Three Kingdoms

The autumn wind swayed the branches and leaves of the trees, shaking down a few slightly dry leaves.

Zhao Shang stood in front of the hall, clapped his hands, obviously happy that he had found the most important core issue, and said with a smile: "It must be so! It must be so! A certain person had doubts before, why did Zhengxi's subordinates not see the chaos? That’s it!”

After saying this three times in a row, Zhao Shang was obviously very excited.

Yes, it is clearly said that General Zhengxi died, but Xun Chen and Zao Zhi in Pingyang City did not seem to be greatly affected. They still did what they should do. Isn't this the best explanation?

There is an heir, so everything is in order.

Isn't this the same as the Han Dynasty?

Although children will have to wait for more than ten years before they can take power, or they may never have any chance of power in their lives, but at this stage, they can allow everyone under their control to do things with peace of mind...

Pei Jun looked at Zhao Shang's back and rolled his eyes, as if he wanted to say something, but in the end he didn't say it.

Pei Jun and Zhao Shang have some similar concepts, but some are different. The point of agreement is in dealing with the ZTE of the Han Dynasty. ZTE has a long road, and the foundation of the center is to have a suitable The officials in power formulated a national policy strategy that was in line with the current Han Dynasty.

For more than ten years, the Han Dynasty has suffered from eunuchs, relatives, and powerful officials who have brought harm to the country. Whether in the court or in the countryside, the discerning nobles have realized this. There are no suitable officials and officials in power. As for national policy, ZTE is a joke.

Zhao Shang thinks so about this major premise, and so does Pei Jun. However, Pei Jun's ideas are somewhat different from Zhao Shang's on subdivided items such as specific suitable governing personnel and national policy strategies.

Zhao Shang believes that only great sages from the countryside can understand the sufferings of the world and make policies and laws that are in line with the people's livelihood of the Han Dynasty, and can truly restore the Han Dynasty to its glory.

In fact, just talking about himself...

As for Pei Jun, he believes more in the checks and balances of power. The checks and balances of power are actually the distribution system of power. The distribution of power involves the interests of different groups, so fierce battles are inevitable. In the process of this battle, if Without strong strength, it is impossible to ensure victory in the battle. Therefore, the princes everywhere are now at war and resorting to military warfare.

What does the country wise man have?

Apart from a reputation and a mouth, what else is left?

Even Zhao Shang, doesn't he need to come and rely on him in order to obtain the corresponding power and status?

In Pei Jun's eyes, the current situation is nothing more than the battle between Shandong and Shanxi.

As for Wenxi, it can be regarded as belonging to both Shandong and Shanxi. Of course, strictly speaking, it is more biased towards Shanxi. Therefore, when Fei Qian, the general who conquered the west, rose up, he naturally focused more on it.

Of course, Yang Biao is also an option, but Yang Biao seems to have forgotten that his ancestors actually originated from Shanxi because he stayed in Sili for a long time...

If it really doesn't work, you can settle for the next best thing, tolerate your so-called political ambitions, and only seek prosperity for your family, or you can finally find a Shandong nobleman to join you. Of course, by that time, the best position will naturally be held by Pei Qian, the legitimate son of the family.

Fei Qian, Pei Qian, haha...

Pei Jun couldn't help but want to laugh.

"Why are Fengxian laughing?" Zhao Shang asked a little strangely.

Pei Jun raised his eyebrows and said nonchalantly: "If... Zhengxi really has a posthumous heir... where should he be located?"

Zhao Shang also smiled and said: "It will be decided in the academy!"

"Xue Palace?" Pei Jun did not expect that Zhao Shang actually had an answer to the question he casually asked.

Zhao Shang nodded, smoothed his beard, squinted his eyes, and said slowly, as if he had pearls of wisdom in his hands: "If Huang, the wife of Pingyang Prefecture, was pregnant, she would definitely celebrate it and make it known to everyone. How could it be possible? Is there any reason not to retaliate? If you have a child now, but it is inconvenient to publicize it, and General Zhengxi has never been a womanizer, and he is the only one who is friendly..."

Zhao Shang pointed towards the academy, with a sleazy look on his otherwise serious old face.

"Brother Zhao's intention..." Pei Jun's eyes widened, "It's...Cai..."

Zhao Shang tilted his head slightly, laughed twice, then coughed and said: "If my dear brother hadn't personally investigated this matter, we would still be in the dark! If we talk about it, there are actually signs..."

Zhao Shang walked slowly in the hall, tugged his fingers and said: "Zheng Xi is a disciple of Cai's family. Presumably he and Luo can enter the hall and enter the house. This will naturally be the opportunity for the birth of love... In addition, the place where Beiping Yang is merged , and there is an intention to renew the relationship... The daughter of the Cai family, well... it seems that she has not shown up for a long time..."

"Xundong Cao sent troops to guard Taoshan the day before yesterday. His intention was not to guard the academy, but to guard the heir!" Zhao Shang came to a decisive conclusion, shaking his beard twice, as if to express his affirmation.

Pei Jun still felt a little incredible and said: "If that's the case, why not just do it... Zhengxi is already a prince, and he can marry two wives..."

"Naturally, there is no order from the parents, that's what the matchmaker said..." Zhao Shang said with great words, "The white tiger has clouds, and it is a way to avoid shame and avoid adultery... What's more, even though she is the daughter of everyone, she is also deposed. My wife is not a good man, how can I take her as my wife? If she is a concubine, what will happen to the Cai family’s face? So...haha..."

"As for not being accepted into the city...either the Huang family is jealous, or..." Zhao Shang said with a smile, "either the imaginary is real, the real is imaginary, this must be the case! Xun Dongcao is indeed proficient. The art of war! Haha, if my virtuous brother hadn’t personally visited Xun Dongcao, how could I have come to this conclusion? If the sun is calm, my virtuous brother should be the first to make the achievement!"

Pei Jun shook his hand and said, "This is all Brother Zhao's fault! I'm just a pawn, not worth mentioning."

Zhao Shang expressed his humility again, but Pei Jun gave in again and refused. Zhao Shang smiled slightly, nodded and stopped arguing about this issue, and said: "In this case, a certain person will look for an opportunity to send a message outside the city..."

Pei Jun said goodbye and left Zhao Shang's residence for a few steps, but stopped and looked back...

Zhao Shang's inference is quite reasonable. It seems to explain why General Fei Qian's subordinates are still organizing and defending in an orderly manner. And if the Yang army outside the city learns the news, and then seizes this The only heir of General Zhengxi, Pingyang's defense naturally fell apart, and there was no need to fight.

However, Pei Junlao felt that there were some problems.

The so-called meritorious service of the previous humility was not that Pei Jun had a great character, that he regarded money as dirt, but that Pei Jun felt that Zhao Shang's views were all based on inferences. If there was any link in it that was wrong. question, the results must be very different.

Even if there is really an heir, although Zhao Shang's claims are false and true to deceive others, but if some tricks are added to this falsehood, if he is not careful, he will besiege the academy and massacre the students. The head is firmly seated...

What's more, if... if Zheng Xi is not dead...

Pei Jun suddenly shuddered, startled by the idea, and then looked up at the sky, wondering what he was thinking.

…………………………

From Beiqu to Pingyang, although the road has been repeatedly opened and smoothed, the original terrain was somewhat undulating. Therefore, no matter how hard the Xianbei slaves tried, they could not completely get rid of the restrictions of the terrain and open a highway like later generations, and Fei Qian also took away three thousand new infantry from Beiqu, so the speed of march was still somewhat limited.

Now that Huchuquan has tied his hands and learned that Huchuquan's actions have not been greeted by Yu Fuluo, there is no need for Fei Qian to attack immediately for the remaining Southern Xiongnu in Gaonu. Anyway, Huchuquan's Some of his men fled, some surrendered, and the only ones left were old, weak, women and children, so they only sent a dozen people with Huchuquan's tokens, and a visit was enough, without the need for a major war.

Ma Yan continued to guard Diaoyin, responsible for guarding Huchuquan and the surrendered Huns, while Ganfeng stayed in Guanzhong with 2,500 cavalry and the captured Huns horses. On the one hand, Sanfu had a larger area. , there is not enough cavalry to take care of them. On the other hand, the horses of the Southern Huns are also very tired during this round of escape, and they need time to adjust and recover.

Because of the influence of Fei Qian's personal habits, unlike other princes, Zhengxi's command does not count as one soldier per head. Take the three assistants for example, plus some of the infantry brought from Hanzhong, so in Guanzhong There are 7,000 regular soldiers including cavalry. As for the auxiliary soldiers, they are generally served by the county soldiers from the original Guanzhong counties. The total of the two items is about 14,000 to 5,000, and there are no civilian soldiers at all. Taking this into account, although the total military strength seems to be much less than that of other princes, it is actually not bad.

And if these county soldiers are with other princes, most of them are used as regular soldiers...

In addition to Hanzhong and Guanzhong, small towns such as Puzi Yong'an also have soldiers ranging from four to five hundred to as many as 8,000. In addition, Yinshan Military Village, Zhenlin Camp, Xihe County, Taiyuan County, Shang There are still some soldiers in Dang County, so the total number of Fei Qian's troops is actually quite large. The key is that the territory is now large, and once the troops are dispersed, it seems that there are very few everywhere.

It can't be like the games of later generations, where you only need to take care of those on the front line and don't leave any troops behind. Otherwise, if a bandit or something breaks out, you won't even have time to cry...

By the way, in addition to these, there is also Li Ru with about 3,000 troops on the right side of Long. They will probably slowly withdraw into Guanzhong after a while, so basically Fei Qian doesn’t need to worry too much for the time being. Guanzhong's defense issues against Yang Biao of Tongguan.

Therefore, the most critical issue now is to resolve the threats facing Pingyang. Fei Qian then took Zhao Yuntai Shi Ci, 1,500 cavalry and 3,000 new soldiers who had completed training in Beiqu, and embarked on the road back to Pingyang.

For some unknown reason, Fei Qian suddenly felt his nose itchy. Finally, he turned his head and sneezed hugely. After rubbing his nose, he felt better. He turned to Zhao Yun and said, "Zilong, what did you say just now?"

During the march, it was somewhat boring. Fei Qian heard that Zhao Yun had been reading Zuo Zhuan of Spring and Autumn Period in his arms over the past few days. He seemed to be a little worried along the way, so he came to Zhao Yun and asked Zhao Yun if he had any problems while reading Zuo Zhuan. , but before Zhao Yun had time to speak, Fei Qian suddenly felt his nose itchy and sneezed several times in a row.

Zhao Yun held the reins on the horse, half-cupped his hands towards Fei Qian, and said: "Yun has been reading Zuo Zhuan recently, and there is indeed a doubt that I can't solve even after thinking about it..."

Fei Qian nodded and said, "Zilong, please speak frankly."

"In the fourteenth year of Duke Xiang, Qi Shikuang served beside the Marquis of Jin..." Zhao Yun looked at Fei Qian's face before continuing, "The Marquis of Jin is asking..."

"But the Marquis of Jin asked, "Isn't it wrong for a guard to betray his lord?" Fei Qian pulled the reins of his horse, slowing the horse down a little, and then said, "What is Zilong's confusion about? A gentleman can't escape." ? Or should the emperor have a father? Or something else?"

Zhao Yun was silent for a moment and said: "...history is written as a book, blind as a poem, workers recite admonitions, officials teach, scholars spread rumors, common people slander, businessmen travel in the market, and hundreds of craftsmen display their crafts... Is it possible now? Is it impossible? ?”

"Haha..." Fei Qian smiled and said, "What do Zilong think?"

"Yun Tie thinks it's because of selfishness?" Zhao Yun said, "If there are no selfish desires in things and people have no selfish intentions, then you can reward those who do good, correct those who make mistakes, save those who are in trouble, and punish those who make mistakes, and the world will naturally be governed. also……"

"The book Zuo Zhuan has an exquisite narrative and a meaningful description of the rejuvenation of the country. The ruin of Chen's country is desolate and pitiful. It can make the sages hide their faces and the saints close their doors..." Fei Qian said lightly, "But people cannot be selfish. Therefore, if the Spring and Autumn Period no longer exist, the Zhou Dynasty will surely perish."

Strictly speaking, Spring and Autumn is not a book written by Confucianists, at least not by Confucians after Dong Zhongshu. Otherwise, Zuo Zhuan would be full of words about monarchs, ministers, ministers, heaven and earth, etc., and would not include what Shi Kuang put forward. He wrote down the words "the people value the king over the king", and even the treasonous and unethical behavior of "defending the people and abandoning the king", which is a crime of the following, is often praised.

Fei Qian guessed that Zhao Yun probably felt that the current situation was like the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, and saw that the Han Emperor was floating like duckweed, so he had many feelings, but he did not dare to directly talk about "defending people and leaving the emperor", so he only mentioned the so-called public and selfish reasons. Just a problem.

Fei Qian pointed at the soldiers in front and said: "If you are evil and do not serve the public, you can also respect the good and the private. Those who serve the public may not be selfish, and those who seek selfishness may not be unfair... Soldiers are brave and meritorious, and they must be the first in battle. I am happy when I hear the honor. Is it private or public? Is this a good thing or is it evil? Da Xian is hidden in the mountain and the bus is not accessible. He is famous all over the world. Is it private or public? Is this a good thing? Or is it for evil?"

"This..." Zhao Yun couldn't answer.

"If the people are stupid, they will have nothing. If they don't have anything, they will be poor in public affairs. If the people are wise, they will have things. If they have things, they will be rich in selfishness. I wonder if Zilong wants the people to be stupid, or is it that the people are wise?" Fei Qian said again, "Heaven and earth are selfless, and all things are selfless. Selfishness, this is a moral norm. You don’t need to be too harsh on one thing. You should take a long-term view and find the principles of all things in the world. As the saying goes, you and I are all mortals, and everyone has selfishness..."

Fei Qian originally just wanted to enlighten Zhao Yun, who was a bit arrogant. At least judging from Zhao Yun's deeds known to later generations, Zhao Yun did sometimes do some admirable and embarrassing things because of special requests to be selfless. For example, when Liu Bei entered Sichuan, he refused to grant a reward and advised Liu Bei not to do such a thing. In the end, all the generals broke up unhappy. Of course, from the perspective of people's livelihood and government affairs, Zhao Yun's suggestion is not only correct, but also very reasonable, and even a model of selflessness. But from another perspective, Zhao Yun's approach is actually the same as Zigong's redemption.

But what Fei Qian never expected was that after Zhao Yun was silent for a long time, he said something that shocked Fei Qian...