Three Kingdoms

While Fei Qian and Pang Tong were discussing some more serious topics, Mr. Shui Jing and Sima Hui also had some similar worries.

This trouble comes from a letter home.

In other words, the questions raised by this letter home.

This is a letter from Wen County.

As the proportion of the Sima family's investment in Fei Qian continued to increase, Sima himself in Wen County suffered some discrimination. Although it is not an unforgivable sin for brothers to serve in different camps at the moment, it does not mean that others have no grudges about this situation.

In history, when Zhuge Liang was in sole control of Liu Bei, Sun Quan deliberately sent Zhuge Jin as an envoy to Sichuan and Shu. If not for the fact that the two brothers were well aware of Sun Quan's petty behavior, they also had a tacit understanding with each other.

Although Sun Quan said that Gu and Ziyu had an oath of life and death, and Ziyu would live up to Gu, just as Gu would live up to Ziyu, but in fact, if Zhuge Jin did anything extraordinary in private during the mission, Sun Quan's Due to his bad temper, Zhuge Jin's family may not be safe in Jiangdong.

Now Wen County Sima is facing such a situation.

Historically, Cao Cao wanted Sima Yi to become an official, but now he wants Sima Lang to become an official.

The reason why Sima Yi became an official in history was not entirely because of Sima Yi's talent. The reason why Sima Lang became an official now is also not just because of Sima Lang's talent.

Before, it seemed that the conflict between Cao Cao and Fei Qian was not that big, and there was not such an urgent need to take sides. Many families were like Sima, looking here and there, but as the confrontation deepened, it became clear that Just like many so-called free competitions in later generations eventually showed monopoly trends, Feiqian's third assistant in Guanzhong forced the gentry children under his command to bow their heads. Cao Cao also required some neutral gentry families in Jizhou and Yuzhou to take a stand.

Once you become an official, you have to avoid suspicion for many things.

Then some matters that could have been used to achieve success in the name of neutrality must be put aside.

For example, the Sima family's caravan.

In the final analysis, it is still a question of interests.

In fact, Sima Hui also vaguely felt some signs.

If Sima Hui gave Fei Qian the title of Yinkun back then, but he just hit three poles first without Zao, now I feel that this title is really too appropriate. When Kun was hiding in the abyss, no one would notice anything was wrong. Just like when Fei lurked in the north and began to lay out his plans, only when Kun began to surface, everyone would feel the tremendous pressure.

Examination, followed by official assessment.

The grand competition was followed by the grand lecture at Qinglong Temple.

The three-year plan was followed by a comprehensive review and rating of officials.

Regional rebellions were followed by the suppression and division of large local households.

Fei Qian is also carrying out political advancement and institutional reforms step by step. A brand-new political group system of the Han Dynasty is gradually forming, developing, and growing.

And such a brand-new political system will inevitably create huge conflicts of interest with the old groups.

Not only Pang Tong was thinking about the future political situation in advance, but Sima Hui and others were also no exception.

With the various policies, systems, and laws of the Eastern and Western Shangshu Ling, more and more differences have emerged between the old and new political groups. When the differences between the East and the West become more and more acute, everyone in the Han Dynasty must Faced with this problem, should we choose the east wind or rely on the west wind?

Although Wen County's letter does not directly indicate this in the text, it actually means this between the lines. I want to confirm it through Sima Hui's reply.

As for the emperor?

To be honest, in the current era of Han Dynasty, the emperor is not that important anymore. Although today in Xu County, my surname is Liu, Xie, and Bohe, I call myself "I" every day, and others also call His Majesty Sheng Ming three kneels and nine kowtows, but in fact?

That's just some superficial maintenance.

Just like the respected Emperor Zhou during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period.

It is said that he is the common master of the world, but this is the only name left.

Everyone in the Sima family knows this very well. Other families are much the same.

If Fei Qian and Cao Cao have determined the outcome, then everyone doesn't have to worry about it. They all rush forward, holding the robe, flicking the dust, licking the feet, and the boss eats. Meat, I can just drink soup, but it's uncomfortable to have things like this confronting each other.

If the outcome has already been determined, even if the winner wants to make some big moves, even if he chooses another emperor, it is not a big problem. In fact, this kind of operation is regarded as a basic operation in the minds of the nobles, and it is not worth making a fuss about. Just like Dong Zhuo said that Liu Bian was a coward and let Liu Xie take over, wouldn't the nobles pay homage to him in the end?

There is no majesty left in the Emperor of Han today, just like the Emperor of Zhou in ancient times. The emperor of Zhou Dynasty was divided into three families, and now the emperor of Han Dynasty is a tripod. It seems a little different, but what is the actual difference?

Perhaps starting from Emperor Ling of the Han Dynasty, the majesty of the Emperor of the Han Dynasty had been pushed to the ground and rubbed. The party imprisonment incident at that time completely severed the relationship between the gentry system and the emperor.

If we go further

It’s not that it can’t be considered.

After Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty used Dong Zhongshu to expand the imperial power, hidden dangers were laid. Since the so-called emperor is the son of destiny, just like the emperor Ji of Zhou could conquer a son of destiny, then the next son of destiny will appear. , it’s no big deal

As we all know, General Fei Qian's troops are not that large in number, and they are not like Mr. Cao. He can shout loudly like one hundred thousand or two hundred thousand, or eight hundred thousand or one million. But despite the small number, the actual combat effectiveness is substantial. Judging from the results of the rapid suppression of rebellions in Longxi and other places, the current strength of the Hussars is enough to support such a large territory.

We have force.

What about Wenzhi?

Not bad either.

Zheng Xuan, who was most disliked by Sima Hui back then, is now also under Fei Qian's command. Coupled with the revision of scripture annotations this time, Guanzhong's cultural status can almost be confirmed. Even higher than the originally proud Shandong noble system.

Cai's collection of books, endorsed by Duke Pang De of Jingxiang, and annotated books by Zheng Xuan and Sima Hui, are almost at the top of Han culture. As for the words of those small families in Jiangdong, they are not worthy of mention at all.

The martial arts and cavalry spanned the east and west, and the literary classics covered the north and the south. Unknowingly, the mentality of these gentry children in Guanzhong, including Sima Hui, has undergone great changes.

But the Cavalry General did not express his position!

Fei Qian has not expressed his ambition directly. At least until now, he still seems to put the emperor first and be proud of the man. This makes everyone in the Sima family, including Sima Hui and Sima Yi, somewhat confused.

To be honest, if Sima Hui is now in Fei Qian's position, it may be difficult to resist the further attraction. With a wave of his hand, tens of thousands of troops follow, and a little further forward, the world seems to be right around the corner. In the palm of your hand, not just that cat or dog can resist this kind of temptation.

Therefore, Wen County's letter ostensibly asked Sima Hui, Sima Yi and others how they were doing in Guanzhong. In fact, it asked the Sima family whether it was better to choose Fei Qian or Cao Cao for a brighter future.

Sima Hui turned to look at Sima Yi who was putting down the letter, nodded on the table and said, what do Zhongda think? How should I respond?

Sima Yi pondered for a while, and then said: My nephew once suggested in front of the Lord's table that Pei's son should be used to escape. If there are any lawbreakers among the officials, they can be cut off.

Sima Yi increased the tone of lawlessness.

Sima Hui thought for a moment, seemed to understand Sima Yi's hidden meaning, and raised his gray eyebrows, how about it?

The Lord refused. Sima Yi said in a deep voice.

Oh, Sima Hui exhaled and refused? This is really

Sima Yi nodded.

The two were silent for a moment.

Just as Fei Qian had speculated before, Sima Yi's advice on Pei Yuan's affairs at that time, in addition to superficially admonishing Pei Yuan and other matters, also included some expressions of allegiance and attitude. Test.

Allegiance is very simple. It was Sima Yi who expressed his willingness to serve as an eagle and dog.

The test was very subtle, just taking advantage of Pei Yuan's opportunity to see if Fei Qian had the intention to establish himself as king.

Just like when Yuan Shao fled to Shandong at the East Gate, Pei Yuan would be regarded as Yuan Shao's second propaganda by the people of Shandong. If Fei Qian had ambitions to go further, then naturally he would not Isn't it the right time to allow something like this to happen under one's own command, and to take this opportunity to clear out the ranks and unify their thoughts?

Just like many corrupt criminals in later generations, their corrupt behavior was not just one thing, nor one or two days. Some even extended to several places, lasting more than ten or twenty years. Could it be said that in such a long period of time, No one discovered it, no one reported it?

So, why?

Sima Hui looked up at the sky and said slowly: If the sky is affectionate, why is the winter cold to the bone? If the sky is ruthless, why is the spring warm and the flowers bloom? The way of heaven, so what is destiny?

Sima Yi glanced at Sima Hui, and then frowned, uncle, this theory of destiny is already a prophecy, and it is a lie to say that the five virtues in the world may have an end, but they will not enter reincarnation, regardless of replacement.

After all, Sima Yi also carries the title of the terminator of reincarnation with five virtues.

Although the current reincarnation of the Five Virtues has not yet been determined whether it is a fallacy and whether it should be abolished, there is no market for it in the Sanfu area of ​​​​Guanzhong.

Sima Hui nodded and said, the snow is falling and the cold is accumulating, the fields are hardened, and spring is about to turn. We can remove it manually, and we can drive cattle and horses to plow it. But now we don’t use people, and we don’t drive cattle and horses. Why?

It could have been achieved in a simple way, so why not do it now?

This is the question now facing Sima and his family.

What exactly does Fei Qian want to do?

Is he a loyal minister, a powerful minister, or a

Sima Yi pondered for a moment and said: The spring is warm and the flowers are blooming, and the scorching sun is melting the snow, so that everything will come true?

Everything comes naturally? Sima Huiba smacked his lips, maybe

During the questions and answers between the two, they were deducing the answers based on guessing the words and deeds of the Cavalry General Fei Qian.

Just as Sima Yi said, Feiqian currently has many new political institutions and many new systems that are different from those of the Han Dynasty in the past. These institutions and systems have allowed more people to participate in the political system, not just the gentry in the past. The disciple system also includes more aspects, just like digging a canal. There may not be water flow at the beginning, but after all communication is completed, the water of the river will definitely flow.

Sima and I may not be able to judge whether these things are right or wrong.

One is the struggle and integration of old and new political interest groups.

Although Feiqian has made a lot of adjustments in this aspect, the emerging military meritorious officials will inevitably erode the old political groups. The rebellion in Longyou and Hanzhong is actually a manifestation of this contradiction.

The current counterinsurgency and local peacemaking do not mean that this problem has been completely resolved. After the promotion of the 4321 structure of Longyou's new government, if the interests cannot be reconciled smoothly, conflicts may still break out again.

Of course, Feiqian has received support and support from many people at the moment, there is no doubt about this.

Especially the soldiers, those from poorer families and those who have newly entered the political system of the Han Dynasty are almost die-hard loyalists of Fei Qian.

There are also the sons of the nobles who could not get much space in the Shandong nobles. Now they have turned to Fei Qian. However, according to the theory, Fei Qian should open the door wide and embrace all rivers, but Fei Qian chose to use the examination system. Stopped a lot of people

These people may not dare to say that they failed the exam, but after hitting a snag with Fei Qian, they turned around and went back to Shandong, spraying saliva to portray Fei Qian as a vicious, cruel and incompetent guy.

This also made Sima and his wife somewhat incomprehensible.

Shouldn't it be to accumulate more popularity?

In fact, Fei Qian's popularity is indeed there, but it just increases the number of ordinary people. This is not within the scope of Sima's consideration, nor is it within the scope of consideration of many nobles.

You ants, why worry?

Sima Hui's hesitation now is because he feels that General Hussar's method may be used in the Sanfu area of ​​​​Guanzhong, but he is not sure that this method can be used in the whole world of Han Dynasty.

Sima Yi’s hesitation was due to Fei Qian’s attitude

Each stage has a stage goal.

One step at a time?

Only after you have a goal can you have a direction to strive for.

Logically speaking, the next step up to the step Fei Qian is standing on now is the next step up. However, Fei Qian doesn't make any moves, and sometimes even behaves a little confused.

In Sima Yi's perception, it was like deliberately giving up some opportunities. This kind of waste made Sima Yi feel a little heartbroken.

But this relatively chaotic pattern seems to be attracted by a magnet, or the slow moves on Go gather together after a period of time and point in a certain direction.

For example, some of the regulations and laws promulgated by Feiqian before seemed to have no connection with each other, and there was not much sense of urgency at first. However, after a period of time, people discovered that a line had been erected around them at some point. A fence, a circle of fence, a ditch, and then regulation, you can only go in one direction.

This kind of thing happened several times in a row, which made the two of them feel a little emotional.

But for a noble family, it is just a simple emotion and has little meaning. Only by foreseeing some changes in the upper class in advance, sensing its goals and directions, and then reaching an agreement with them can they seize the opportunity in the chaotic situation. , and then develop the entire family.

Now Wen County's letter is implicitly confirming this to Sima Hui, whether the chance is greater with Cao Cao or with Fei Qian.

Both Sima Hui and Sima Yi knew that it was indeed time to make this matter clear now, because the situation in the future may be even more troublesome. Some things really need to be planned in advance, otherwise they will need to make trade-offs in the future. Hesitation can lead to bad things.

Ah, Sima Hui took a breath as if he thought of something.

Uncle Sima Yi looked at Sima Hui.

During the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, all the princes were related to each other and were all subordinates of the King of Zhou. Sima Hui's face turned dark, he frowned and said slowly, "However, within the three generations, it can be said that, outside of the five clothes, Being close to a passerby will never last long.

The meaning of Sima Hui, of course, does not only refer to the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period.

During the Spring and Autumn Period, the blood relationship system of King Wu of Zhou was broken.

What breaks the blood relationship system is of course blood relatives.

In the beginning, all the vassal states were close relatives. You were my uncle and I was his brother. Naturally, this kind of relationship could not be fought. Even if there is a dispute over interests, everyone should just sit down and talk with the older generation taking the lead. If they don't see each other, it won't look good if it gets too big.

As time goes by, when everyone has babies, it won’t take long for babies to have babies again. Two hundred years ago, it will be almost the tenth generation. After all, in the Zhou Dynasty, babies were born at the age of fifteen or sixteen. .

Now, the so-called royal bloodline is just distant relatives. In terms of blood relationship, yes, and in terms of seniority, yes, but what about the relationship between them? After all, they are so far apart, who knows who is the elder? The initial family affection has naturally disappeared. In fact, it is not wrong to say that everyone is a stranger.

The longer time goes by, the weaker the family ties become, and the more unstable the relationship that relies on blood ties becomes. On the contrary, the interest relationship became more and more important, so due to the irreconcilable contradictions between them, the war broke out.

The promotion of three companies is the most typical case.

So, how can the division of the three families into Jin during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods not be a microcosm of the present?

In the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, what was the difference between the blood connections between various princes, and now among the gentry families, what is the difference between the clans united by blood?

Only real interests are most important.

In the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, princes often fought over a piece of land, a river, and even a mulberry tree.

Who still recognizes blood relationship at this time?

Go tell people, stop fighting. Two hundred years ago we were still brothers.

Who will listen? Just like later generations, wouldn't they say that everyone is descended from the Yan and Huang Dynasties, but then do evil things behind their backs?

During the Spring and Autumn Period, the division of the three families into the imperial family became the trigger that overthrew the royal bloodline. Now, with the situation similar to the three-legged confrontation, is it an important factor in overthrowing another bloodline connection?

Just like in the letter, you have to make a choice!

What his uncle meant was that Sima Yi was shocked and looked at Sima Hui. Did the master's plot actually end up here? !