Three Kingdoms

Authority is like a chronic, addictive drug.

If you eat it today, you may not die, but if you eat it for a long time, it is always easy to cause problems.

"Cao Zihe is such a talented person!" 』

When Xun or Liu Ye just walked outside Chongde Hall, they heard Liu Xie's cheers coming from the hall. They couldn't help but look at each other, and then both of them smiled.

This sentence is like waiting for the two of them to arrive. If you were a step late, you might not be able to hear clearly. If you were a step early, you might be missed. It was just right. When the two of them arrived in front of the main hall, they heard this sentence.

Xun You smiled, but raised the corners of his mouth.

Liu Ye's smile was a little wider, with several teeth exposed, but when Xun or turned his head, the corners of his mouth were also raised and lowered even more.

Xun You and Liu Ye entered the main hall one after another amid the roll call at the Xiaohuang Gate, and then came out quickly, as if they were at work and said hello to the leader, and then transferred to their work stations. Same.

Outside the palace, a new wing room was built, which is now the office of Shangshutai.

Liu Xie was happy because Cao Chun had won a victory against the remnants of Wuhuan the previous month.

Don't underestimate such a "small" victory, but for the big man, well, perhaps it should be more accurate, it is a rare victory for the big man where Liu Xie is.

When Liu Xie took over the foundation of the Han Dynasty and sat on the throne of the emperor, no matter what, the Han Dynasty was still unified at that time, but later it fell into pieces. Each region stood on its own, and he wished that the thirteen states of the Han Dynasty could be divided into twenty-six countries.

No matter what the reason is, and whether it is caused by Liu Xie or not, Liu Xie is sitting in this position anyway, so the success or failure of the Han Dynasty must be counted on Liu Xie's head. These four words, "losing power and humiliating the country", were more or less in Liu Xie's mind.

Liu Xie thought about it more than once, thinking about it, wondering if he had stayed in Guanzhong...

Liu Xie also had great hopes for Cao Cao.

Distance creates beauty.

After all, after Cao Cao was a great Han eunuch with "roots and integrity," and now he wanted to serve his master, how could he not be more reassuring than others?

So in the early days, Liu Xie still showed great favor to Cao Cao. Basically, whatever Cao Cao said was what he said. Until one day Liu Xie felt that he had grown up and could make decisions, but Cao Cao vetoed his decision.

Then something different naturally grew between Liu Xie and Cao Cao.

It would be impossible to say that the relationship was not good and that they were mutually hostile, but it would not be possible to say how harmonious they were.

This time, Cao Chun's victory against Wuhuan actually exceeded many people's expectations. To be honest, after Hussar dispatched Zhao Yun to establish the Northern Territory Protectorate, although Shandong basically did not recognize this Protectorate, they actually knew in their hearts that Cao Chun could not compare with Zhao Yun in the north.

Some of the battles were defeated and the secret losses suffered were not even mentioned in the court.

It is precisely because of this that Cao Chun achieved results in the Northern Desert, which seems to be particularly important in this matter.

Even Liu Xie was so happy that he put aside all his concerns about the Cao family and just praised the border generals as a Han emperor.

After Xun You returned to Xu County, Liu Xie asked the Shangshu Desk to be located near the Chongde Hall.

Of course, the reason is very valid.

Liu Xie said, as the emperor of Han Dynasty, how can he not know the affairs of the world?

Moreover, Liu Xie said that he would not arbitrarily interfere with the affairs of the Chancellor's Desk. Everything at the Chancellor's Desk remained as usual, it was just a different place, outside the palace.

And Liu Xie said that if you have anything unclear, you can always ask...

Does it make sense?

Can you refuse?

It seems that there is no reason to refuse.

So Xunhe and others set up a team outside the palace.

Anyway, I won’t go to the chancery for important matters...

Liu Ye followed Xun Yu into the side room of the side hall outside the palace. Then a small official picked up a box and cage, opened the box and cage, and distributed the writings in it to the eucalyptus of Zuo Wenli, the secretary on the Shangshu desk. .

At the Shangshu desk here, in addition to Xun You and Liu Ye, there are four other Shu Zuo. All writings are first reviewed by the four Shu Zuo, and then sent to Xun Ou and Liu Ye.

The work of Shuzuo is actually somewhat similar to reading comprehension. After reading the entire text of the report, he will mark the key points and correct some errors. If there are major errors, he will type it back and resubmit it. From this point of view, Shuzuo's work seems a bit insignificant. After all, any scholar knows how to read and understand, and it seems more like a redundant person between the upper and lower levels. In fact, this is not the case.

The subordinates need to describe the process of the matter and express their own merits. At the same time, they also need to apply for resources, report the cost, etc., so the writing must be extremely detailed, and they are worried about accidentally missing something, such as underreporting a certain person. Do you have to pay the cost out of your own pocket?

If you don't fill the hole yourself, the consequences will be even worse.

The superiors have to deal with a lot of things every day, so it is impossible for them to have time to read every letter in detail, except for Brother Pig. Of course, when Brother Pig got there, he was forced to do so, and he dug a hole for himself.

Therefore, the effectiveness of these books is reflected. It is like a filter. It is filtered first, and then the key points are put forward, so that the superiors at the chancellery can outline the key points, extract the key points, and sift out the debris.

The few writers Xun Or brought with him were all veterans, so they processed the writing very quickly. As the writings were delivered to Xun Or and Liu Ye's desks, Xun Or and Liu Ye gradually got into the relationship. In the midst of busy work.

Liu Ye silently glanced at the writing in hand, then raised his head slightly and glanced at Xun You. Seeing that Xun You looked attentive, he lowered his head again and picked up the pen.

Xun Or acted as if he didn't know anything, but after Liu Ye lowered his head, Xun Or glanced at Liu Ye slightly.

The two of them didn't say anything, but they seemed to have said everything.

Time passed quietly, and the writings processed by the two people gradually piled up into a small mountain.

I don't know how long it had passed, but suddenly a voice from Xiaohuangmen sounded outside: "Although the pork belly is overpriced, your Majesty knows that you gentlemen are working hard, so you have specially ordered your servants to prepare meals and satisfy your hunger." 』

Following the sound, several eunuchs walked in carrying food boxes, then stepped forward to salute Xun You and Liu Ye, and then placed out the food, cakes and other items in the food boxes.

Xun You smiled and expressed his gratitude to His Majesty for the gift, and then invited Liu Ye and the other scholars to share the meal.

The pastries given by the emperor are very exquisite and the portions are very small. Basically, one or two bites are enough for one person. It is basically impossible to eat until you are full, but the meaning of it goes beyond eating.

Since the Shangshu Desk was moved outside the Chongde Hall, the emperor would reward some things from time to time, either food, small items, silks, silks, pens, ink, paper, etc.

To Xun You and Liu Ye, such small favors were nothing, but to the few scholars at the Chancellor's desk, they must be royal favors that they could show off. Some scholars would even endure the momentary pleasure. Carefully wrap the given cakes in cloth handkerchiefs and take them home...

Xun or saw it, but he still didn't say anything.

Liu Ye didn't say anything.

As dusk approached, with the long sound of the Huangmen eunuch chiming the time, the day's work was almost over. In the side room, people began to come out one after another, and then saluted Xun You and Liu Ye and said goodbye. go home.

Liu Ye also stood up and was about to leave, but he heard a eunuch coming to announce: "Your Majesty calls Liu Shizhong into the palace to answer questions." 』

Liu Ye glanced at Xun He, but Xun He seemed not to hear and remained motionless.

Liu Ye lowered his head and said, "I accept the order." 』

Liu Ye followed the eunuch, walked through the palace gate again, entered the Chongde Hall, and kowtowed to the hall first.

"I love you so much that I can give you a seat." ” Liu Xie’s voice was steady.

Liu Ye bowed his head and thanked him, then sat aside.

When he came to see Liu Xie before his shift today, Liu Ye sensed some problems, but it was difficult for him to ask, let alone explain.

And now...

In fact, there are three major things happening during this period of time.

The first thing is to select officials and record officials.

It makes no sense for Fei Qiang to be so prosperous in Guanzhong, and then Shandong here becomes deserted? Therefore, Fei Qian is organizing examinations to select officials, and Shandong is also organizing the selection of officials. Although the Shangshutai is mainly responsible for this matter, after all, the officials still have to go through it in Chongde Hall.

This matter can be considered serious or light, but there are many people involved, and there are even more families and clans extending from these people. When there are more people, the matter becomes complicated and involved. During the reign of Emperor Ling of the Han Dynasty, it was common for officials to be busy from winter to summer, even for a year.

The second thing is Qiu Fu.

The rents and taxes from various states were gradually transported to Xu County after the autumn. At the same time, the various departments in Xu County of each state also had to enter the annual financial reports, which were checked and verified by Shangshutai, Shaofu, Taicang and other agencies.

Needless to say, this item is also very important.

The third thing is Cao Chun's great victory in Youbei.

Okay, let’s call it a “big victory” for now.

Naturally, Shangshutai needs to be deeply involved in the three major matters of military, personnel and finance.

The emperor's thoughts are actually not difficult to guess.

But the problem is that the emperor will not be involved in any of these three things.

Xun or he was willing to move the chancellery outside the palace, just to express his attitude, but he really wanted to let the emperor Liu Xie take the lead...

That also depends on whether Lao Cao agrees or not.

"There have been many affairs recently, and I have been working hard..." Emperor Liu Xie said.

Although it was said to be condolences or praise, Liu Ye heard some criticism from it.

"It is the duty of a minister to fulfill his duties for the country. ”Liu Ye lowered his head and reported back.

The emperor was not very satisfied with him anymore, Liu Ye knew this. In this Kong Rong incident, Liu Ye did not do anything. Perhaps this has touched the red line in the heart of Emperor Liu Xie.

There were personal grievances between Cao Cao and Kong Rong, but it was more of a dispute over lines and ideas.

Although it can be roughly divided like this, human nature is complex and cannot be determined in black and white, just like Xun or Cao Cao's important advisers, but the emperor Liu Xie said that he would move the minister's desk to the front of the palace. At that time, Xun You had no objection.

Does it mean that Xun was disloyal to Cao Cao and turned to the emperor Liu Xie?

Not really.

Similarly, Liu Ye favored the royalists in his heart, but he was not a stubborn conservative.

Among these conservatives, most of them say they are loyal to the emperor, but in fact they are protecting their own interests...

Therefore, no matter who they are, they are actually complex and colorful, not just black and white.

The same goes for Emperor Liu Xie. He expressed his high-profile and unabashed approval of Cao Chun's "great victory" in Youbei. Is he really happy for Cao Chun's victory?

This matter is very complicated.

It was so complicated that even Liu Ye was intimidated, so he didn't dare to get involved easily, and naturally he didn't do anything for Kong Rong.

And Liu Ye felt that Kong Rong was not worthy of what he had to do.

On the one hand, Liu Ye has no friendship with Kong Rong, let alone helping Kong Rong. It is already very good if he can avoid adding insult to injury.

On the other hand, Kong Rong's life and death were decided by himself. He can live with one word and die with one word.

It’s just that we don’t have much time now…

So Liu Xie was a little anxious.

Sure enough, Liu Xie's voice rang out: "My dear, what happened to Kong Wenju's inspection?" 』

Although Liu Xie's voice tried his best to hide it, as if he was just asking casually, it still brought out some uneasiness and nervousness.

Liu Xie's uneasiness and nervousness come from his uncertainty about himself.

He needs power, but he has no real power of his own.

In Liu Xie's early immature thinking, he pinned his need for this kind of power on the "son of destiny" and the protection of the spirit of his ancestors. However, as time went by, Liu Xie discovered that these empty destiny, what five The reincarnation of virtue is all bullshit.

Liu Xie began to look at himself, and then imitated his father's desire to strike a balance in the court, but it was obvious that he failed again, and not only did he lose his wife and children, but also he and Cao Cao It left a wound that seemed to be healed, but actually left a hidden wound.

Now, Liu Xie has found his "real" power.

Han conservative.

Like most vested class interests and monopoly industries, such a force formed by large and small landlords in Yuzhou and Jizhou has become the target that Liu Xie desperately wants to win over.

Moreover, Liu Xie and the current conservatives are very suitable for each other.

Although the conservatives do not have the military power of Cao Cao, they have the power of population, the power of local gentry and officials, and the power of money, food and wealth. Although any individual local squire cannot be compared with the Cao family and the Xiahou family, the combination of these people Together, they formed a political group that even Cao Cao had to deal with carefully.

Even this group is very loose and disorderly.

Now, Liu Xie wants to become the leader of this loose group, a leader in the true sense.

From name to reality.

Of course, Liu Xie needs to show his own strength in this process, so that these loose teams can gather around Liu Xie...

In order to achieve such a goal, Liu Xie made many moves. These moves seemed to him to be perfect, but in fact, in Liu Ye's eyes, they could only be said to be better than before.

He couldn't hide it from Liu Ye, and of course he couldn't hide it from Xun Yu, let alone Cao Cao.

So what else can Liu Ye do or say?

After Liu Ye's still perfunctory answer, Liu Xie became obviously angry.

Liu Xie felt that it was the Han who gave Liu Ye his status as a descendant of the royal family, and it was the Han who gave Liu Ye his current position and salary. Why didn't Liu Ye give him enough loyalty and always seemed aloof and hesitant? ?

There is nothing wrong with Liu Ye being of royal blood, and there is nothing wrong with receiving a salary from the Han Dynasty, but it does not mean that he has to work hard for the Han Dynasty, risk his life, and enjoy the blessings even if he is willing to die.

In fact, Liu Xie is the same as many business owners in later generations.

They think that since they have given money and the employees have received wages, then the employees have to work hard. Is there any problem with this? I am my employees’ boss and God. If I don’t pay them wages or salaries, what will they eat and drink? Since you are the bread and butter of your employees, what’s the problem if your employees work for you?

Is there anything wrong with this?

Those business owners didn't understand, and Liu Xie, who had lost a thousand years of experience, couldn't understand it even more.

"..." After a moment of silence, Liu Xie chuckled and pretended to put aside the matter of Kong Rong, "So... let's not talk about the matter of Kong Wenju... Let's talk about Cao Zihe. stop! Cao Zihe fought in Mobei, defeated King Wuhuan's tribe, and captured horses and livestock. This was a great victory! I want to hold a great victory celebration at the end of autumn and reward my merits. I wonder what I love you think? 』

Victory celebration?

Liu Ye's heart moved slightly.

The setting sun slanted in from the window lintel, cutting out patches of light and darkness in the hall. Although the utensils and utensils in Chongde Hall are naturally of high quality, such as gold screens, lacquered red tables, and grass-white seats, I don’t know why, under such a dim color, not only Liu Xie's expression was hidden, and the surrounding objects had a dilapidated look.

Liu Ye bowed his head and bowed: "The victory in Mobei has strengthened my reputation as a great man. Your Majesty wants to use this celebration, so of course everything is necessary... But this celebration consumes a lot of money and food..."

Liu Xie nodded and said, "I am just worried about this... I wonder if I have any good ideas for you?" 』

"..." Liu Ye was silent.

He knew what Liu Xie wanted him to say.

"Ai Qing..." Liu Xie's voice sounded in the main hall. I don't know if it was because Chongde Hall was relatively empty at the moment, but there seemed to be some faint echo, "But if you have any ideas, you might as well speak out..."

Liu Ye sighed slightly in his heart and looked up at the emperor.

Liu Xie also looked at him.

The two people's eyes met instantly.

Liu Ye lowered his head again. It seemed that because his neck could not be straightened, his voice was a little deeper, "If your Majesty wants to hold a celebration, but is also short of money and food... I, I have a stupid plan..."

"My love is too modest, there is no harm in speaking out!" Liu Xie laughed.

Liu Ye lowered his head and said, his voice getting softer and quieter, "This is a great victory for the country, so it is feasible to recruit people and gather everyone's strength to hold a celebration." 』

"That's right..." Liu Xie seemed to nodded, "Ai Qing's strategy is not bad. It's just that during this recruitment, it's inevitable that someone will take advantage of it and ruin Chao Gang's reputation... Well, how about leaving this matter to Aiqing? I love you, you are loyal and virtuous, and you will definitely not enrich your own pockets... I can rest assured..."

Liu Ye felt his throat was a little bitter, but he didn't say anything more. He just bowed his head and said, "Your Majesty... take the order..."