Three Kingdoms

In traditional Chinese concepts, the word "home" is generally placed first.

Although there are often glorious deeds such as refusing to enter the house three times, sacrificing the family to defend the country, abandoning the small family to protect everyone, etc., but think about it on the other hand, if everyone in the world is for the collective and ignores the family, then it is still Is there any need to praise or promote such behavior every day?

Therefore, the so-called concern for homeland among the nobles is very normal.

A gentry is a big family, and if it expands a little further, in their eyes, the emperor is just the head of the gentry in the world. By respecting him, they are also respecting their own family system.

However, just as chaotic libertines will inevitably appear among the nobles, the emperor will also be a little fatuous, so most nobles generally choose to be patient at this time. After all, what the family pursues is to survive for a thousand years, and how long can the emperor live? ?

Whether Liu Xie is fatuous or not, many people have basically understood it. Of course, compared to the so-called fatuous kings in history, Liu Xie is still very good, but to revive...

Haha, the sun is shining brightly today, and it’s the perfect time to have a deep dream.

In later generations, some gossips often said that the Chinese feudal dynasty could not have the possibility of a constitutional monarchy. However, in fact, when the power of the prime minister in the Chinese feudal dynasty was greater than the power of the king, it was actually somewhat similar to a constitutional monarchy. Constitutional monarchy is established through parliament or other forms of colluding with other political participants to reach a consensus on national affairs, which is promulgated and implemented by the "prime minister". The same is true when the prime minister is powerful, uniting several big families to jointly oust the emperor, and then implemented by the "prime minister" Government decree.

So if we talk about foreign constitutional monarchy systems, we should still call China's checks and balances of imperial power "grandfather"...

Just like the current Cao Cao, after settling in Xu County, he basically took over Liu Xie's political affairs and completely placed Liu Xie on the god's table as a clay statue, regardless of whether it was the nobles of Yingchuan or the Other people in Jizhou and Yanzhou also had a tacit understanding and respectfully worshiped the statue first, and then went back to Cao Cao to handle practical matters, just like the constitutional monarch first went to see the emperor to express his greetings, and then went to the prime minister for specific matters.

"Hey...Your Majesty...I'm afraid you won't be able to help the country..."

"Be careful! Let’s talk about Fengyue! 』

"Yes, yes, my little brother Meng Lang is here..."

"Come, come, drink to win, drink to win!" 』

When scholars gather together, they will inevitably criticize current affairs, but their views on Liu Xie are gradually becoming more unified. It is not suitable for this generation of Liu family emperors. Although it may be a little better than the previous one, or the previous one, it is just a little better, just like the difference between 30 points and 50 points under the 100-point system. Although there is indeed an improvement, it is still failed.

But when the gentry’s children gather together, where can they stay away from current affairs? After chatting for a while, someone turned his mouth and started talking about Cao Hong again. After all, after three cups of cat pee, what can be the best talking point for these opposition parties?

“Everyone, everyone, there are nursery rhymes being circulated frequently these days, have you ever heard of them? 』

"Could it be that I want to be honest but I am worthy of being a farmer in the mountains..."

"Exactly, exactly!" Heyou Mountain is green in all directions, the sky is panic-stricken and the earth is bright! 』

"Hahaha, hahaha..."

In most big families, there will be a greedy person who specializes in hoarding property and begging for money shamelessly.

And Cao Hong is the most greedy member of the Cao family at the moment.

Add a premise, "show it".

Cao Fu happened to pass by the wine shop and heard wild laughter coming from inside. After hearing this, he couldn't help reining in his horse and his face became gloomy. Cao Hong is from Qiao County, and Qiao County is also called "Ji Fang". The meaning of the so-called nursery rhyme is naturally obvious.

"Young Master!" ” The guards around Cao Fu were also angry. They looked at Cao Fu one after another, waiting for Cao Fu’s order to rush in, either arresting or beating him to get rid of his bad temper.

Cao Fu was silent for a moment and didn't speak. Instead, he kicked the horse's belly slightly and galloped forward.

The guards were helpless. They looked at each other and could only leave with Cao Fu.

The nobles in the wine shop were still laughing and shouting wildly, not realizing the danger just now.

Cao Fu returned home depressed and met his father Cao Hong. He hesitated several times but finally said nothing. He stood up and prepared to leave, but was stopped by Cao Hong, "What's the matter?" 』

Cao Hong raised his eyes and looked at Cao Fu, and then his mind was basically on the table. The table was covered with various calculation chips, arranged horizontally and vertically. Cao Hong held a scroll of bamboo slips in his left hand and a writing brush for marking. In his right hand, he carefully fiddled with the calculation chips and added number.

"..." After a moment of silence, Cao Fu said in a low voice, "For the record, father, when my son returned home, he heard some slanderers talking about him in the wine shop and uttering evil words, so he was very angry..."

"oh? ” Cao Hong first took the ink pen and made a mark on the bamboo slips, and then carefully placed the bamboo slips and ink pens on the corner of the table so that they would not touch the densely packed counters on the table. ? 』

Cao Fu smiled bitterly and shook his head.

Cao Hong nodded to Cao Fu, smiled, and shook his head, then picked up the bamboo slips and prepared to continue accounting.

Cao Fu hesitated, but couldn't help it, and said: "Father... I met the young master a few days ago. The young master also said that his father is rich, and the family income is like a crucian carp crossing the river..."

Cao Hong stopped writing, was silent for a moment, and said, "Young Master, what else can I say?" 』

Cao Fu shook his head and said, "Nothing else to say." ” It’s not that Cao Pi didn’t want to talk, but that Cao Pi simply didn’t want to talk to Cao Fu anymore, as if he would be tainted with the smell of copper if he talked too much.

Cao Hong raised his head and looked at the sky. After a while, he shook his head slightly and said, "Let's just let it go..."

"Father..." Cao Fu shouted.

Cao Hong put down the bamboo slips again, looked at Cao Fu, and sighed, "Fu'er, let me ask you, can a man with a filial son, a literary man, and a wise man be a merchant, or can he be good at arithmetic?" If I don't do it, who can I rely on under the Lord? 』

"This..." Cao Fu hesitated for a moment and then said, "Especially Xiahou..."

"Haha..." Cao Hong smiled, shook his head and said, "Xiahou also beheaded his son... Do you want that?" What's more, Xiahou is sitting behind him. If he handles the affairs of such merchants, not to mention the complicated affairs and delays in military flights, he will inevitably be criticized. How can he live in peace and stability? Nowadays, the Cao family is like a glacier, so there is no reason to choose the easy and ignore the difficult? If everyone cherishes their feathers, how can the Lord succeed? This matter needs to be mentioned again, so as not to embarrass the Lord! 』

"But..." Cao Fu hesitated.

Cao Hong waved his hand, and his eyes returned to the bamboo slips, "A little stigma... If it can be a big deal for the Lord, what's the matter even if you are dirty?" Let's go..."

Cao Fu took a breath and bowed helplessly before retreating.

Cao Hong's eyes moved from the top of the bamboo slip to Cao Fu's departing figure, then pulled it down again, and continued to fixate on the bamboo slip. It seemed that he had no expression, and it seemed that nothing had happened, but that he didn't know what had happened. After a long time, there was a faint sigh in the room. It lingered for a while and then disappeared.

……（*￣（エ）￣）……

Cao Hong's home was neither cold nor hot, but at the entrance of the Chen family's residence in Yingchuan, there were indeed crowds of people and loud voices.

The grandson of Chen Shi, the chief of Taiqiu of the Han Dynasty, and the son of Chen Ji of Dahonglu, were recently moved to the post of Fou Ling, and were sent out to control the land and bring peace to the people. It was a happy event, and naturally all the neighbors came to congratulate him.

"In the past, there were unparalleled scholars in the country, and now there are also great talents in the world!" 』

"Exactly, exactly!" In the old days, Prime Minister Xiao chased the wise and pacified the world under the moonlight, but now there is King Chen Lang and Zhou prophecies, and he is wise and loyal! Fortunately, fortunately! 』

Chen Qun hurriedly raised his hands and said humbly, "Everyone, you praise me, I praise you... Qun really dare not admit it, and all the sages took the time to condescend. However, they are incompetent and cannot be received in a simple and elegant manner. They feel guilty and sad..."

When Du Xi heard this, he smiled and said loudly: "This is a long statement. Although it is full of etiquette, it is weak in emotion!" Nowadays, the guests in the hall are all looking forward to the elegant style of the long article. How can we treat them simply and elegantly? 』

After Du Xi's words fell, a large number of people echoed again, and some people shouted loudly: "Today, I would like to congratulate Chen Langjun on his new move to Fu, and he will definitely be able to ascend to Jiuqing again soon!" 』

"That's right!" 』

"How lucky I am to meet Mr. Chen with such grace and elegance!" I heard from old stories that Mr. Chen was as humble as jade, and now that I have seen him, he is indeed so! Only then do you know that the way of a gentleman is contained within, and then you will have all kinds of classics and styles, and you will be full of beautiful things..."

Chen Qun stood in the scene. Seeing that the more he talked, the more outrageous he said, so he quickly greeted and prepared for the banquet, and then suppressed the words of a group of disciples.

Chen Qun glanced at Du Xi, and then Du Xi smiled, as if nothing was wrong. He couldn't help but twitch the corners of his eyes, and then smiled. Invite Du Xi and others to sit down at the table.

There was sudden joy inside and outside, but amidst the laughter, there was something gloomy in Chen Qun's eyes.

There are many legends among Yingchuan people that Chen Qun has the ability of prophecy and discernment, he can know good and evil, and he can tell the truth between loyalty and evil. If these descendants of the Yingchuan gentry could still read Journey to the West in later generations, they might even have the title of Demon Mirror on their foreheads for Chen Qun.

But Chen Qun really has the ability to tell faces, and he can tell who is a good guy and who is a bad guy just by meeting him?

Don't tell me, there are indeed such examples.

At that time, Cao Cao conquered Chen Qun as a vassal of Cao Cao in Sikong West. At that time, someone recommended Wang Mo from Le'an and Zhou Kui from Xiapi to Cao Cao, and Cao Cao called them both. Chen Qun urged Cao Cao not to do so, and believed that Wang Mo and Zhou Kui had bad morals and bad deeds, which would lead to bad things in the end, but Cao Cao would not listen. As a result, Wang Tuesday was punished for his crime. Cao Cao believed Chen Qun's words and admitted his mistake to Chen Qun.

Later, Boss Cao felt dissatisfied and came to Chen Qun again and said, "Chen Qun, don't you know people? Can you recommend a few..."

Chen Qun recommended Chen Jiao from Guangling and Dai Qian from Danyang, and Cao Cao appointed them both. The two people recommended by Chen Qun were both quite competent and courageous in their duties, so Cao Cao finally shut up.

But keeping his mouth shut doesn't mean that Cao Cao doesn't have doubts in his heart.

Cao Cao thinks he has the ability to recognize people. If this happens, wouldn't he be a step behind Chen Qun? What I thought was good turned out to be corrupt and bad, but the problem is, by such a coincidence, two children from poor families were found guilty of the exact crime?

Cao Cao didn't even notice it, but someone discovered it and recorded it. Isn't there something wrong with this?

To take a step back, among the big Han people nowadays, among all the local officials, which one is not a fisherman? It’s just to see who eats better, or who can take care of people while eating, instead of just treating themselves as pigs who only know how to eat and drink but not work.

Cao Cao has mentioned before that he is willing to appoint capable people, but at the same time he does not pay much attention to the so-called "filial piety and virtue". As a result, he only hired a few disciples from poor families. Either he said that this person lacked ability and ruined the place, or he was greedy. Corrupt behavior, collecting property...

One or two, Cao Cao also knew that people are not saints, and he is not a divine judge, but a large group of them all fell, which is somewhat problematic.

Boss Cao needs talents, but he also needs talents who can control them. If he can't control them himself, how can he use them with confidence? Therefore, for a long time, Cao Cao kept people like Chen Qun in check and did not give real power easily.

In addition, there is a certain overlap in the functions of Chen Qun and Xun Yu, so if Chen Qun does not express his trust with Cao Cao with his family and life, or if he completely supports Cao Cao, Cao Cao will not easily elect Chen Qun as a high-ranking official. , but this time, Cao Cao was helpless.

General Hussar made a big fuss in Yuzhou, causing chaos in the court. Cao Cao returned to Xu County and his first task was to stabilize the place, re-establish the reputation of the Cao family, polish the cracks on his sign, and apply some paint. , and after it dries, it will naturally become brighter and more elegant.

Chen Qun is the paint that Cao Cao now uses to paint the outside. Chen Qun also knew this, but so what? Chen Qun also has a large group of family members behind him. These talents don't care whether Chen Qun is exposed or not, but as long as Chen Qun's promotion can bring benefits!

In the past, under Cao Cao's rule, local nobles would be allowed to manage the place unless their hands were too short to reach. Otherwise, those who could seize the position would be enfeoffed to the Cao family and the Xiahou family. This time...

The Cao family and the Xiahou family, faced with the hussar general Fei Qian's army, were defeated, evaded, and captured. There was simply no achievement that could be achieved to contribute to the great cause of the Cao family. To wipe some luster, if Cao Cao still uses the original strategy, it will inevitably cause trouble again, so in desperation, Cao Cao was forced to give up some positions, such as the Fou Order that Chen Qun currently holds.

Fucheng, this city has a special meaning in the Han Dynasty, because it is the fiefdom of Xiao He, the hero of the Han Dynasty, and can be called the place where the first prince of the founding of the country is located.

Although this is not a very important, but very subtle place, it was suddenly awarded to Chen Qun, who was originally in the upper echelon. Naturally, many people regarded it as a precursor to the loosening of Cao Cao's talent appointment policy, so they were particularly excited. , of course, it is not ruled out that Chen Qun, the guy who once recommended talents to Cao Cao, will once again twist his lips and send his name to Cao Cao...

As for Du Xime, although he joked a lot, he probably didn't feel that Chen Qun could do it, so why couldn't he do it? Therefore, under the praise, there was also a teasing hidden in his words, which is natural.

Chen Qun looked at the excited people in the courtyard, and an indescribable feeling emerged in his heart. Before he could fully grasp it, someone shouted again to toast, and his train of thought was interrupted again, and then he was drowned in Amidst the hustle and bustle...