Chapter 364: Old Dengxing
Chapter 364: Old Dengxing (Part )
Wang Yan waited in Kaocheng for only two days before Shao Xun, exhausted from travel, appeared in front of him.
The two of them didn't waste any time and went straight to the process.
"Shao Xun, the Commander of the Yamen Army, the General of the Southern Army, and the Duke of Chen, is selfless and magnanimous. He is a man of great talent and has accumulated a lot of experience. He has the heart to save the country and the strategy to punish rebellions and settle difficulties. In the past ten years, the army has been disciplined and the officials have obeyed the law. His reputation is as high as a mountain. He is appointed as the General of Xuchang, the General of Pingdong, and the General of Yuzhou." - "The Imperial Edict to Appoint Shao Xun as the General of Pingdong"
"Shao Xun, the General of Pingdong, Duke of Chen, who holds the imperial seal and supervises the military affairs of Yuzhou and is stationed in Xuchang, is a man of both civil and military talents, and has a deep understanding of the past and present. He can defeat the evildoers with one blow, and bring down the culprit with another. He has the skills to suppress rebellion and violence, and to save the country. His position should be elevated so that he can support the king's rule. He should be made General of Pingdong and have a government with the same status as the three officials." - "Edict on the Establishment of Shao Xun's Government"
"Shao Xun, the Grand Master of the Imperial Court, the Imperial Guard, the Supervisor of the Military Affairs of Yuzhou, the General of Pingdong, the Duke of Chen, has been at war for a long time and has worked hard for the royal family. Although I am ignorant, how can I not care about him? I now grant him a golden seal and purple ribbon, five-season court robes, a military cap, and a mountain black jade. I will also grant him six chariots to improve his strength. I will also grant him twenty tiger guards, holding swords, to fill his confidants." - "Edict of Rituals for Granting Shao Xun"
"Although the world is vast, it cannot tolerate those who have renounced themselves. The emperor is extremely benevolent and dares not pardon those who deserve to be punished. Gou Xi of Henei robbed grain and forged an imperial edict to plot treason. He is an ugly jackal. His crimes are difficult to convict and his behavior is difficult to forgive..." - "The Edict to Punish the Rebellious Minister Gou Xi"
After reading four imperial edicts in succession, Shao Xun stood up and expressed his gratitude profusely.
Wang Yan handed all four imperial edicts to Shao Xun and said with a smile, "Pingdong, keep them well."
After Shao Xun handed it to Cai Cheng, he took Wang Yan away and said, "I thought the court would have to examine him again and again before appointing him."
"He is outstanding and can be selected for employment." Wang Yan only said this one sentence.
Shao Xun laughed out loud.
He also enjoyed the treatment of a celebrity, a hermit, a state guest, or a descendant of a sage (such as a descendant of Confucius). And this treatment was earned by him with every effort, without any trickery, and he deserved it.
The first three edicts actually mean the same thing, that is, he became the governor of Xuchang and could open a government office and summon officials. At the same time, the ceremony was grand and the same treatment was applied to the three highest officials - no matter what rank of official he was, the rituals were all treated as those of the same rank.
The fourth letter was an imperial edict to execute Gou Xi. Almost every prefect received a copy. As for whether it would be carried out, we would have to wait and see. Anyway, starting from a few years ago, prefects often took in imperial criminals, because within a few years, the imperial criminals would change their identities and be innocent. This was too common.
"I heard that Mr. Chen is going to marry a new bride?" Wang Yan asked after a moment's hesitation.
"That's right." Shao Xun glanced at Lao Deng and said.
Wang Yan pursed his lips with a complicated expression.
If I was just hesitant and conflicted before, I really regret it now.
It was obvious that Mr. Chen had fallen in love with Huifeng. If he had agreed at that time, he could have tried to persuade his daughter, even by begging her for mercy. But given Mr. Chen's low official position and status at that time, what could Yu Wenjun have to do with him?
Marrying my daughter Huifeng would completely cover up the problem of his origin, and no one would mention it again. He could also use this opportunity to soar to the top, perhaps saving a year or two.
It's just - it's too late to say anything now.
I have never cared about my face when debating with others for most of my life, but now I am so concerned about my face when I am old. Alas.
Wang Yan suppressed his turbulent emotions and said with a smile, "On the wedding day, I will definitely take a leave and come to watch the ceremony."
"If you come, it will add a lot of color." Shao Xun said happily.
This is not an exaggeration.
Most of the famous people of the same era as Lao Deng have died, leaving only him.
In addition, he has been holding high-ranking positions, and his fame has become increasingly famous.
Most of the children from wealthy families were proud to receive a comment from him.
If Wang Yan could attend the wedding and the news was spread in advance, a lot of scholars would flock to Xuchang - Wang Yan's coming was actually a political statement.
"The secret decree..." Wang Yan pondered for a moment and said, "More than ten palace maids and guards were executed in the palace."
"That's all?" Shao Xun asked.
"that's it."
"That's fine." Shao Xun said, "I'm not an aggressive person, so let's stop here."
Who recruited the guards? Who has the ability to recruit guards for the emperor? If we dig deeper into this question, we will probably find something big and it will be a tough end.
It will not end well for either the emperor or Shao Xun, so that’s enough.
"I'm afraid the Xiongnu invasion is inevitable this year." Wang Yan asked again, "What good plan does Lord Chen have?"
"In fact, it's still the old way, holding on and not getting out." Shao Xun said.
"Now that the Huns have taken over Guanzhong and their army has expanded, will they be able to capture Luoyang?" Wang Yan worriedly asked.
"There are still more than 25,000 imperial guards, right? Recruit another 10,000 or 20,000 servants from wealthy families and men from counties and prefectures to gather an army of 40,000 or 50,000, and there will be no problem." Shao Xun said, "But we should dig deep trenches and build high fortifications, and never fight outside the city."
With 40,000 to 50,000 people defending the city, at least half of them had some combat experience. Plus, with so many craftsmen in Luoyang making equipment and defensive gear, what price would the Huns have to pay to break the city?
They can't afford the price!
Of course, the above are all ideal situations. In reality, we have to consider various variables, such as the emperor's actions and whether there is enough food, etc. It is very complicated.
But he has already given the suggestion, and whether or not to listen to it is up to the court.
"Mr. Chen, why don't you send troops to help defend Luoyang?" Wang Yan frowned and asked.
"The past of the King of Changsha is a lesson not far away." Shao Xun said: "If the court is not worried about the lack of food in Luoyang, I can certainly lead the army to help."
Wang Yan was silent for a while, then asked worriedly, "With the current force, can we really defend Luoyang?"
"Grand Commander." Shao Xun laughed and said, "This year, the imperial army went out of the city to fight in the field and repelled Hu Yanyan. Defending the city is even easier, and nothing will go wrong."
Wang Yan nodded slightly.
He had to hear the professional judgment of the "professionals" before he could feel at ease, and then carry out a series of operations based on this judgment. He trusted Shao Xun because he knew how to fight, and there was no need to lie to him about this matter.
At this stage, the disadvantages of Luoyang being captured outweigh the advantages to him, and he does not want to see anything happen to Luoyang.
"Chu Zhong has been doing well in Shouchun recently." Shao Xun added, "After defeating Zhou Zuxuan many times, many of Shouchun's officials have defected to Langya. They are bound to be defeated."
When Langya King Sima Rui conquered Shouchun Zhou Fu, he actually sent Wang Dun to lead the army, and he won several battles in a row.
Shao Xun didn't know whether Zhou Fu didn't know how to fight or Wang Dun had made progress.
"Chu Zhong - I got something small." Wang Yan smiled bitterly.
He actually knew the reason.
Chu Zhong was only responsible for bringing the troops to Jiangbei, and the marching and fighting were all handled by the middle-level officers of the Lao Yu army sent from Jianye.
What does winning this battle have to do with Chu Zhong?
"In Nanyang, Governor Liang has already taken office. Lord Chen, please don't touch him for now, so as to avoid attracting attention from the world." Wang Yan added.
Shao Xun pondered for a long time and said nothing.
Wang Yan waited patiently without rushing.
"I want to talk to Mr. Liang." Shao Xun said.
Liang Fen, the old man, actually took 5,000 Liangzhou soldiers with him. Judging from his appearance, he has a close relationship with Beigong Chun.
After all, Anding borders Liangzhou and was once part of Liangzhou in history.
The descendants of General Liang Ji were one of the most powerful and wealthy families in the area. Even Zhang Gui made a special visit to the Liang family on his way to take office.
Shao Xun was worried that Lao Deng would raise his arm and win over the Liangzhou soldiers he had just recruited half a year ago.
After Liang Fen arrived in the town, he recruited and pacified thousands of refugees from Guanxi who had newly arrived in Nanyang, and the siege of Shunyang was immediately lifted.
He also sent someone to deliver letters to Wang Ru and Yan Yi.
Wang Ru did not reply, but Yan Ying did.
Because of this incident, Wang Ru no longer trusted Yan Yi, and the two of them camped on their own sides and were wary of each other.
Shao Xun was also amazed by such means.
If he continues to do this, Wang Ruzhi’s chaos will eventually be suppressed.
But he didn't have time now, and couldn't spare the time to go to Nanyang, so he decided to talk to Liang Fen.
Is the emperor really worthy of loyalty when he is like that?
"What if the negotiation fails?" Wang Yan asked.
"Captain, can you ask the emperor to issue an edict and invite Governor Liang to lead his army to defend the king?" Shao Xun said with a smile, "Actually, I just said something nonsense. It is not certain that we can defend the city. We still need elite soldiers and strong generals."
Wang Yan suddenly burst into laughter.
However, he laughed and then shook his head and sighed.
Maybe, it's really possible! If the emperor is really scared, he might let Liang Fen lead the army to defend the king.
In fact, he felt a little sorry for Liang Fen.
After so many years of trying to protect himself, he finally couldn't withstand the pressure.
In this world, loyal ministers never have a good ending. They all die cleanly. Can Liang Fen be spared?
"I can help you get the hang of it first." Wang Yan said, "That's all. The rest depends on you."
"Thank you, General." Shao Xun bowed and said sincerely.
When it comes to matters like this, there needs to be a middleman to mediate.
"You——" Wang Yan paused and asked, "Are you still going to Chen County?"
"It's hard to say." Shao Xun replied: "Is there anything wrong, Taiwei?"
Wang Yan was silent for a while, and said: "My sister is supervising the construction of the Canal Transport Branch in Chen County, my daughter——"
"Huifeng - uh no, Jingfeng is here too?" Shao Xun asked in surprise.
Wang Yan looked at him deeply and nodded.
"Let's talk about it later." Shao Xun said, "We have to open a government and recruit talents from all over the country. The autumn harvest is coming soon, and we have to rush to collect food. The Xiongnu seem to be heading south again, so we have to be on guard."
Wang Yan seemed to be thinking about something.
The two talked for a while and then said goodbye.
Shao Xun asked his personal soldiers to put away the ceremonial objects and place them in the General Zhenjun's Mansion first.
He took the imperial edict and walked into the backyard at a swift pace to "report" to Concubine Pei.
But the time has come to open the government and he has to discuss the selection of the shogunate with Concubine Pei.
(Additional updates will be added in the afternoon, and there will be no omissions.)
(End of this chapter)