Three Kingdoms

"Who touched a certain bookcase?" ah? 』

After a few days of triumphant rest, Zheng County Hucao returned to his official residence. He realized that something was wrong. After a quick check, he immediately found that the household registration seemed to have been tampered with. He couldn't help but rummage around and check. He scolded the clerk angrily, "You are not good at taking care of me. If you make any mistake, you will be severely punished!" 』

The clerk said at the side: "Report to Hucao, it's an agricultural scholar who has come..."

"ah? ” Hu Cao paused, then stopped, with the flesh on his face pulsing, “Okay, okay...”

Seeing that the situation was not going well and that he might be affected, the clerk shrank back almost instinctively and quietly avoided it first.

For a long time, the officials of the Han Dynasty have been accustomed to having only one person in charge. When a local governor takes office, the first thing he does must be to compete with the local magistrate. If he wins, he will naturally gain power. If he loses, he will live in despair for a few years and either return to the central government or be dismissed from office.

This is true for county governors, and it is the same for villages and counties in various places. The power only falls in the hands of one person, and it is very exclusive. But now, there seem to be some differences under the hussar...

Of course, in the eyes of later generations, these differences are nothing more than the AB position system in the workplace. However, the Qiusi established this AB position system, and it is only now that it is gradually showing its power.

Just when Zheng County Household Registration was full of evil fire and didn't know where to send it, he heard the noise gradually rising outside the door. The fire of ignorance suddenly rushed into his mind. He stood up and walked to the door in a few steps. I was about to vent my anger by scolding these unruly dog ​​slaves, but I saw a group of soldiers coming outside the official mansion...

Under the guard of the hussar soldiers, Zhuge Jin looked around, slowly took out a scroll of writing from his sleeve, unfolded it, and said in a deep voice: "Zheng County Hu Cao, Li Cao, Gong Cao Where? 』

Hu Cao was stunned, then looked aside and found that the officials and workers had the same confused expression as him.

"Where are the Hucao, the Licao, and the Gongcao?" "Zhuge Jin saw no reaction from the crowd and didn't show any anger. Instead, he calmly asked again.

The officials who were in front lowered their heads and looked around. Suddenly, they all lowered their heads in unison, bent their waists, stuck their butts out, and took a few small steps back. Hu Cao and the other two were immediately taken away. Someone was exposed.

"Good..." Zhuge Jin smiled slightly. He seemed to be amiable. "You three, please come close..."

Hu Cao and the other three had no choice but to take a few steps forward and reach Zhuge Jin.

Zhuge Jin looked at the three of them slowly, nodded slightly in greeting, and then said: "General Hussar's order!" In the third year of Taixing's plan, the magistrate of Zheng County, the household, the official, and the Gongcao were all subordinates! The so-called incompetence? Get rid of him immediately! Someone come! Remove his crown and ribbon? Get rid of his seal and ribbon! 』

Immediately, soldiers came forward. They slapped Hu Cao and others on the head, who were still in a daze and could not react. Then they knocked the Jinxian crown off their heads, then grabbed the ribbon around their waists and pulled... …

The crown was knocked off, and the bun was naturally in disarray. Even the roots of the hair were sore. I don't know how many hairs were broken in this moment. Hu Cao reacted in pain and shouted loudly: "Unjust!" Unjustly accused! Small dissatisfaction! Not convinced! The Hussars General behaved like this, just like...just like...a small dissatisfaction, unjust..."

Hu Cao obviously wanted to say something like "animal", "barbaric", etc., but when the words came to his lips, he didn't have the courage to speak directly, so he swallowed them back and just screamed that he was wronged.

Zhuge Jin smiled, then pulled out another volume of documents from his sleeve and said, "This is the work report form you three submitted... There are many things in it, and there are quite a lot of details, but what is the actual situation?" You should know that you have been wronged? 』

"This..." Hu Cao was stunned and speechless for a moment.

Isn't this a formality? Aren't all the official articles in the newspapers written in as fancy a manner as possible? Isn’t that what the people above want to see? Everything is written based on reality. How can there be so much to write about?

"No... this..." Hu Cao turned to look at the officials and workers. Suddenly an idea came to his mind. His face trembled uncontrollably. He took a step forward and kowtowed, "This superior officer, now Spring plowing is coming, and there are many affairs in the county... It is a small thing for the villain to be dismissed, but it is a big thing for delaying the general's spring plowing plan... It would be better if... the villain is willing to take the blame and make meritorious service, and give the villain a chance..."

"Yes, yes... Even a villain is willing to take responsibility for his crimes..." The officials and workers also stepped forward, "We are familiar with every place in the county. If a new official comes, he does not know the situation and delays the general's spring plowing plan... The villain knows that he is wrong, and please ask the superior to be kind. The villain is willing to pay for his crime and make meritorious service..."

Zhuge Jin listened quietly, and when the three of them had no energy left to yell, he slowly said: "I already know the three people's determination to serve the country. However, the laws of the country are strict and do not tolerate selfish behavior." The three of you might as well go back and think about your mistakes behind closed doors. If the master has orders, there is nothing wrong with performing your duties again. 』

The three of them had no choice but to support each other and stumble back, their hair disheveled and their robes askew.

Zhuge Jin watched the three people go away, then turned around and asked, "Bachelor of Agriculture and Engineering, where is the inspection of Zheng County?" 』

Inspector Sun came out proudly, "He is here!" 』

The Bachelor of Agriculture and the Bachelor of Engineering also came out and responded.

Zhuge Jin gave the seals and ribbons of the Hu Cao and the Gong Cao to the Bachelor of Agriculture and the Bachelor of Engineering respectively. Then he held the seals and ribbons of the Li Cao in his hands and said with a smile: "You three, please work hard and don't lose the lord's face..."

"I obey the order!" 』

"I take my orders!" 』

Zhuge Jin nodded, and then left Zheng County with his soldiers. On this trip, Zhuge Jin had to walk around Fengyi on the left and Fufeng on the right. He was going to Kanze. The Sanfu area in Guanzhong was naturally the first area to be shaken by the officials' plot. Other places would probably be affected as well. Finish it before spring plowing...

Zhuge Jin left.

Inspection Sun looked at the second bachelor of agriculture and engineering, raised his hands and said: "I will immediately lead someone to inspect the county soldiers and go to the streets to inspect... this matter within the yamen..."

The Bachelor of Agriculture and Bachelor of Engineering also handed over their hands and said: "Please don't worry about the inspection..." Outside of the inspection, the internal affairs are naturally for the second Bachelor of Agriculture and Engineering to complete a smooth transition. On weekdays, the three of them are all sent to the place by the Hussars, so their relationship with each other is not bad, and they have a tacit understanding. They don't need to explain too clearly, but they also know what to do.

After entering the official residence, the bachelor of agriculture and the bachelor of engineering looked at each other, and then went into their respective official rooms separately. Then a series of orders flowed out, driving the clerks like fish and shrimps falling back into the water, clattering through Let's swim...

All these changes made the Guanzhong gentry and many surrounding gentry disciples widen their eyes, frightened and confused, because they found that things seemed to be changing too fast, completely subverting some of the things they were accustomed to, and even They discovered that what they originally thought they could rely on was actually illusory...

……乂(?Д?三?Д?)乂……

In fact, many of the things of the Cavalry General may seem simple and nothing extraordinary, but if you really want to learn them or imitate them, you will find that they are not simple.

Unlike in previous years, bachelors of agriculture and engineering had to go directly to counties and villages. There were inspections and soldiers to maintain public order, and businesses were required to replenish supplies and stabilize prices. Of course, a strong military force of hussars and horses was also needed to suppress the situation, like in Zheng County From top to bottom, there is a pile of radish like a pair of pants. Does that mean you can pull them out?

Not to mention pulling out the carrots and bringing them out of the mud, but simply speaking, without the assistance of inspections and trading companies, even if the county magistrate, Hu Cao, Li Cao, Gong Cao are replaced, there will still be many off-board moves. If you don't handle any of them correctly, you will be suppressed again. When I went back, I had to bow to the old forces.

Just like Jizhou.

Cao Cao wants to "take the test", no problem, everything seems to be normal, everyone has no objections, but when he sees the plate starting to take shape, the off-plate trick comes...

This time, it was Ding Chong and Ding Youyang who was in charge of Jizhou's examination affairs.

That's right, the D-character Ding Chong is naturally the D-character of Mrs. Ding.

Although it is said that Mrs. Ding and Cao Cao had a falling out, it does not mean that the whole Ding family has broken with Cao Cao. As a member of the Ding family, Ding Chong must stand closely with Cao Cao. This time as the Jizhou Examination, of course It was also due to caution and repeated efforts that the talent of the person involved was examined to ensure that the ranking and talent could be linked before reporting the list to Cao Cao.

"The Langya Wang family, Wang Xiang, will stop the campaign?" ” Cao Cao looked at the first name, stretched out his finger and pointed, “How about talent? 』

Cao Cao had also heard about Wang Xiang's name a little bit, but Cao Cao was more concerned about whether he had real talent and learning. After all, this was the key point. Otherwise, how would it be different from the imperial examination system to select scholars based on reputation alone? ?

Ding Chong took out the first, second and third articles from his sleeves and presented them to Cao Cao for review. "If we talk about the ability to talk clearly, this person may not be able to speak freely. However, when it comes to talking to him, looking at his articles, we can see the truth." Qingyuan means practicing morality..."

Cao Cao briefly read Wang Xiang's article and nodded slightly, agreeing with Ding Chong's statement. Judging from the article, Wang Xiang's thinking was clear, his examples were appropriate, and he had his own extensions and thinking, no matter from which angle he came. It is said that it is a first-class masterpiece, but it is impossible to have a false reputation, but the result is not embarrassing at all when it comes to writing.

Moreover, the first place is the Langya Wang family, and the second and third places are from Jizhou. This is also in line with Cao Cao's inner thoughts. Cao Cao wants to use Jizhou people, but he cannot make the Jizhou people too proud, thinking that without the Jizhou people, Cao Cao will Nothing can be done, so this ranking arrangement naturally has this implicit meaning.

"That's it, let's publish the list! ”Cao Cao finally decided.

On the streets of Yecheng, when this list was announced, there was an uproar.

Su Cheng, who was among the crowd, looked up slightly, with a smile on his lips. Then he turned around and walked out of the crowd, walking through the familiar streets and alleys until he reached the corner door of a house. , knocked lightly on the door.

With a "squeak" sound, the corner door opened, and a servant quickly greeted him, "I've seen Mr. Sulang..."

Su Cheng waved his hand, "Is Mr. Shen here?" 』

"Here he is, in the hall..." the servant replied while using a duster to brush off the snowflakes on Su Cheng's body.

Su Cheng nodded, then waited for the servant to finish his work, then raised his head and moved forward, turned around the corridor, and felt a wave of heat coming towards his face. In the meantime, three or four braziers were lit in the hall, and there was a stove to warm the wine. , driving the cold winter far away, the people in the hall were only wearing thin clothes, looking comfortable and comfortable.

"I've met Master Shen..." Su Cheng came up to greet Shen Rong first, and then turned around and bowed his hands to his brother.

"how? Shen Rong asked, "Is it really the Wang family of Langya?" 』

Su Cheng nodded slightly.

Of course, Shen Rong, Su Pan, Su Cheng and others knew the rankings before the list was posted, but to be on the safe side, Su Cheng still went over and confirmed it with his own eyes.

"Hmph...as expected..." Shen Rong snorted coldly, "This is the meaning of beating... How can the children of Yecheng be inferior to Langya?" 』

Su Pan shook his head and said: "A few days ago, when I heard that the Wang family of Langya came to Ye, I knew that there was something mysterious in it. It was true..."

Cao Cao had just started to implement the "examination", and it was impossible to immediately distinguish areas like later generations. Naturally, all those who could catch up were eligible to take the examination, and then the best were admitted. It did not say that only Yecheng could take the examination. , or local people from Jizhou participate.

After all, Cao Cao's original intention of implementing this examination system was to recruit talents to the greatest extent possible. In the previous chaotic civil war, many nobles had left their hometowns. If regional examinations were restricted, it would be the same as the original examination system, making it difficult or even impossible for these people to enter official careers.

This is a factor that Cao Cao wants to get rid of, and it is also a very important factor. After all, it has always been difficult for outsiders to be shortlisted for the appreciation of the township party. Then there will be cases where the township parties in various places form groups, so it depends on the regional chain or the The so-called township party came into being naturally.

Wang Xiang is the first step.

However, it is obvious that Cao Cao wants to move forward. There are indeed many people who just want to sit on the ground and not move, or in turn drag Cao Cao's pace, forcing Cao Cao to follow their wishes and go where they want to go. Go up.

After the announcement of the list, the expected rebound did not seem to take place, so that the article announcements that had been prepared long ago were not used. This is what Cao Cao and Ding Chong learned from the hussar general Fei Qian. Anyway, as shown in the article, although it is said that the civil servants are not the best but the martial arts are not the second, the difference between good and bad can still be seen. Who has any talent or what? This is naturally evident, so Ding Chong was ready to publish the articles of those who participated in the examination from the beginning, but three days have passed and there seems to be no objection?

Could it be said that these gentry children near Yecheng in Jizhou recognized them like this?

Everything happened on the third day...

But the entry point was not the so-called corrective article as Ding Chong expected, but something else.

The third day, according to the previous arrangement, was in the north of Yecheng, on the side of Zhang River.

All the thirty-seven candidates on the list, headed by Wang Xiang, walked through the city and arrived at the bank of Zhangshui River. In front of the Tongque - well, the Tongque is still incomplete, but it has already begun to show its scale - A banquet was held, and village elders from nearby Yecheng were also invited to bear witness.

This kind of move was originally a way for Cao Cao to pave the way for those who took the examination to become officials. On the one hand, it allowed these people to show their faces, and on the other hand, it also allowed the elders of Jizhou Township to have some understanding of these people. It's not like when these people are sent down, they won't know anyone and their eyes will be dark.

Originally, both parties should be enjoying each other happily, but as they were drinking and drinking, an uncoordinated voice suddenly came out: "I heard that Wang Xiuzheng is so sincere and filial, and moved the heavens and the earth, so that the wind and rain can come but the dates will not fall, and we will avoid the snare." And the birds are whirling around, the sky and the earth are cold and the carps are coming out... Hahaha, there are no jujube trees to hug today, and there are no birds to fly, but there is a glacier. I wonder if Wang Xiuzheng can repeat his act of sincerity and filial piety, lying on the ice to pray Carp? 』

As soon as these words came out, the scene fell silent. Almost everyone's actions seemed to be frozen on the spot, and many people even looked at Wang Xiang.

After all, Wang Xiang was still a young man, and his face had not yet been cultivated. Under the gaze of so many people, he gradually turned red and said with a forced smile: "This is the mercy of heaven and earth. Xiang is just in luck, not at the right time." Asking for it...』

Is this kind of thing happening? In fact, everyone knows what kind of routine it is.

Wang Xiang himself is not without talent, but the question is whether he has talent or not. It does not necessarily mean he will have much fame. After all, scholars look down upon each other, and those who can understand Wang Xiang's articles may not be willing to make Wang Xiang famous. Ordinary people often do not understand Wang Xiang. What is the difference between Xiang’s articles and those of other literati? Therefore, if you want to gain greater fame, you can either spend money to buy social media to promote word-of-mouth, or create hot searches on the topic, or do both together... …

Since the rise of Wang Ji, the Wang family of Langya, and then Wang Chong, the grandson of Wang Ji, rose to the rank of Da Sikong and was granted the title of Fuping Marquis. They fell from their peak, and then began to gradually decline. Wang Zun, the son of Wang Chong, was praised by Emperor Guangwu for his loyalty rather than his talents. He reluctantly became a minister of Taizhong and was granted the title of Marquis of Yi. Later, Wang Zun's son, Wang Yin, was at most a general, and then his condition became worse and worse. He could only serve as a local governor and could never enter the central court.

Under such circumstances, it is naturally impossible to say that the Wang family of Langya would rather be an idler in the mountains and rivers, a noble hermit. So when he saw that Wang Xiang was quite talented and had such conditions, he naturally wanted to give him a boost. Therefore, various stories about Wang Xiang Rumors began to spread.

If he were not a member of the Langya Wang clan and saw that Wang Xiang did not look like a leader of soldiers, he would probably say that Wang Xiang was capable of dragging down an ox and defeating a tiger...

Bragging is bragging, talent is learning. Anyway, everyone was well aware of this kind of thing, and the content that was boasted in the countryside was generally not mentioned in formal occasions among the nobles, but now that it was revealed, the situation became extremely embarrassing.