Chapter 140 Working hard

Chapter 140 Working hard

Chapter 140 Working hard
After returning to Luoyang, the New Year was approaching and the government offices were basically closed. The whole city was plunged into a lazy atmosphere before the New Year.

The expansion of the army and the recruitment of soldiers were completed in November and December.

Wu Qian was still in charge of this matter, with Yu Liang and Xu Lang assisting him.

Old Wu is now the leader of a group in Zuowei, but he doesn't really have any say in the affairs.

He is in his fifties and his martial arts skills are average. It is not suitable for him to continue to be a martial artist.

Wu Qian thought so too.

He managed all the soldiers by maintaining good relations with the troublemakers, calling them brothers and eating and drinking with them.

Another thing is that by using Shao Xun's name, we can deal with the troublemakers, and everyone else will be no problem.

But Shao Xun wanted to transfer Wu Qian back.

My younger brother and nephew still need to learn and cannot take on big responsibilities. Jingu Garden lacks a trusted person to take charge, so Old Wu is the most suitable person.

Let’s talk about this after the New Year.

On the twenty-seventh day of the twelfth lunar month, Shao Xun heaved a long sigh of relief after reading the military rosters of the Silver Spear and Long Sword armies.

At least from now on, Sima Yue couldn't kill him easily.

If the imperial guards were to be mobilized from within the system, first someone would tip off the enemy, then someone would pretend to obey but actually disobey, and then someone would persuade Sima Yue to "calm down". After all this, the situation would be a mess and the troops would not be able to be mobilized for a long time - provided that Shao Xun did not openly rebel.

Even if he mobilized an army of 10,000 or 20,000 men, Shao Xun had already run to Yunzhongwu and was ready for a fight.

There were 10,000 or 20,000 troops stationed at the fort, and only 1,000 or 2,000 could be deployed at a time. With these imperial guards who had been trained for less than a year and were indecisive and had no intention of really killing Shao Xun, Sima Yue would probably be so angry that he would vomit blood in the end.

In other words, although Sima Yue can command the current imperial guards, he no longer has absolute control over them - in fact, Sima Yue was unable to do this with the imperial guards before the Battle of Dangyin.

If he wanted to kill Shao Xun, he might have to transfer troops from other states. But is it worth it to go to such a big fuss? With such a long period of time, Shao would have already fled quickly, or thought of other ways to resolve the situation.

Of course, although Sima Yue could not easily kill Shao Xun, he could still cause serious damage to his career, and Sima Yue himself would also lose his prestige and pay a heavy price.

Both sides suffer! Unknowingly, Shao Xun has reached this point.

"Zhang Fang's fate will most likely not happen to me." Shao Xun chuckled and said, "Fengyi Governor, what's the use of that! Do you really think that the people of Fengyi County will listen to you? If you don't raise your own troops, they will never be reliable."

Zhang Fang was a prefect, but he was unable to effectively mobilize the resources of Fengyi County.

Shao Xun was not a prefect, but he was sure that most prefects in the world could not mobilize troops like the 2,200 Silver Spear Soldiers and 800 Long Sword Soldiers, let alone directly control five or six thousand households like he did and effectively mobilize every resource produced by these thousands of households.

Yes, I can’t get the “empty title” of a governor now, but so what? My real power is no different from that of a governor.

"Sir, Governor Chen is here." Tang Jian walked over quietly and reported.

When I heard the name "Chen Du", I didn't react for a moment, but later I realized it was referring to Chen Yougen.

There is a rule in the imperial court that the person in charge of an army is called "Du" or "Dujun".

Emperor Wu of Han, Sima Yan, once issued an edict to dismiss the military commander of Shanyang State.

The Luoyang Central Army once had organizations such as Shangqi Du, Yili Du, Youzhou Tuqi Du, and their chief officers were called "Du" or "Dujun".

If he is in charge of several armies, he is called "Du Du of all armies", or "Du Du" for short.

Chen Yougen is now the chief of the Changjian Army, so it is completely fine to call him "Director Chen" or "General Chen".

"Let's go!" Shao Xun no longer hesitated, and immediately left the courtyard, put on his armor and mounted his horse.

Chen Yougen came over with fifty long sword army warriors.

"Have you recruited any brave men recently?" Shao Xun asked.

"We recruited dozens more, many of whom were desperate criminals who had fled into the mountains, forests and swamps." Chen Yougen said cautiously.

"No problem." Shao Xun said, "Let's go hunting in the mountains in the first month of the year. Call all the boys and I'll observe them one by one."

"Yes." Chen Yougen was relieved.

The Long Sword Army is different from the Silver Spear Army. It is a force with a strong atmosphere of desperate fighting.

Fundamentally speaking, there are no good people here, and good people cannot stay here.

In the early days, most of them were Shao Xun's personal soldiers, that is, the teaching team.

Later, many brave generals joined in, and they followed Shao Xun to fight at Daxia Gate, charge at Xuchang City, and attack Liu Qiao and his son.

Shao Xun controlled this army by relying on prestige and gratitude.

His prestige was earned through battle after battle, and was also guaranteed by his outstanding martial arts skills.

Gratitude is expressed through hunting, rewards, and other means.

The Silver Spear Army is different. It is a unit with strict military discipline to its core.

The two forces had different tones when they were formed, and there is no saying which one is higher or lower. Both are useful.

Sometimes, when two armies are in a stalemate on the battlefield, troops like the Long Sword Army are needed to "explode" and open a gap, creating opportunities for the main force of the Silver Spear Army.

In short, the Silver Spear Army provides a bottom line, while the Long Sword Army raises the upper limit; both are indispensable.

The large group of people quickly arrived in Luoyang and entered Shao's mansion.

Shao Xun ordered the servants to take out all the meat and milk in the house and make a delicious meal for the boys. At the same time, he took out a batch of cloth, giving each of them two pieces as a reward for the New Year.

"It's better to follow my husband." Everyone praised him: "If you can win the battle, you will also have food, drink and rewards."

"Practice martial arts well." Shao Xun said with a smile: "In the future, if you make great achievements, which of the rich and beautiful women can't you obtain?"

When everyone heard this, they cheered and then cursed the former generals for looking down on them and trampling them into the mud.

Shao Xun left with a smile on his face. After mounting his horse, he soon arrived at Sikong Mansion under the escort of Tang Jian and others.

Before the New Year, he met the princess and the prince and presented them with gifts. This was a rare opportunity for him to enter the palace openly in the year.

When he entered the mansion, he felt a little guilty. But then he thought that this was only his third visit to the mansion this year. Once he came to get the information compiled by Concubine Pei, once he gave gifts and borrowed money, and this time he came to pay a visit before the New Year. Who dares to say that I come here every day?

When he arrived at the front hall, Shao Xun saw Cao Fu, Yu Liang and others, each of whom had the word "bad luck" engraved on their foreheads.

"General Cao." Shao Xun bowed.

"Young man, there is no need to be so polite. I am afraid that I will not be able to serve as the military commander for long." Cao Fu said.

Shao Xun was a little surprised and a little confused.

Sikong hasn't come to Luoyang for a long time, it's only a matter of time, right?
But the position of military advisor is so important. The large group of newcomers in Xuzhou are not qualified enough to be military advisors. So who will be given the position in the end?
"The military commander has worked hard and made great contributions. Sikong will definitely make arrangements for him." Shao Xun said.

"Hehe." Cao Fu smiled faintly. He had seen clearly what kind of person Sima Yue was over the years. If he left Yue Mansion, there would be no compensation, and he would not be invited back.

When Sima Yue trusts you, it can't be better than that. But once he becomes estranged, you are just a stranger.

In the one and a half years after the Battle of Dangyin, the people who stayed in Luoyang were basically abandoned. When Sikong saw them, he probably felt uncomfortable - I have been defeated in battles, but you are thriving in Luoyang, how can you feel?

"If the military commander has any difficulties in the future, just send someone to inform me. I will not refuse." Shao Xun took two steps closer and said in a low voice.

Yu Liang was right next to Cao Fu. Upon hearing this, he glanced at Shao Xun, as if thinking about something.

Cao Fu sighed and said, "It's rare that you are so thoughtful. Come to my house more often in the future."

"Yes." Shao Xun replied.

Cao Fu is indeed different now than he was more than a year ago.

At that time, when Cao Junsi issued orders, he could still vaguely see some ferocity, but now he is just an old man. However, Shao Xun would never dare to underestimate him.

As a living fossil of Cao Hong's time, how many things did he experience and how many people did he meet in his life? Uncle Cao's potential power and network of relationships are by no means as simple as they appear on the surface.

There was a reason why Sima Yue asked him to be his military advisor.

"By the way, Sikong wants to negotiate peace with the King of Hejian." Cao Fu said suddenly.

"How do we negotiate peace?" Shao Xun asked.

Yu Liang and Xu Lang also looked over here following the sound.

"Please kill Zhang Fang because he is cruel and bloodthirsty and has robbed the imperial mausoleums and the tombs of dukes and marquises. Only then can we negotiate peace." Cao Fu glanced at Shao Xun and said.

Shao Xun only felt his anus tighten.

Some people in the Sikong Shogunate compared him to Zhang Fang, and Shao Xun had heard about this at several gatherings.

To be honest, it kind of looks like it.

If Zhang Fang was not a cannibal and was not cruel, and was a more normal person, Shao Xun would not mind making friends with him, because they had so much in common.

As a senior who rose from the bottom, Zhang Fang must have a lot of experience and insights. After sharing them, he can help Shao Xun avoid many detours.

How were you suppressed, excluded, and humiliated in Sima Yong's court? Is there any way to resolve it?
How should I deal with the vague exclusion from the scholar class in Sima Yue's court?
It’s a pity that Zhang Fang might die because no one in the shogunate would speak for him, instead they were full of slander.

His only chance to survive was to use his prestige accumulated over the years to firmly control the troops and make Sima Yong afraid to act rashly.

"The King of Hejian is willing to kill Zhang Fang?" Xu Lang asked in disbelief.

Cao Fu shook his head and said nothing.

Shao Xun was also silent.

He suddenly thought of something. If Sima Yue asked Mi Huang to lure him to death, could he defend himself?
Thinking carefully, Mi Huang shouldn't be like this. But I'd better not let Old Mi fall into this dilemma and not give him a chance.

Pei Shiliu walked out and gently called everyone in.

Shao Xun straightened his robe and followed Cao Fu inside.

Cao Fu just bowed.

Shao Xun is now a general of the imperial guards, so normally he only needs to bow and salute, but he used to be a lieutenant Sima of the Wang Guo army and was considered a general of the Yue family, so he had to pay homage with great ceremony.

When facing the King and the Queen of Donghai, he theoretically even had to call himself "minister", even though Yang Xianrong always convinced him that he was the "Emperor's personal general" and did not need to obey the orders of the Prime Minister.

"Everyone, get up." Concubine Pei held up her hands and glanced at Shao Xun. When she saw the military uniform on him, she retracted her gaze.

Everyone took their seats in order.

This time, Shao Xun was not seated at the door, but sat in the third seat below Cao Fu.

As he was a general in the palace, no matter how humble he was, people of lower status would feel embarrassed to sit above him.

"The Prime Minister is in Xuchang to pacify the people of Yuzhou. He will return to Luoyang in March at the latest." Concubine Pei's beautiful voice lingered in the house.

Shao Xun found it pleasant to listen to. His eyes occasionally fell on her face, and he found that she had a slight look of sadness, but her charm was even better than before.

Twenty-five is the best age for a young woman.

"After three months, something big may happen. As a woman, I cannot say too much." Concubine Pei continued, "I only hope that you will unite and work together to achieve great things. When rewards are given for your contributions in the future, you will definitely be included in the rewards."

"Yes." Everyone responded in unison.

Shao Xun's voice was a little louder, sounding very loyal.

Concubine Pei glanced at him seemingly unintentionally, then looked away.

Then they talked about some trivial matters. The prince said a few more words, and then they withdrew.

Shao Xun left Sikong Mansion dejectedly, and Tang Jian immediately led the horse over.

He waved his hand and said, "Let's go."

"Yes." Tang Jian followed behind with his personal soldiers on foot.

A few years ago, there were few people on the streets in Luoyang.

But how should I put it? When war broke out before, there were no people on the streets, but the feeling was very different.

The people are "forgetful". They have forgotten the brutal war that happened more than a year ago. This may be a good thing. After all, people always have to look forward.

"We have to farm anyway..." These words suddenly echoed in Shao Xun's mind.

The old father-in-law is lucky. He is still alive and works in Pan Garden with his children and grandchildren, and the family is reunited.

"Tang Jian." Shao Xun called softly.

"Lang Jun?"

"I'm going to Guanzhong to fight. What do you think I should do?"

"Perhaps we should rob more property?" Tang Jian said, "When we robbed the Xuchang armory before, we took the things of King Fanyang. If we rob the King of Hejian this time, it shouldn't be a big deal."

"What happens after you rob the things?" Shao Xun asked.

"Of course, it will be transported back to Yiyang or Guangchengze."

Shao Xun shook his head and said, "When the cunning rabbit dies, the running dog is cooked; when the birds are gone, the good bow is hidden. I don't like to fight for Sikong, but sometimes, if I have the opportunity to fight for him, it can at least ease the conflict. The descendants of Sima like to raise vicious dogs and kill them after they are no longer needed. There was Cheng Ji before, and maybe Zhang Fang after. Who will it be in the future?"

After hearing this, Tang Jian's face turned slightly pale.

However, after being with Shao Xun for a long time, Tang Jian understood the current situation to some extent and did not think there was anything wrong with what he said.

He could even add that Sima Jue killed Wang Bao, the chief clerk whom he once trusted very much, just because he gave honest advice.

Sima Ying killed the eunuch Meng Jiu, who had served him for many years, just to win back the hearts of the scholars in Hebei.

"But maybe it's not that pessimistic." Shao Xun suddenly laughed again: "Sikong has never won a battle."

Tang Jian also smiled.

As they walked, they passed by the Chengdu Palace.

Shao Xun paused slightly and looked at the tightly closed door.

There were soldiers standing guard at the door, and it seemed that Le was still under arrest.

Shao Xun even forgot what crime Sima Yue had framed Sima Ying for. It seemed to be treason? My goodness, who could stand it?

After he slowly walked back to the Shao Mansion, a servant came to report: The shogunate sent someone to deliver a batch of silk, copper coins, gold and silver utensils and other items as a reward for the merits of the expedition against Liu Qiao and his son.

The largest quantity was silk fabrics, and the variety was relatively rich, including more than ten kinds, including brocade, satin, gauze, silk, gauze, and gauze, ranging from fifty to two hundred pieces each, totaling more than one thousand pieces.

Shao Xun picked up a piece and looked at it. The weaver used five colors of silk threads, crimson, royal blue, green, light yellow, and white, to weave a tree pattern brocade with decorative patterns on it. It was the same tree pattern, arranged in a strip-like staggered pattern. The trunks were decorated with ribbons. The overall picture was complicated and varied because of the alternation of colors, which was amazing.

Shao Xun put down the brocade and picked up a piece of silk to take a look. It was equally exquisitely crafted: there were two symmetrical long-horned lying sheep embroidered on the top, and some rare and exotic animals below, with the word "gui" (noble) patterned on the bottom. The overall pattern was relatively complex and extremely artistic, and its value should be quite high.

These silk fabrics were much better than the "blank slate" silk he had given to his men before. They were also hard to value, and generally only circulated among the upper class officials. It was difficult to buy them because they were all custom-made and not available on the market.

Not to mention the pile of gold and silver items, which are also difficult to value.

"The money for working so hard has been paid out..." Shao Xun asked people to put the things away and see if they could exchange them for some food later.

(End of this chapter)