Farmer of Shu Han

In front of the defeated Jibei Prince's Mansion, a farmer riding a donkey came.

The faces of farmers have been engraved with traces of hard work because they have been working in the fields all year round.

The back of the hand holding the donkey's reins has turned gray and black, and is covered with rough lines.

The burlap clothes on his body were dusty, and the shoes on his feet were stained with mud and grass clippings.

It all shows that this is a real farmer.

But the farmer's eyes looked at the Prince of Jibei's Mansion, but they were full of complex colors.

He led the donkey to the side door and knocked on the door.

no response.

Cao Miao frowned and increased her strength.

"Bang bang bang!"

The door finally opened from the inside, and the old and dizzy concierge stood there tremblingly, looking up and down at the farmer in front of him with his cloudy eyes.

It seems that he is a little confused, how can such a Guizhou leader have the courage to knock on the door of the princes and kings of Wei Dynasty.

But strangely enough, the person in front of me always seemed familiar.

Cao Miao was a little helpless:

"Uncle Yan, it's me."

When the old concierge heard this voice, he finally recognized the person in front of him. He was the Dalang Lord who had been away from the house for several years.

"Mr. Lang? Are you the eldest son?"

The old concierge held Cao Miao's arms tremblingly, crying:

"How did you become like this? How much hardship have you suffered!"

Cao Miao's eyes twitched and she looked at the creaking door panel.

Then I looked at the collapsed courtyard wall that had not been repaired.

I remember that when I left, the gap was not so big.

well!

Everyone has his own suffering.

Although the countryside is not as prosperous as here, it is more comfortable.

It is difficult to have freedom when you are the king of Jibei here.

"Young Master, come on, my old servant will take you back to the house."

Cao Miao quickly held down the old concierge:

"Uncle Yan, no need. I know how to get there myself. You can continue to guard the door."

"That's not possible. The eldest son has not come back for so many years. How can the old servant ignore him?"

"No, no, no," Cao Miao thrust the donkey's rope into the old porter's hand, "Well, Uncle Yan, help me tie the donkey up, and I'll go in and see Yungong myself."

"donkey?"

The old porter looked at the rope in his hand, then at the donkey behind Cao Miao, and finally his eyes fell back on Cao Miao, crying again:

"My eldest son, you are outside, but you are suffering greatly. You can't even ride a horse, so you can only ride a donkey."

In the countryside, it would be nice to ride a donkey.

Not to mention that over the years, the Wei Dynasty has continued to lose the land for raising horses, and now only Youzhou remains.

After Sima Yi entered Jizhou, even Youzhou stopped transporting horses to the south of the river.

There is a serious shortage of horses in the government and the army. How can there be any horses among the people?

Even if there is one, it is basically an old horse and a broken horse. It is good to have a rogue horse.

And it may not be as good as your own donkey.

"Okay, Uncle Yan, let's put the donkey in the front yard. You can just watch it from here."

Cao Zhi, King of Jibei, came over at some point and gave orders, which relieved Cao Miao's embarrassment.

Most of the people in Prince Ji's mansion are the old, the weak, the sick, and the disabled. The front yard is not cleaned a few times throughout the year and is overgrown with weeds.

Although the winter grass was dry, it was approaching the beginning of spring, so there was no doubt that the donkey would be able to find a few bites of food in the yard.

Two brothers, one wearing the robe of a prince and the other wearing coarse linen, looked at each other.

After a long time, Cao Zhi suddenly smiled and said:

"Brother, you are here."

Cao Miao nodded:

"Yes, I'm coming."

"Calculating the days, it's almost here, so I just came out to give instructions. Unexpectedly, it will be half a day sooner than I imagined."

Cao Zhi stretched out his hand and saluted:

"Brother, please come inside."

Cao Miao looked at Cao Zhi steadily for a while, smiled, and finally stepped inside.

"If you don't clean up outside, you won't let anyone clean up inside."

Looking at the mess in the living room, some of the appliances are even imported from the West. If you put them outside, you might be able to sell them at a good price if you meet someone who knows the stuff.

Cao Miao couldn't help but feel a little emotional.

"Where is the extra manpower in the house?"

Cao Zhi smiled nonchalantly, with a somewhat bitter look on his face, "There were only two or three who could walk, and they all went out with the caravan."

Jibei Prefecture definitely does not have caravans, nor does it have that many manpower to organize caravans.

But there is a way.

But here in Kanto, there are many families with caravans and no way out.

However, Cao Zhi knew very well that a big tree attracts wind, so he would only ask for 10% every time.

No matter who you cooperate with, it only costs 10%.

Even if someone insisted on giving him a few percent more, he wouldn't want it.

And he is very careful in choosing his collaborators.

He would not choose any of the larger aristocratic families - this was to avoid suspicion and to avoid disaster.

The smaller tyrants don’t have the qualifications.

Therefore, those who are not big or small, and who can establish a relationship with a certain aristocratic family in a roundabout way, covertly or covertly, are his partners.

There is no shortage of money, but there is not much money either.

Anyway, it’s enough, and you can still enjoy some things from the West.

This is the situation in Prince Ji's Mansion.

After hearing what Cao Zhi said, Cao Miao looked around.

"No need to look, there are only you and me here."

When Cao Miao heard this, a look of surprise suddenly appeared on his face:

"Literary defense assistant?"

"The Literary Defense Auxiliary is used to defend adults. You and I, brothers, have no reputation. How can we be worthy of being assisted?"

The word "assistance" has a slightly thick pronunciation, and even a hint of ridicule.

"So after your lord's death, the last defense auxiliary officer left office, and the imperial court never sent anyone here again."

After Cao Zhi's death, one of Cao Miao and Cao Zhi became the king of Jibei, and the other went to the countryside to farm.

Over the years, Cao Miao has been farming diligently. If it is not necessary, he will never inquire about the news of Prince Ji's Mansion, let alone take the initiative to contact him.

Otherwise, he wouldn't be dressed like a farmer.

When he heard Cao Zhi say this, he couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope:

"Has the imperial court changed its tyrannical clan rule?"

No wonder Yun Gong suddenly called him over.

"What are you thinking about?"

Cao Sheng laughed and pointed at himself and then at Cao Miao:

"I'm afraid the imperial court has too much time to take care of itself. How can it still be in the mood to care about us princes and kings outside?"

Cao Miao's face suddenly showed a look of disappointment, and then her heart shrank suddenly, and her voice couldn't help but become a little lower:

"Then why did Yun Gong call me here?"

Cao Zhi did not answer immediately. He handed over the "Six Dynasties Theory" that he had prepared long ago and explained:

"This is an article that has been circulating among the clans recently. I heard that a few days ago, a clan member wrote a memorial to the court."

Cao Miao took it without knowing why, opened it and read it briefly, with a look of surprise on her face:

"How do you feel about this memorial..."

"Kind of familiar, right?"

Cao Zhi spoke out for him, "I felt the same way when I first saw it, so some people said that this is your lord's legacy."

"Your Excellency has indeed written a similar memorial."

Cao Miao was a little unsure and looked through it again.

Cao Zhi shook his head: "But this is definitely not written by your Excellency. Your Excellency has a hand-written catalog. All articles written by Your Excellency are recorded. However, I did not find this article in the catalog."

"You mean, someone is pretending to be an adult?"

Cao Zhi nodded.

Cao Miao became more and more confused: "Why?"

Cao Zhi's face became a little gloomy: "Luoyang is lost."

"Ah? This turns out to be true?"

The news of Luoyang's loss spread very quickly.

Even Cao Miao, who was in the countryside, had already heard the news.

When I received the confirmation from Cao Zhi at this time, I felt quite complicated, but it was not a big surprise.

Cao Zhi nodded, and then told Cao Miao unexpected news:

"Cao Shuang has taken the Queen Mother and the Emperor hostage and patrolled Qiao County eastward."

"What?"

This time, Cao Miao was really shocked.

Then came a strange thought:

The late emperor patrolled from Luoyang to Xuchang, and now His Majesty patrols from Xuchang to Qiao County. Where will he visit next time?

(Empress Dowager Yu gave a like.)

Cao Zhi gestured to the article in Cao Miao's hand: "This article was written at that time."

After a pause, Cao Zhi showed a mocking look on his face, "But the court did not adopt it."

"Brother, the country is about to be destroyed. The imperial court can allow outsiders to support large numbers of troops, but according to the prefectures and counties, they are not even willing to give people of the same clan a chance to join the imperial court."

Perhaps he was too disappointed or perhaps numb. His eyes were empty, but Cao Zhi said a cruel fact in the calmest tone:

"Brother, the thing you least want to happen in your lifetime is probably going to happen."

"This Wei Dynasty is probably going to die."

Even if I am mentally prepared and am farming in the countryside, I am still preparing for this day.

But when he heard his brother say it himself, Cao Miao still seemed a little unable to accept it.

His lips trembled slightly and opened weakly, as if he wanted to say something, but in the end he said nothing.

His body, which had gained some strength from years of working in the fields, suddenly collapsed, as if all its strength had disappeared.

After a long time, Cao Miao asked in a voice so low that it was almost inaudible:

"Yungong, are you really going to take this step?"

Cao Zhi smiled miserably:

"Brother, haven't we been waiting for this day all these years?"

"With the fall of Luoyang, there will be no more strongholds in Guandong that can stop the Han army."

Even guarding the pass could not stop the Han army.

If there is no danger to defend, what can we do to fight the Han army?

Intellectually, both brothers knew this day was likely to come.

But emotionally, they hope that this day will never come.

This is an extremely contradictory psychology.

Even this mentality is a kind of torture for them.

Especially for Cao Zhi, the suffering was even worse.

Because he still needs to keep an eye on the changes in the world's situation all the time and then make judgments.

Neither can we seek refuge with Wei when there is still hope.

Nor can we take refuge when the overall situation has been decided.

Too early, that’s called forgetting one’s ancestors.

It's too late and it won't help.

"There are still more than 200,000 troops in Jingzhou and Yangzhou. If we add the troops under Sima Yi's command in Jizhou, the number will be no less than 500,000."

Cao Miao said reluctantly, "No matter how you say it, Sima Yi can be regarded as the Taifu of our great Wei Dynasty."

"No matter how much he and the general are at odds with each other, he should still know the truth of the relationship."

It was okay for Cao Miao not to mention Sima Yi, but when he mentioned Sima Yi, Cao Zhi's face became extremely gloomy.

"If he knows this truth, then Luoyang should not be allowed to fall!"

Sima Yi was at odds with Cao Shuang, and he had to defend Luoyang and fight with the Han army, which would inevitably lead to a shortage of food and grass.

If he controls Jizhou and gathers the power of Hebei, he will use Taihang Mountain as a wall and Hangu Pass as a gate to prevent the Han army from advancing eastward.

In fact, it is not incomprehensible to cross state boundaries without permission.

Cao Shuang is unpopular anyway.

In just a few years, national affairs were turned into a mess.

Rather than leaving Hebei in his hands to cause harm, it would be better to use it to stop the Han army.

"If Sima Yi really wants to defend Luoyang, he may not be able to defend it."

In any case, after taking Shangdang, he couldn't wait to take the risk and attack Taiyuan. It didn't look like what a cautious man like Sima Yi should do.

Especially his opponent is not an unknown person.

That was King Feng Gui, who was not inferior in any way to the twin jade of the former Han Dynasty.

Even Sima Yi had the intention of underestimating the enemy because he easily captured Shangdang.

But after entering Yecheng, he could still lead the army back to Hanoi, and then cross the river from Hanoi back to Luoyang.

If Sima Yi personally defends Luoyang, Hangu Pass may not be lost.

But what made Cao Zhi feel strange was that not only did Sima Yi not return to Luoyang, he didn't even send back a single soldier.

He stayed in Yecheng until Luoyang was lost.

There are only two explanations for this practice.

First, he deliberately sat back and watched Luoyang fall.

Second, he regarded Hebei as his own, so he would rather lose Luoyang than take Jiyou into his hands as soon as possible.

No matter which explanation it is, this is unacceptable to Cao Zhi.

When Cao Miao heard what Cao Zhi said, her face turned pale:

"Yun Gong means...Sima Yi has different intentions?"

Aren't there many people who say that the Taifu is a loyal minister of the Wei Dynasty, and only the Taifu can help the Wei Dynasty not fall?

"I don't know if he has any ulterior motives, but he certainly didn't try his best to protect Luoyang."

Even if there is no alien intention, at least there is selfish intention.

Inside, there are Cao Shuang and the Three Dogs of Taichung who are causing trouble in Chao Gang, and outside there are Sima Yi and others who are selfish.

The Han army is already in Cloyang and can advance eastwards at any time.

The seven temples have been destroyed and the country is about to be destroyed. Until this point, the imperial court is still unwilling to loosen the ties of the clan kings at all.

As a descendant of the Cao family, what can Ru Zhi do?

Although Cao Miao is the elder brother, his talent is far inferior to that of Cao Zhi.

In addition, he has lived a semi-reclusive life in the countryside for the past few years, and his news channels are no better than Cao Zhi.

When Cao Zhi said this, his expression became extremely ugly.

"Everyone outside said that Cao Shuang is incompetent. Only Sima Taifu can protect the Wei Dynasty. Unexpectedly..."

"The matter has come to this, there is no point in talking more." Cao Zhi shook his head and looked at Cao Miao, "Brother, did you bring that letter?"

Cao Miao nodded:

"Dare not leave me day and night."

Cao Zhi nodded and breathed a sigh of relief as if he had made up his mind:

"Brother, please be prepared in the next few days. When the people who come to inquire about the situation come back, you may have to leave."

Although he had already expected why Yun Gong called him here.

But when it came to the end, Cao Miao was still surprised: "So fast?"

Cao Zhi smiled calmly:

"Luoyang has fallen, and the emperor is patrolling eastward. Guandong is probably going to be in chaos for a while. If we don't take advantage of the chaos and leave, how long will it take?"

Cao Miao looked hesitant.

Cao Zhi saw his appearance and asked:

"Brother, do you have any concerns?"

Cao Miao smiled bitterly:

"I'm thinking that although your Excellency has exchanged letters with that person, he has never met him, and he is also the sworn enemy of Wei Dynasty."

After a pause, he asked hesitantly:

"Yungong, tell me, will he really take us in?"

Cao Zhi shook his head:

"Honestly, I don't know. But I do know that this is our last chance."

He looked deeply at Cao Miao:

"Brother, our Cao family will probably have to entrust everything to you."

His uncle's attempt to usurp the Han Dynasty meant that the Cao family had no way out.

If the Han Dynasty really wants to destroy the Cao family, it will not be enough for the three Yi tribes.

If you make a choice now, there may be a slight chance.

In Cao Zhi's view, this slight chance is at least many times greater than believing that Wei can come back.

Finally, Cao Zhi warned:

"Brother, remember, if you really can see him, you must call him uncle."