Three Kingdoms

really.

Liu Xie summoned Xi Lu after the court meeting this time to ask Xi Lu about the purpose of Xi Lu's impeachment of Kong Rong at the court meeting.

After Xi Lu stood up and sat down, the emperor Liu Xie looked at Xi Lu for a few times and asked directly without going around: "Xi Aiqing, I am at the morning court today." Why do you suddenly target Kong Wenju? I remember a few days ago, didn't you say that Kong Wenju was a man of great literary talent and a loyal man? I have never heard of any personal enmity between the two of you, but what you did today is somewhat confusing to me. 』

After finishing speaking, Liu Xie stared at Xi Lu's face with sharp eyes, not missing any changes in Xi Lu's expression.

After hearing Liu Xie's inquiry, Xi Liu did not dare to respond vaguely, and said calmly: "Reporting to Your Majesty, if there is any grudge between the minister and Kong Wenju, it is just a matter of different interpretations of articles and scriptures." That's all, it's not really a big grudge. Kong Wenju was also loyal to the Han Dynasty and His Majesty, but it was precisely because Kong Wenju did what he did..."

Having said this, Xi Liu sighed, as if he was feeling sorry for Kong Rong, "Therefore, I have to impeach Kong Wenju. It is best to cause some controversy... This will also be of great benefit to the stability of Your Majesty's country..."

"oh? Liu Xie was thoughtful, as if he had thought of something, but he still asked, "What does Aiqing mean by this?" 』

"Your Majesty..." Xi Lu said slowly, his voice slightly lowered, "Your Majesty must also be aware of the current situation in the world. Qiaoqi is the dominant force in Guanzhong. He also held a grand lecture at Qinglong Temple and invited literary talents from all over the world. , gathered in Chang'an... His character can be seen clearly. Now the leader of Shandong Wenhua, could it be Kong Wenju, and Wenju lived in seclusion and refused to be an official. If things go on like this, Chang'an will be stronger and Shandong will be weaker... In the name of impeachment, the ministers actually provoked Kong Wenju to come out. Also... I hope your Majesty will take notice of this. 』

Liu Xie was startled.

Is there such a thing?

Oh, the impeachment of Kong Rong was for the good of Kong Rong, um, for the good of the Han Dynasty?

After hearing Xi Lu's explanation, Liu Xie took a deep look at Xi Lu and asked after a moment of silence: "What Aiqing said... although there is some truth to it... but, is this all what Aiqing said?" 』

"Your Majesty, Holy Ming!" " Xi Liu nodded first, then shook his head, and continued to explain, "I... I also have some selfish motives and other considerations..."

Liu Xie straightened his back slightly, "Oh?" Let’s talk and listen. 』

Xi Lu lowered his head and said, "I...I am ashamed." Since receiving His Majesty's favor, nothing has been accomplished recently, and I have not been able to relieve Your Majesty's worries... Now the court is divided between East and West, and disloyal people have gathered in Guanzhong, and there are many plans, which can be said to have ulterior motives..."

Seeing that the emperor did not interrupt him or veto, Xi Lu was determined in his heart, but he still had a look of shame on his face, and continued: "I have the trust of your majesty, and I am in charge of the Yushitai, and I have the authority to supervise the affairs of the government and the public." Quan, but there are many shortcomings in the initial establishment of the Censorship Platform... and I am well aware of His Majesty's worries. Your Majesty's worries are the fault of the minister. If we can take this opportunity to expand the Censorship Platform, it can be used by Your Majesty. ...』

Xi Lu paused for a moment. He didn't know whether it was to organize his thoughts or to give Liu Xie room to think. Seeing that Liu Xie didn't speak, Xi Lu said again: "The Han Dynasty is in turmoil now. The reason why there are disobedient people who don't know the emperor." , because the scriptures are not clear and I don’t know what loyalty is. I thought privately that the Yushitai was originally used to report events... Therefore, regardless of whether it is verified that Kong Wenju is guilty or not, he must come to Xu County to defend himself. Your Majesty can take advantage of the situation to punish him, or to forgive him, or to grant him a pardon, all of which will be translated by your Majesty. In the palm of your hand... Therefore, the minister made this impeachment move. 』

Xi Lu's words were not only extremely frank, they even reflected someone's meaning. Although they are all talking about Chang'an, not all of them are actually Fei Qian. Anyway, on the surface, Xi Li has completely drawn a clear line with Fei Qian. Everything is for the consideration of the emperor Liu Xie, and his attitude is extremely correct.

After listening to what Xi Liu said, Liu Xie couldn't find any fault. Moreover, if the plan mentioned by Xi Liu was carried out, it would indeed be beneficial to Liu Xie's control of the situation in the DPRK.

After thinking about it, Liu Xie finally put a smile on his face, nodded slowly and said, "Aiqing is willing to help me solve my problems, so I feel relieved." 』

Although Liu Xie said this, Xi Lu had a bitter look on his face and said, "Your Majesty is wise. However, I have one more thing to ask of Your Majesty... Kong Wenju is now very famous and is known to many of his disciples and former officials, and his influence is far beyond my reach. Although I am now impeaching Kong Wenju, I am afraid that it will provoke his backlash. At that time, I hope that Your Majesty, for the sake of my loyalty, will give me some help..."

Seeing Xi Lu being like this, Liu Xie smiled and said, "If I don't have confidence in your love, why bother with trouble?" Okay, I understand. If your beloved is in trouble, I will never stand still and I will definitely protect your beloved. 』

Xi Lu bowed again and then retreated.

Liu Xie sat in the main hall and pondered for a long time.

Although Xi Lu kept saying it was for Liu Xie and the Han Dynasty, and then talked about some of his selfish motives in an understatement, and these selfish motives seemed to be used on the Yushitai, but in fact?

Regarding the overt and covert struggles in the court, Liu Xie was actually quite complicated.

If the major factions in the court are in peace, not fighting with each other, or even living in harmony, then as an emperor, you will generally start to wonder if the major factions in the court are going to join forces? Will he start to deal with him as the emperor again? I always feel that the area under my butt is getting hot, and I feel unsettled.

For Liu Xie, Fei Qian in Guanzhong was used to suppress external pressure on Cao Cao. With Fei Qian's presence, Cao Cao would not act so arrogant and domineering at the moment.

So within Xu County, Liu Xie hopes that there will be someone, or even a faction, to continue to compete with Cao Cao, restrict Cao Cao, and fight with each other for various interests, so that Liu Xie himself can balance and adjust among the battles of various factions. After all, the importance of the emperor will only be reflected when there are disputes between various factions.

If the ministers quarrel, the emperor will benefit; if the ministers cooperate, the emperor will be in danger.

This is Liu Xie’s experience in recent years.

If Yuan Wei was willing to stand up and confront Dong Zhuo, his imperial brother Liu Bian might not have been driven out of power and then executed by poison...

In other words, if Cao Cao wants to drive Liu Xie out of power now, who will stand up and speak for Liu Xie?

This kind of worry deep in his bones made Liu Xie in panic all the time, and as time went by, he became more and more persecuted and paranoid. He doubted Cao Cao, doubted Fei Qian, and doubted everyone around him. , of course, was also skeptical about what Xi Lu said.

Previously, Liu Xie wanted Zheng Xuan to come to Xu County. After all, Zheng Xuan's reputation in Shandong was very high and he could be a good shield, standing by Liu Xie's side and blocking a lot of harm for Liu Xie.

It's a pity that Zheng Xuan didn't want to come back, so he just came to worry about it. If Zheng Xuan is a big shield, then Xi Lu can only be regarded as a few pieces of armor. Although it has some effects, the effect is not that great. In order to make this piece of armor truly become a piece of armor, Liu Xie also made it many times. Not only did he grant positions, but he even stepped forward to build a royal censorship platform for Xi Lu.

Then Kong Rong, who is inferior to Zheng Xuan...

Okay, it's a few levels worse, but at least Kong Rong's reputation is bigger than Xi Lu's.

Liu Xie knew that Cao Cao didn't like Kong Rong, so if he directly wanted Kong Rong to hold certain positions, he would inevitably be opposed by Cao Cao. But through Xi Liu's curved attack, can he achieve his goal? Regardless of whether he is guilty or not, after the news spreads, it would be best for Kong Rong to come to Xu County to plead guilty, or to confront and defend himself. Can he just go with the flow and leave Kong Rong as another shield?

Just like what Xi Lu said, Kong Rong Kong has been in business for many years and has many disciples and friends...

The last time on the palace wall, Liu Xie saw hundreds of officials being slaughtered by Cao Cao, and the blood was still in his heart and could not be spread away.

You must do something...

……(▽)/……

Youzhou.

Ji County.

It's the second watch of the night.

This room, which seemed a little eerie in the cold night, was still unlit.

Thin moonlight penetrated through the gaps in the window lintel, and the charcoal fire in the brazier provided extra light to the room.

A dark figure sat silently in the room, his hands flat on his knees.

All the surrounding objects are familiar to him. He has played and grown here since he was a child, but now, it seems that it is time to leave.

If you don't want to leave, you may never have to leave.

Zu Wu's eyes jumped.

Unexpectedly, Cao Chun could trace it all the way here? !

This surprised Zu Wu, and he couldn't help but wonder if he had underestimated Cao Chun.

On the table, there is a cyan tea bowl.

Next to the tea bowl, there is a tea urn.

A servant came forward, opened the lid, and poured the freshly brewed tea into the tea urn. The dark brown water surged into the bottom of the urn, and an elegant fragrance of tea wafted out. Zu Wu's expression became a little blurry in the mist rising in the cold night.

"Master, the tea is ready. ’ said the servant.

Zu Wu didn't speak, just nodded, and the servant immediately retreated.

Rationally speaking, Zu Wu should avoid Cao Chun's sharp attack at the moment. After all, the green hills are still there, so he is not afraid of running out of firewood.

But emotionally speaking, Zu Wu couldn't bear to leave.

It’s been seven years since I was so happy...

Zu Wu took it upon himself to pour a cup of tea, then picked it up and took a slow sip.

The slightly bitter aroma lingered on the tip of his tongue, making him indulge in inexplicable feelings for a moment. He couldn't help but close his eyes slightly and exhale. He has never been sure whether the pleasure of drinking tea lies in the tea itself, or in this moment of relaxation that transcends the world and forgets the sophistication of the world.

This is Hussar's tea.

Not the Prime Minister’s wine.

The Qiaoqi's tea can be bought with money, but the Prime Minister's wine cannot be bought even if one has money.

Because the Prime Minister banned alcohol.

But the Cao family and the Xiahou family did not abstain from drinking.

Others can't drink it, but they can drink it when they want. They occasionally act as if they are as poor as ordinary people, but in fact their food and clothing expenses are never the same as ordinary people.

The ban on alcohol is only for the common people.

Just like setting up households to regulate the people, it will always only restrict the people, while the scholars, even if they are not officials, can already go anywhere.

Interesting?

So why can the Cao family and the Xiahou family drink when they want?

In other words, why is the ban only for the common people, but some people don’t have to obey it?

Since some people don't have to comply, then naturally there is no need to blame others for not wanting to comply.

No one likes to be restricted, banned, constrained, or oppressed.

The moonlight outside the window was still clear. Zu Wu put down his cup, stroked his beard, and a sarcastic smile inadvertently slipped out of his lips.

Maybe he is mocking others, or maybe he is mocking himself.

The beard is a man's growth ring, which carries the ups and downs of his life, and also records the sadness of the passage of time and the passing away...

I am already thirty-nine years old.

No, he's already forty.

It’s also the age when you are no longer confused.

Zu Wu's right hand gently stroked down, and his fingertips gently slid over each strand of beard. It seemed that each strand of beard made his thoughts roll around, as if he was reading through a book of memories, and his nostalgic thoughts were like silence. gushes out like a tidal wave...

How many years has the Zu family been in Youzhou?

And how long has it been since Cao came to Youzhou?

Zu Wu still clearly remembers the scene of his first meeting with Cao Chun.

At that time, Zu Wu remembered that he was feeling uneasy like other wealthy people in Youzhou, wondering what would happen under Cao's new regime. So when he heard that Cao Chun was Cao Cao's special envoy based on the emperor's edict, When he came to Youzhou, Zu Wu's first reaction was nervousness, and the fear born from nervousness.

And confusion about the future...

But at that time, Cao Chun's attitude was completely different from now.

When Cao Chun saw Zu Wu for the first time, he took the initiative to step forward and greeted him cordially, which seemed to have a respectful flavor, which somewhat made the noble nobles of Youzhou less uneasy.

At that time, Cao Chun said to Zu Wu and the nobles of Youzhou, "General, well, Cao Cao was still a general at that time. I hope Zu Wu and other nobles of Youzhou can understand that both the emperor and Cao Cao have great feelings for Youzhou." The state attaches great importance to it, and has no suspicion of all Youzhou nobles, including Zu Wu, and will not adopt any repressive policies. On the contrary, both the emperor and Cao Cao hope that Zu Wu and Youzhou nobles can You can take responsibility and cooperate with Cao Chun to run Youzhou well so that the people can live and work in peace and contentment...

At that time, Cao Chun's voice was delicate and slow, as if every word was spoken after careful consideration, and it also relieved the tension and worries of Zu Wu and others.

Zu Wu remembered that he was the first to take the lead in applauding, and his hands hurt from the clapping.

It hurts now too.

It was just that my hands hurt at the time, but now I feel like my face hurts.

Zu Wu still remembered that Cao Chun not only spoke in public, but also took them to sit together in the hall to discuss the policies and strategies for governing Youzhou. They discussed it from dawn to dusk, and then decided on many matters. For example, they all agree that Youzhou needs to recuperate after being devastated by wars. They all agree to develop the economy and restore local production. They all agree to rectify public security and clear out bandits...

Cao Chun even patted his chest, saying that Zu Wu's affairs were Cao Chun's business. Anyone who had trouble with an important local squire like Zu Wu would have trouble with him, Cao Chun!

Finally, Cao Chun invited Zu Wu and others to a banquet. At the banquet, Cao Chun returned the fou and sang.

Zu Wu once thought it was the beginning of a sweet dream, but he didn't expect that it was actually the beginning of a nightmare.

People, in fact, many things are not determined by people, but by their butts.

More elegantly, it can be called the buttocks or the tail.

Where Jiriwei is located is what really determines everything.

Now, Zu Wu felt like a toilet. After using it, it was filled with the feces and urine gushing from Cao Chun's mouth, and then discarded like a worn-out shoe.

Officials, they all have two mouths.

Zu Wu sneered.

The change began probably when Zu Wu met Cao Cao.

Only once.

Zu Wu and some noble nobles from Youzhou were summoned to Yecheng.

Before setting off, Zu Wu was still full of hope. Because Youzhou was also improving at that time, Zu Wu felt that he should accept the award, and even prepared an acceptance speech... Bah, it was a humble statement, prepared to say a few words before taking on a larger position, Show your good moral character.

It's a pity that not a single word of the long speech or short humble speech he prepared was used.

He remembered just shouting like everyone else, "Blessings, General!" 』

Cao Cao was sitting in the lobby, his majesty was like a heavy axe, pressing on the heads of Zu Wu and others.

"Since you are the people of the Han Dynasty, you should do your best for the Han Dynasty..." Cao Cao said it calmly, just like saying that the sky is going to rain and the moon is waxing and waning.

What Cao Cao said seemed a little different from what Cao Chun said.

But it’s normal, right?

After all, the person sitting under Cao Cao's butt is the general, not the governor of Youzhou, the general's lieutenant general.

"If you commit adultery, commit crimes, neglect government affairs, and waste the emperor's great kindness..." Cao Cao said in a low voice, "you are seeking death, and your crime is unpardonable!" 』

Although Cao Cao's voice was low, it was like thunder in the ears of Zu Wu and the others.

Because just before Cao Cao met them, he had just beheaded several Jizhou tycoons in the busy area. The crime was to stir up trouble in the area.

"How dare Xiao Ke fail to do his best, assist the general with all his heart, and be loyal to the emperor until death..."

Zu Wu remembered what he said at the time.

Then everyone followed suit in confusion and bowed to Cao Cao.

At that time, Zu Wu felt Cao Cao's eyes pass through the pouty crotch tails and fall on his head, body and crotch tail.

Zu Wu still seems to be able to recall that feeling...

Zu Wu laughed, and then his face gradually turned sinister, "Prime Minister Cao, General Cao... What a good trick... The tea has gone cold before this person left?" 』