Chapter 34 The fourth quarter, the elders of the family are in a state of panic

The upper-class family in Liyang quickly spread the news: Duke Qin and Wei Yang, a scholar of the State of Wei, have been conducting secret business for three consecutive days and nights, and they are preparing to go to war in the State of Qin!For the first time, the Qin family was shocked and panicked. They rushed to tell each other and talked a lot. Compared with the six kingdoms of Shandong, the number and influence of the Qin family's family stratum are very small, and the scale of financial resources and private armed forces is even smaller.If the old system is maintained, the Qin family will have little threat to the government.However, there are two outstanding characteristics of the Qin family. One is that the lineage has been extended for hundreds of years, and there are very few families that die out in the middle;However, the aristocratic families of the six eastern countries have experienced destruction and rebirth in the past three hundred years since the Spring and Autumn Period. The real old aristocratic clans that lasted for more than a hundred years were almost completely submerged, replaced by new aristocratic clans born in the new coup. The high bank is the valley, and the deep valley is the mausoleum." The power level is turbulent.

Qin is not the case. Before the founding of the country, the Ying clan was originally an old clan left behind by the Yin and Shang.After the country was established as a great vassal, many new families were successively born in the battles of the past dynasties.Due to the seclusion of the Qin State in the Western Regions, coupled with the contempt of the East, it seldom has close integration with the countries of the Central Plains, and there are few political turmoil in the country.In the history of the state of Qin, apart from Qin Xiaogong's father, Qin Xiangong, who successfully seized power in exile, there were almost no major coups and economic turmoil.Long-term domestic stability and long-term foreign wars complement each other, wars strengthen stability, and stability wins wars.

This is the mystery of how a poor and backward Qin State can stand side by side with the East for a long time. Because of backwardness, poverty, stability, and war, the gaps between the clans of the Qin State and the common people in the countryside are far from the world of difference between the noble families and the common people in the East.The casualties of the Qin family were no less than that of the common people in the war, and they did not have the conditions to live extravagantly.Once the war is in trouble, the common people of the family will suffer and bleed.All the descendants of the aristocratic families joined the army as teenagers and fought bloody battles. Any family can count hundreds of thousands of war dead.This small difference gave the Qin family a deep foundation among the common people in the mountains. In a sense, it is not an exaggeration to say that they merged into one.It is this kind of stability and harmony that keeps people in peace and harmony, so that neither the Qin family nor the common people in the countryside have a strong desire to change the status quo.The aristocratic clans did not differentiate into new landlords like the East, nor did they produce a class of scholars like the East; although the common people had complaints and dissatisfaction, they never had bandit riots like the Chu State, which was almost equally backward, or Zhou Dynasty Luoyang. Baigong uprising.For more than three hundred years, the ruling and opposition parties of the Qin State have not changed this desire of "one body in poverty, sharing weal and woe".This is true for civilians, and even more so for aristocratic families.

Now, the monarch is going to go to war under the bewitching of a foreign scholar, can you not be shocked and uproarious? The first person to spread the news was Xihu, who served as Rongyou.This Xihu is a descendant of Xiqishu, a famous general in the Qin Mugong period, and can be regarded as a famous family in Qin.Rong You is one of the generals of the Qin State Guards.West Arc is in his thirties and is extremely alert.He guarded the palace and blocked more than 20 ministers for three consecutive days. He naturally knew that these three days and three nights were extraordinary.The first thing he went to was his immediate boss, Wei Wei Che Ying, to find out what had happened.Che Ying's position is higher than him, and he is also a descendant of the family, but his age, prestige and military achievements are not comparable to him, so he has no scruples in speaking, and asked directly, "Dare to ask Weiwei, the monarch and this white-clothed scholar have been talking secretly for three days. Sanye, do you want him to reform the law in Qin?" Unexpectedly, Che Ying replied coldly: "General Xiqu, you have too many things on your mind, take a break." His "Mengsibai" circle speaks.

This "Meng Xibai" is very famous in the state of Qin. It refers to the three famous generals of Duke Mu of Qin, Meng Mingshi, Xiqishu, and Bai Yibing.The three of them had been the commanders-in-chief of the Qin Army successively, and they fought together for a long time.After the death of the three generals, the three big families of Mengxibai became close family friends. For a hundred years, they have been married and interlinked by marriage, forming an intertwined family power.Among the three major families, although "Xiqi" is a double surname, the old Qin people called it "Meng Xibai" according to their usual simple saying.At present, the head of the direct line of the Meng family is called Meng Ji, who is an official and pedestrian, and is in charge of external affairs related to Rong and Di.The direct line master of the Bai family is called Bai Jin, who lives on the right side of the car and is in charge of Qin's chariot soldiers.As Qin's chariots were gradually phased out, among the three families, Bai Jin was slightly left out.Both Xihu and Mengji held prominent positions.

Xihu went to Mengji's house first, and then sent someone to invite Bai Jin.As soon as Xihu broke the news, Meng Ji and Bai Jin didn't care about it. The reform is to change the law. What's the big deal?When Jing Xihu said that the reform was serious, he suddenly realized that it was not good.But the three of them didn't know what to do other than scold that Wei Yang?Xiqu was alert and suggested to see the doctor Qianlong and listen to his ideas.After a while, the three of them arrived at Qianlong Mansion. Coincidentally, Changshi Gongsun Jia and Chinese doctor Du Zhi were also discussing matters in Qianlong Mansion.Xi Hu explained his intentions in the future, Qian Long pondered for a long time, but did not speak.Gongsun Jia smiled lightly and said: "The king's decree of seeking talents has been announced, which is to restore Mu Gong's hegemony. Where can it be changed? You don't need to worry too much." Qian Long said: "This matter, the old Qin people know about it. Don't worry, just wait and see." Du Zhi said in a rough voice, "What can a bastard in the Wei Kingdom do? The monarch sees him, just to entertain himself, and really go to war? I don't believe it." Xi Hu smiled contemptuously, Then he signaled to Meng Ji and Bai Jin, and the three of them said their goodbyes. They gathered in the Meng Mansion and drank and talked until the second watch.

Jing Jian reported all kinds of discussions and developments in Liyang City to Qin Xiaogong in time.Ever since Wei Yang and Qin Xiaogong got together day and night, Jing Jian was so happy that his heart was almost drunk.The grievance, embarrassment, and resentment caused by Wei Yang have long since disappeared.His only worry is whether this kind of slander from the family will suffocate the reform plan that is still in its infancy?Jing Jian is the only commoner son among the current important ministers of the Qin State. To be precise, he is a descendant of a family who fell prematurely in the strife of the family.He instinctively kept a certain distance from the aristocratic family, but he was extremely sensitive to their movements.When he reported these discussions and developments to the monarch, Qin Xiaogong smiled and waved his hands, "Let them talk, and blow the wind."

Qin Xiaogong knew it in his heart, and after talking with Wei Yang for three days and nights, his confidence increased greatly. The tragic and heroic plan to do it himself turned into a high-spirited feeling for a fierce reform.However, the calm personality tempered for a long time made him think very calmly for a few days.He didn't want to rush into action without adequate preparation, he planned a careful strategy of counseling, and decided not to let Wei Yang show his edge in the early stage of counseling prematurely, making enemies with the veterans and important officials.When the aristocratic family members were running around talking about it, he began to guide without any trace.

Duke Xiao's first act was to worship Wei Yang as a guest minister and give him a mansion with two courtyards.As soon as this order was promulgated, the Yueyang family and courtiers had a big accident, and the scholars in the recruiting hall were uneasy.The courtiers originally thought that Wei Yang was about to become a powerful official, and immediately attacked them in a brazen manner, just like Shen Buhui in South Korea.Who would have expected that the monarch would give Wei Yang a guest official?Guest ministers, no matter how big or small, have a vacant position, and cannot interfere with any official office, and can only talk to the monarch.The courtiers of the aristocratic family immediately let out a long breath and relaxed, feeling that Wei Yang did not pose any threat to them.When Du Zhi and Meng Ji met Qin Xiaogong, they also complained that the monarch's official position to Wei Yang was too small and too empty, which was not conducive to recruiting talents, so he asked the monarch to promote Wei Yang to another level.Qin Xiaogong said with a faint smile: "You are wise and wise, I already know it. But let's talk about it if you have a big responsibility." When they left the state mansion, several people laughed at each other, and they were very happy.As for the scholars in the recruiting hall, seeing that Wei Yang is so ostentatious that he paid homage to a guest minister, how can he have any hope of being an official in Qin?Naturally, they were frowning, discussing together, and thinking about going back to their hometown.

However, at this moment, the monarch issued an edict that all the scholars left in the recruiting hall should be appointed as county magistrates, county guards, and officials with real power in the government office.The highest position was Wang Shi, who made the order of Liyang.The former Liyang Ling Zi'an returned to the army as a general.With this order, the ruling and opposition parties were in an uproar again.The Recruitment Hall cheered up and celebrated, but the courtiers of the aristocratic family became at a loss again.In the early Warring States period, the county was one level higher than the county, and it was the highest local government directly under the government.In the pre-reform state of Qin, except for the establishment of prefectures in the Rongdi area of ​​​​Longxi and the desolate northern areas, all the heartlands were governed by counties instead of prefectures.Therefore, county magistrates and county guards were very important local officials at that time, and the military and government took care of them.As for the Liyang Order, it is the governor of the capital, which is extraordinary.Most of these important positions are assigned to these foreign scholars, and the elders of the family are very uncomfortable.Uncomfortable is uncomfortable, but I can't say it.The monarch spent great efforts in recruiting talents, but did not reuse the aggressive Wei Yang, how could he not let other wise men be used?There is another important point that makes the elders of the family calm down, that is, the monarch only confers officials to the scholars in the recruitment hall, but does not confer titles.In an established country, the actual meaning of having an official without a title is to serve temporarily, and have not yet entered the real upper family. Once dismissed, they will be civilians.

Three days after the promulgation of the edict, Qin Xiaogong hosted a banquet in the recruitment hall to farewell the new officials.In the wine room, Qin Xiaogong solemnly told the new officials not to rush to do things when they take office, and they are not allowed to move within half a year.This strange order caused the scholars to be at a loss - what's the use of a powerful Qin State but does not allow innovation or work, but what is the use of a wise man?Thinking about the first important post, it is prudent to do so, and no one objected. After the farewell party was over, the scholars went to their respective posts. When this letter came out, the courtiers of the aristocratic family were very relieved, and believed that the monarch's recruitment of talents was just for the sake of governance, not to use the ancestral system.Just when the courtiers and families were suspicious but had nothing to say, Qin Xiaogong still met and talked with guest Qing Wei Yang every day, but he never made any unexpected big moves.A month passed, the cold winter came, and there was no war. It entered the "Winter Winter" period that the old Qin people said, and no one cared about it anymore. On a snowy day, Qin Xiaogong came to the residence of Zuo Shuchang Yingqian, and had a secret talk for a whole day. The next day, Duke Xiao held a court meeting, and conferred the title of Grand Master Gan Long as Grand Master, assisting the monarch to undertake the important tasks of coordinating Yin and Yang, melting the world, and uniting the hearts of the people; Chang Shi Gongsun Jia was promoted to Prince Fu, Zuo Shu Chang Yingqian also added Prince Fu, He jointly taught the prince civil and military knowledge; Du Zhi, a Chinese doctor, was promoted to be the prime minister of Taimiao, in charge of the sacrificial ceremonies, and he was the same as the doctor.The "trivial political affairs" originally under the jurisdiction of the three were handed over to Zuo Shuzhang Yingqian and Internal History Supervisor respectively, and the state affairs were under the control of Zuo Shuzhang.As soon as the four edicts were promulgated, in the political affairs hall you looked at me and I looked at you, but they didn't know why. Speaking of which, the state of Qin has never had such a dignified and honorable position as a grand master. It was only set up by the Shang and Zhou dynasties as the chief minister of "the head of a hundred officials, assisting Yin and Yang". Whether he has real power or not depends on the time and the person.The old Qin State always thought that it was an absurdly high position with no margins, and it was never set.Now the monarch actually brought out a "Grand Master" to the elders and important ministers, it is really inexplicable!Think about it but can't question the monarch.Qianlong was originally a great oriental Confucianist, and in ordinary times he would often come up with incomprehensible high-level remarks by the old Qin courtiers, asking him to "assistantly assist the yin and yang to melt the world and gather the hearts of the people", and it is very appropriate, besides, he has been greatly promoted by two ranks , is much more dignified than a senior doctor, so how can you question the monarch?The crown prince Fu of Gongsun Jia, the chief historian, is more important. He has always been contested by ministers of culture, and Gongsun Jia was originally a civil servant, so what can he say?As for Du Zhi, he was promoted from middle doctor to senior doctor, which is no small promotion, isn't it?After a while of panic, the ministers finally congratulated Qian Long, Gongsun Jia, and Du Zhi together.Although the three of them were smiling, they looked rather embarrassed. After the dynasty dispersed, the three of Meng Xibai discussed in the Meng residence for half a day.Xi Hu said that he always felt that these incidents were strange, and he believed that the monarch would take action, and maybe he would dismiss them from their official positions.It made Meng Ji and Bai Jin feel uneasy.Unexpectedly, a few days later, Qin Xiaogong called the generals of the army to discuss the matter, and announced that none of the generals of the Qin army would stay still, and each of them would be promoted to a rank.They were relieved, and Liyang became quiet again. Qin Xiaogong did not stop his actions.Three days later, he held secret discussions with Jing Jian and Che Ying for half a day respectively.The next day an imperial edict was promulgated, Zuo Qian Jingjian was appointed Chief History; Zuo Qian Che Ying was appointed General Liyang.The internal history was moved to the long history, and it was downgraded to one level.Wei Wei moved to General Liyang and was demoted two ranks.The upstarts were demoted, and the elders of the family were very happy, but once again they felt baffled.Although these two people were demoted, their positions after moving to the left were extremely important.Is it bright and dark?Not right either.The original positions of these two upstarts are also aimed at high positions. One is in charge of the general affairs of the state government, and the other is in charge of the state guards.Although the two have no fault, why are they demoted?For a while, the courtiers were confused, speculated but couldn't agree, and gradually calmed down again. During this period of time, Wei Yang's small courtyard was blocked by heavy snow, and it was extremely deserted.Qin Xiaogong has never been here, and neither has Jingjian.But what is strange is that there are always three or five armored soldiers passing by all around Keqing's courtyard, and there are civilian warriors nailed there motionless in the hidden corners.The people of Liyang country quietly discussed that the officials in that courtyard must be under house arrest, otherwise how could there be such strict security?Wei Yang, who never left home, naturally didn't know all this.The two servants sent by the state government to take care of grocery shopping, cooking and other chores. He spends his whole day in the study, not reading, but planning, as if in the mountains. In the afternoon of this day, it was still snowing heavily, but someone knocked on the door. The servant opened the door, and Wei Yang heard a familiar voice: "Is sir at home?" Hou Ying?Yes, it's him!Wei Yang hurried out of the study room and came to the corridor. He saw Hou Ying, who was covered in snow, carrying a big bamboo basket into the courtyard. He couldn't help laughing happily, "Brother Hou Ying, you want to kill me too!" Hou Ying said with a smile "Brother Yang became an official, and he forgot about me as a cheap merchant. Who is to blame?" Wei Yang said with a smile: "Is the guest an official?" Then he took the big bamboo blue from Hou Ying's hand and shrugged his nose , "It smells so good, it must be Qinjiu mutton!" Hou Ying laughed, "That's right. Daxue Wodong, it's hard to justify a meal without a swig." Wei Yang handed the bamboo blue to the servant and said: "Add fire to take Come to the study." The old servant respectfully agreed, and hurried to the kitchen.Hou Ying walked into the study and asked in a low voice: "Is it convenient to talk?" Wei Yang laughed teasingly: "Why is it inconvenient? This is my mansion." Hou Ying shook his head and said, "Why is there a dark hill outside? There are also soldiers Inspection?" Wei Yang was stunned, and after thinking about it, he understood, and said with a hearty smile, "It's nothing, just drink." While speaking, the old servant had already arranged the steaming fat sheep stew, and then scalded it. Wrapped the jug in cotton cloth, poured two cups, then walked out lightly.Hou Ying nodded with a smile, "It seems that the servant sent by the Keqing to you is quite qualified." Wei Yang said with a smile: "I don't care, this is all assigned by the government. Come, let's have a drink first!" He picked up the steaming clay cup in front of him, clinked it, and drank heavily.Hou Ying was puzzled and said: "The state of Qin never assigns servants to officials below the senior doctor. You, a guest, have the same rank as the senior doctor?" Yes." Hou Ying said: "Is there no real power in charge?" Wei Yang shook his head, "No." Hou Ying said in a deep voice: "Brother Yang, all the scholars in the recruitment hall have become county magistrates. Qin Gong will talk to you For three days and three nights, everyone in Liyang Kingdom knew about it, but gave it to a nameless guest minister, what is the reason?" Wei Yang pondered for a while, "Brother Hou, I have worked hard with Duke Qin to become a bosom friend, and I, Wei Yang, would like to share with you Such a monarch will work together for the rest of his life. As for what job he uses me for, I don’t think about it anymore. Being a counselor for such a monarch is also a great joy in life.” Hou Ying filled another cup and drank it all together, "You just let yourself be manipulated?" The meaning behind the words was quite puzzling. Wei Yang laughed again, "Brother Hou is on a mission. In my opinion, Duke Qin is definitely not a person who is indecisive, let alone an incompetent mediator. However, as a king, there are difficulties that ordinary people cannot understand, and everything must be given to him. There is room for counseling. Since you are a bosom friend, if you can’t even pay attention to this point and rush to beg for an official, wouldn’t it be a disastrous sight?” "Are you still confident?" Hou Ying asked seriously. Wei Yang nodded and filled two cups, "Come on, don't disappoint the hard wine and bitter vegetables." After drinking a cup, Hou Ying took out a brass pipe from his bosom, "Miss Bai brought a letter to Brother Yang." Wei Yang's eyes lit up, he took the brass pipe in surprise and opened it, he took out a roll and unfolded it, but it turned out to be a piece of white silk, with Bai Xuexiu's small characters on it: "Don't go, I will miss you so much. Everything about Qin, you can know it roughly, Although there are many twists and turns, there is bound to be success. Only those who miss the king, take care of themselves alone, have hardships, are helpless, and always cherish them. May you take care of me and comfort my heart." In the lower left corner of Baisi, a picture of a bird spreading its wings and flying The swan goose. Wei Yang's eyes were moist, and he raised his glass to drink, but he was speechless for a long time. Hou Ying sighed, "Miss Bai has good intentions, if there is something wrong, Brother Yang, don't worry about it." Wei Yang silently handed over the white silk, Hou Ying took it hesitantly, and smiled after seeing it, "The only one who knows Brother Yang is Miss Bai. Come on, because Brother Yang has such a confidante, do it!" Wei Yang raised his glass and drank it all, and said with emotion: "Brother Hou, wait a moment, I'll write her a letter." Hou Ying laughed and said, "That's right. Miss Bai will see you in three days. Brother Yang, please." Wei Yang walked to the desk next to him, took out a piece of parchment, mentioned the goose feather, but was filled with emotion, writing with tears in his eyes, every word was difficult.After writing, bake it on the brazier for a while until the ink is dry, then roll it up and put it in the original copper tube and hand it to Hou Ying.Hou Ying pressed the copper bean on the head of the tube, and the cover was fastened with a "Dang", and said with a smile: "This is a special tight tube made by the Bai family. One tube is one way, and it is the most confidential." Wei Yang said with a smile: "Then I will bother Brother Hou to give it to her." Hou Ying said: "It's very convenient, anyway, the inn has to go back to Wei Guo to buy goods every ten days, if you have something to do, you can come to me anytime." Wei Yang was happy, and the two put an altar together Qin Jiu drank until dusk fell and the heavy snow stopped for a while, before Hou Ying left. Throughout the winter, Qin Xiaogong was busy. Every few days, he always had meetings with Zuo Shu Zhang Yingqian, Chang Shi Jingjian, Liyang General Che Ying, and Liyang Ling Wang Shi, or he had a secret meeting with one of them alone. business.Only He Wei Yang has not met once.Wo Dong's courtiers almost forgot about the guest Qing Wei Yang.