Three Kingdoms

The time soon reached the middle of the month, and it was the day of the Great Dynasty.

This can be regarded as the last court meeting before the New Year. After this court meeting, it is basically necessary to seal, take a rest, and then wait for the arrival of the New Year. Generally, after the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, the office will gradually start to reopen.

Those who are closer to the imperial palace can set off later, but if they are not qualified to live near the palace like Xi Lu, they naturally need to set off before dawn.

Around Xu County, similar to Chang'an of the Han Dynasty, there are also some small villages and towns similar to Lingyi, or manors. Anyway, there are not as many people as Chang'an Lingyi, and there are no high walls. The outer perimeter is only about two or three feet. The earthen wall cannot withstand any soldiers at all. At most, it can block some thieves and bandits for comfort.

Xi Liu felt a little uneasy.

On the way to Xu County Palace for the court meeting at dawn, there were few pedestrians and it was so quiet that it was unnerving.

Turning from the small road onto the official road, a huge wind lantern with the word "郗" written on it was swinging in front to guide the way. It also marked Xi Lu's identity, but Xi Lu felt like this lantern was in the night breeze. It may be blown out of breath at any time, swaying.

Entering Xu County West Street from Guangde Gate, you can see some Imperial Guards on duty standing on both sides of the road.

Seeing the spears, axes, and golden melon halberds held by the imperial guards, Xi Lu knew clearly that these were ceremonial weapons, but he couldn't help but think of the officials who had been killed in front of the palace.

The human head bounced on the ground like a bloody ball.

The spreading blood seemed to be still clinging to the corners where light and fire could not shine.

And in those dark places, there are faint ghosts whistling and wailing, as if they are peeping and cursing from another world, trying to pounce out from the corner and bite Xi Li's neck when he is not paying attention...

People who scare people often scare people to death.

It wasn't until he arrived at Yu Street that there were many people, and some voices began to chirp. The firelight gathered in one place, and it was obviously brighter. Only then did Xi Lu feel as if he had returned to the human world from ghosts, and he knew clearly in his heart the people who had left before. There must be nothing wrong with the road, but Fang couldn't help but take a long breath. He felt some cold sweat on the back of his neck, and there was some ice swishing under the cold wind.

In front of the palace gate, the ministers waiting for the meeting exchanged greetings with acquaintances. Of course, those taboo topics would not be discussed in public, and they seemed to have forgotten that this was once an area soaked in blood. .

When Xi Lu arrived, not many people greeted him.

Xi Lu, the imperial censor, was a position that was clearly meant to divide the power of the prime minister. After Cao Cao had just established his power, which official would be so bold as to hook up with Xi Lu?

Although most officials know that Xi Liu, the imperial censor, is an empty-handed person, under the current delicate situation, unless there are any special needs or particularly close relationships, it is generally for Xi considers those who keep a respectful distance.

The ranking of the officials is naturally arranged according to the size of the official position.

Within these ranks, there are many gaps.

During this period of time, the positions of the officials changed very frequently. Some who were still there at the previous court meeting have now disappeared, while some unfamiliar faces that have never been seen before appeared at the end of the queue.

Most of these unfamiliar faces are children from poor families.

From this perspective, it is not difficult to see that Cao Cao wanted to imitate Fei Qian and make some official adjustments, increase the proportion of people from poor families and middle and lower classes, and reduce the weight of powerful families, in order to strengthen his control over Guanzhong. of competition. Otherwise, more and more children from poor families will move to Guanzhong, and what is the use of the few wealthy families left?

However, such a move will inevitably arouse dissatisfaction from Shandong aristocratic families and local tyrants.

Maybe this is your chance?

Of course, this is just Xi Liu's own thinking. What Cao Cao thinks and what will happen in the future are still unknown.

Generally speaking, there are no major issues like this big meeting before the New Year. Most of them just sing praises and say that this year is very good and the CPI is very low... Well, don't care what it is, that's probably what it means. Then look forward to the new year, saying that the new year will be better...

Above the court, this is generally the case.

But under the court, officials discussed it in private, and they had another story. It usually means that this year is bad, and next year may be even worse...

Then the people of Shandong got together and said that what those officials said was not reliable! Previously, officials said that the fourth year of Taixing was a painful year, and then it would be better in the fifth year of Taixing. What was the result? Taixing is still very painful after five years! Then he said that the five years of Taixing were very painful and the six years would be better. But this year, they are still saying that the sixth year of Taixing was a painful year and the seventh year of Taixing will get better. Is the relationship painful every year? But why do we see that the bellies of these officials are getting bigger and fatter? Is it true that the more miserable we are, the fatter the officials will be?

Of course, as superiors to the court, these officials preparing to attend the court meeting cannot hear the voices of the people, or they pretend not to hear them if they hear them.

But no one expected that at this court meeting, Liu Xie expressed his intention to establish a Yushitai!

Just as Liu Xie said these words, Xi Lu heard an obvious uproar in the palace.

Everyone turned their attention to Cao Cao and Xi Lu.

Xi Lu glanced at Cao Cao slightly, he didn't dare to look more, but at this glance, it seemed that Cao Cao didn't have a gloomy expression or an unhappy face, which made Xi Lu somewhat feel at ease, but whether he could succeed or not , in fact, he himself has no bottom.

Of course, Emperor Liu Xie was also referring to the previous turmoil in Xu County, saying that it was precisely because of the lack of supervision that mutual suspicion, inability to communicate effectively, etc., and Yushitai itself had been around since the founding of the Han Dynasty. There are supervisory agencies that cannot be idle for long periods of time, making it difficult for the court to stay on track.

Xi Lu's original idea was not that he had the courage to confront Cao Cao head-on, but that he wanted to take this opportunity to get rid of Liu Xie's endless "entanglements". Of course, the process of becoming an official was very satisfying, but After becoming an official, he still has to be responsible, which is very troublesome for Xi Liu.

Therefore, Xi Lu believed that as long as Liu Xie proposed the idea of ​​restoring the Yushitai, Cao Cao would definitely oppose it, and then there would be nothing for Xi Lu to do. After all, it was Cao Cao who was opposed. Xi Lu only had to spread his hands and face Liu Xie with a He said in a very regretful and helpless tone, "There's nothing you can do. Father Cao doesn't agree, and I don't want to do it either. If you have any objections, go to Father Cao, and then he can just continue to have fun without taking any responsibility." .

But what Xi Liu didn't expect was that Cao Cao actually didn't express anything. Since Cao Cao didn't express his position, naturally none of the officials under Cao Cao came forward, and the court meeting suddenly fell into a slightly embarrassing atmosphere.

"Ahem...well, Prime Minister," Liu Xie said, although his hands were still shaking slightly, but he still held on and made his eyes look more determined, "I wonder what the Prime Minister's opinion is about rebuilding the Yushitai?" 』

Cao Cao raised his head.

The eyes of the monarch and his ministers met and collided.

Cao Cao suddenly smiled, cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty is wise, I second my opinion." 』

In the main hall, all the officials were in an uproar, and the voices of discussion were even louder than when Liu Xie said he wanted to rebuild the Yushitai...

……乂(?Д?三?Д?)乂……

Some changes have occurred in Xu County.

But within the Western Region, the scene is still almost the same as before.

The Western Region, a vast, somewhat desolate land, has not had any problems for such a long time, especially under the control of a military general, which is remarkable.

It's not that Lu Bu suddenly evolved into a generalist, but Li Ru left a lot of legacy to Lu Bu.

Lu Bu didn't understand what Li Ru's set of regulations was for, but because he didn't understand it at all, Lu Bu had no idea of ​​​​amending or changing it. For a long time after Li Ru's death, under Lu Bu's command According to the original division of labor, those who are in charge of civil affairs are in charge of civil affairs, and those who are in charge of training soldiers are training soldiers. Even the project of building Xihai City has not stalled. Coupled with the trade between the Western Regions and Chang'an, prosperous caravans have also arrived. Economic gain.

On the other hand, although the small countries in the Western Regions nominally surrendered to the Han Dynasty, they did not actually change their appearance immediately. Most of the countries in the Western Regions that surrendered were still the same as before. People are in charge, but the object of tribute has changed from Kushan to Han. Therefore, for these countries, Lu Bu, who has nothing special to do and does not mess around, is actually the best ruler.

Ever since, a very interesting situation has formed in the Western Region.

It seems that he belongs to the big man, but nothing seems to have changed.

Lu Bu is often said to have no big mole on his chest, but it is hard to say whether he has a mole. However, it is true that Lu Bu's ears are soft. The reason why his ears are soft is actually because he has no opinion.

Because he has no independent opinion, he just takes what others say and doesn't think and explore much, let alone have any long-term plans. Under such circumstances, Lu Bu is often more casual and will act as soon as he thinks of it. Come on, if you don’t expect it, you won’t expect it. When Li Ru was still there, things were somewhat better, but as Li Ru went west, many problems in the Western Regions were slowly exposed.

In the tent where Lu Bu was stationed, various people came in droves in the past few days. Most of them were powerful men from various countries in the Western Regions. Some had tall noses and deep eyes, and some had curly black hair. There are also those with high forehead bones and flat noses, with different appearances and inconsistent languages.

Among these people, the most conspicuous are the Kushans.

And among the Kushan people, those who have a prominent position are not generals or warriors with swords and guns, but ordained monks...

That's right, the master of Kushan, the eminent monk of Buddhism.

Is there a big talk about Qinglong Temple in Chang'an? Lu Bu thought about what kind of talk he wanted to make. As a result, the eminent monks from Guishang happened to come. They built a sky-wide camp on the edge of the West Sea and invited all the people from the Western Regions. The people of the country came together to the Xihai Gongxiang Conference.

Buddhism began to exist in the Han Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Ming of the Han Dynasty, but in fact Buddhism came about during the reign of Qin Shihuang.

At that time, King Asoka officially sent eighteen people including the eminent monk Jia Shilifang to carry Buddhist scriptures to Xianyang to preach. At that time, Qin Shihuang saw that his appearance was completely different and his words and deeds were strange, so he imprisoned Shili Fang and others. However, Qin Shihuang did not kill these people. Instead, he strangely arrested them, imprisoned them, and then exiled them abroad. 』

Now on the bank of the West Sea, the person who is giving lectures is none other than the eminent Buddhist monk. The story told is also about Ashoka turning from black to white. According to the depictions of Buddhist monks, King Ashoka killed ninety-nine competitors before he ascended the throne, or after he ascended the throne, he traveled across the continent, defeated ninety-nine tribes, and conquered everything. It can be said that " "Draw the sword and become a king", and then under the inspiration of Buddhism, he suddenly became enlightened, took refuge in the Samananas, and broke the murderous karma with great compassion. It can be said that "abandoned the sword and became a Buddha" and so on...

The eminent monk spoke vividly, and everyone shook their heads.

Lu Bu is obviously also very interested in this story...

Don't worry about the language problem, because the Western Region is a hodgepodge.

Originally, there were indigenous people in the Western Regions. Because the Western Region has long been at the center of the Silk Road, a major channel for economic, trade, and cultural exchanges between the East and the West, the people in this region exhibit a mixture of East Asia and Europe in anthropology. However, no relics from the Paleolithic Age have been found in the archeology of the Western Regions, indicating that there may have been no human activities in the Western Regions during the Paleolithic Age, but rather the late Neolithic or Bronze Age, when human activities appeared in the Western Regions. signs.

Because the human tribal alliance began to transition into the prototype of a country, the general direction of the process from dispersion to unity was irreversible, making the Western Region gradually become a gathering place for the defeated from all over the world.

Ancient European race.

Ancient Afghanistan, ancient Indian race.

Ancient Mediterranean people.

Ancient Mongoloid race.

Ancient tombs of different races were revealed through archaeological excavations in the Western Region, proving that the Western Region was indeed a region that had existed in chaos and disorder for a long time, did not have a unified race, and was relatively unstable.

Because of the instability of the human race, it is difficult for the political power in the Western Regions to be stable.

In fact, China has experienced this kind of instability before.

Fortunately, there is a Cangjie in China.

It can be said that Cangjie personally laid a very solid foundation for the unification of China, which is writing. Because it is a pictographic understanding, even if people from different places have different pronunciations for the same word, as long as they can write it down, they can communicate without any obstacles.

Among all the surrounding texts that are based on pronunciation, only Chinese characters are based on pictographic characters and have taken a completely different path.

Ancient Egypt, ancient India, ancient Babylon, ancient Maya, and the Dongba people also had their own hieroglyphs, but either the process of dissemination was interrupted, or the scope was too small to have influence. Only Chinese hieroglyphs are understandable. Writing became the mainstream of the dynasty and was passed down from generation to generation.

Therefore, in the Han Dynasty and in the Western Regions, the hieroglyphic characters and the Kushan characters left before the Western Regions overlapped with each other...

Therefore, there are people who are proficient in various languages ​​in the Western Regions, and there is not much translation problem between them. You can always find some people to serve as a bridge of communication, such as converting Kushan script into Chinese.

There are two main types of scripts in the Kushan Empire, Kallu and Greek. These two kinds of scripts clashed when the Kushan powers alternated. Some of the scripts that flowed into the Western Regions were in the Qalu script. Perhaps they were the result of the losers fighting among the Kushan factions who fled to the Western Regions. .

Daxia, to Dayuezhi, and then to Kushan.

"Daxia is located more than two thousand miles southwest of Dawan, south of the Guishui River. Its customs are indigenous and have city houses, which are the same as Dawan. If there is no big king or chief, the cities often have small chiefs. His soldiers are weak and afraid of fighting. Shanjia City. When the Dayue clan moved westward and defeated them, they all served as slaves to Daxia. There are many people in Daxia, perhaps more than a million. Its capital is called Lanshi City. There is a market where merchants sell various goods. There is a poisonous country in its southeast..."

This is recorded in the Biography of Dawan in the Historical Records, but this is not the earliest written record of China's contact with Daxia.

As early as the Spring and Autumn Period, Duke Huan of Qi once "expeded westward to the Great Xia, wading through the quicksand." It was also mentioned in the "Ode to Langyutai" written during the reign of Qin Shihuang that "we cross the quicksand in the west, end at Beihu in the south, have the East China Sea in the east, and pass Daxia in the north. Wherever human beings go, there are all ministers." "But these "Bactria" may not be the same Bactria. It is very likely that they are just a translation of "Tocharo", a nomadic tribe in the Western Regions.

At the earliest time, Guishang thought about getting married to a big man, but was rejected.

Ban Chao, who was the Protector of the Western Regions at that time, looked down upon this self-proclaimed "savior" at all, thinking that he was just a groundhog with a tiny horn, and rejected his request for a marriage. Then the great "savior" angrily sent an army to suppress the situation to teach Ban Chao a lesson.

As a result, Ban Chao led the Han soldiers and the troops attached to the Western Regions to lure the enemy deep into the siege of the Yuezhi army, and forced their envoys to surrender. Only then did they realize that the Yuezhi had been ruled by the Kushan tribe. Royal...

It is precisely because of such a period of history that the Kushan people always harbor a kind of hatred and fear towards the Han Dynasty. Even if they later secretly invaded the Western Regions, they did not dare to continue sending troops to the territory of the Han Dynasty.

Later, Lu Bu came and defeated the Kushan people.

Like the big man, his movements became sluggish as he grew larger, and the corrupted Kushan did not react immediately. Later, he was divided into two groups and argued endlessly. After a long time, the conclusion was finally reached. One conclusion: no troops.

Because Kushan is also in a difficult situation right now...

But not sending troops does not mean that Guishang will completely abandon the land of the Western Regions. Guishang chose a new model, which is to send out religion.

Buddhism.

Fellow Taoist, please stay, you are destined to be my Buddha!

Therefore, these Buddhists appeared in Lu Bu in the Western Regions and brought some additional changes to the Western Regions...