him." As soon as Chen Jiao heard it, he hurriedly said: "In my opinion, Your Majesty can send a general to monitor Sima Yi at the Guanzhong Camp, and urge him to fight Zhuge Xiangming!" "Who is the right candidate?" Chen Jiao has obviously thought about this problem for a long time, and has a quite mature plan.He exchanged glances with Cao Shuang, Xia Houxuan and the others, and said, "Qin Lang, general Xiaoqi and son-in-law of the clan, has just quelled the rebellion of the Qiang and captives in Bingzhou, and just returned to Beijing. In the name of the army', he led the 20,000 'tiger and leopard cavalry' of the Gyeonggi Forbidden Army to the Weinan camp..." "Does Qin Lang have the ability to take on this burden?" Cao Rui was a little uncertain. Cao Shuang, Xiahouxuan, Xiahouba and others all leaned forward and said: "I respectfully ask Your Majesty to give him a chance to try!" Cao Rui sighed quietly: "Okay... I will immediately order him to set off from Luoyang..." Chen Jiao said again worriedly: "Your Majesty Qi Zuo, you have to be wary of Sima Yi's in-laws who love the Great Governor... If he echoes Sima Yi in the southeast, who can stop him?" "But now I still have to rely on Man Chong to deal with the traitors of the Eastern Wu..." Cao Rui said helplessly, "How can I easily move him?" Chen Jiao's eyes flashed, and he stepped forward and said in a low voice, "But Your Majesty can drive a 'wedge' under his command..." Cao Rui immediately lifted his spirits: "So, Chen Aiqing, you really have already planned..." "What I said today is the result of painstaking discussions with Taiwei Hua and Chen Sikong." Chen Jiao said solemnly, "Your Majesty can transfer Wang Ling, the governor of Qingzhou, to Huainan and appoint him as the governor. Deputy Governor of the East, let him check and balance Man Chong..." Cao Rui knew that Wang Ling was the nephew of Situ Wang Yun at the end of the Han Dynasty, and he was also from a famous family.Their Wang family has been close to the Sima family since the time of Wang Yun—if he is sent to check and balance the "Sima Party", Sima Yi and Man Chong should not be too suspicious.However, Wang Ling also has a heroic ambition, can he be trusted at critical times?He couldn't help hesitating and pondering, "Is Wang Ling up to the task?" Chen Jiao looked at him deeply: "Your Majesty Qizuo, I also know that leading Wang Ling into Huainan is the way of using wolves to control tigers—if not, do we have any other options..." Cao Rui sighed deeply, yes... Fighting poison with poison is also a very effective prescription!Wang Ling has always been ambitious. If he invades Huainan, he will definitely disrupt the situation that Sima Yi and Man Chong have set up there for me... that's fine too!Stir and stir to let more air out, don't let them cover tightly and never see the sun... Chen Jiao's train of thought was one after another, and he continued to say: "There is still the post of Taiwei, Your Majesty should not hang it in vain for a long time... As far as I know, Mr. Guan Ning, a Confucian saint and Xuantongzi, has already passed away. He came back from Liaodong on the occasion of the Gongsunyuan incident. He is highly respected and wise. I heard that he was Sima Yi's teacher in Ziyuan Academy in Linglong Valley... He should be able to resist the pressure if he takes the post of Taiwei Sima Yi's ambition..." "Mr. Guan Ning's name is very famous," Cao Rui nodded, but suddenly frowned again, "It's just that, since he is Sima Yi's mentor, will he also get along with Sima Yi..." "Your Majesty, you are overthinking..." Chen Jiao smiled wryly, "In my opinion, what I am worried about at this moment is not whether Guan Ning will be able to suppress Sima Yi as a captain, but rather Worried about whether Mr. Guan Ning is willing to get involved in the world and become an official..."