Han family achievements

Chapter 510 Everything is in order
The ceremony is over, but the ceremony is not over yet.

In the next two days, various grand banquets were held. Liu Bian and Liu Shao hosted and participated in numerous banquets, including those held in the imperial palace, by royal family members, by nobles, by court officials, and by envoys, one after another, in an endless stream.

The last big feast was in mid-October.

After drinking half of the wine, Liu Bian walked out of the Jiade Hall, holding a teacup, and sat down in the Shangshutai meeting room.

Soon, Xun Yu, Cao Cao, Zhong Yao, Xun You, Tian Feng, Wang Lang and others came out one after another and sat down on the left and right.

Liu Bian's face was red, and his breath was full of alcohol. He leaned back and said to the ministers with a smile: "The prince is still young, and you ministers still need more help. From now on, all his homework will be in the Shangshutai, and you ministers, please don't hide anything..."

"Your Majesty, rest assured that we have no secrets."

"Your Highness is intelligent. I believe he will be able to surpass me and us."

"Your Majesty's expectations for His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, I will definitely remember them."

Maybe because everyone had been drinking, the atmosphere was good and not too restrained.

Liu Bian took a sip of the strong tea and said to Cao Cao with a smile, "I have read the 'military reform' plan given to me by Cao Qing's family. It is indeed a step forward, but the pressure is also greater. I am afraid it will not be easy."

Cao Cao touched the wine stains on his beard and said, "Don't worry, Your Majesty. I will be able to complete it in five years at most."

Liu Bian nodded and said to Xun Yu: "Prime Minister, it will be hard work next."

Xun Yu bowed and said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will do my best."

Liu Bian's gaze slowly moved over the group of people in front of him. These people were all important officials of the court and the highest decision-making team of the Han Dynasty.

"Minister Wang, the administration of officials is a tough nut to crack. It's not easy to chew it." Liu Bian said to Wang Lang with a smile.

By "exchanging parties" between the "Yingchuan Party" and the "Yang Party", Liu Bian not only maintained a balance of power, but also intended to use the "Yang Party" to rectify the administration of officials.

Wang Lang raised his hand, his face flushed as he said loudly, "Your Majesty, the Ministry of Personnel has prepared the specific regulations, and they will be presented to Your Majesty for approval next year."

Seeing Wang Lang's rare loss of composure, Liu Bian smiled and said, "Okay."

As he spoke, he took another sip of tea, his eyes moved among the courtiers, and finally landed on Tian Feng. After pondering for a while, he said, "Regarding Mr. Tian's request, I have discussed it with the Prime Minister again and again, and I can approve your request, but there are three rules."

Tian Feng drank very little wine, his expression was calm and composed, he raised his hand and said: "I respectfully listen to your instructions."

At this time, Xun Yu, Zhong Yao, Xun You, Wang Lang and others all looked at him with tense expressions.

All the high-ranking officials in the court knew about Tian Feng. The incident that happened in June and July still left them unbelievable, and they were very wary of Tian Feng.

Liu Bian held the teacup and paused, then said, "First, although you are the Chief Censor, you can detain officials above the rank of county governor first, and you must inform the Secretariat before taking any action. As for officials at the state level, you must inform the three departments and ask for the imperial decree, otherwise you cannot act rashly."

Tian Feng listened carefully.

"second,"

Liu Bian glanced at Xi Zhicai and said, "All the people involved in the case must be judged by the Dali Temple. The Censorate cannot act without authorization. They can only detain and interrogate them first. Other matters, especially those that are not within the scope of the Censorate's authority, must not be violated without authorization!"

Tian Feng listened carefully.

The others nodded secretly, thinking that as long as there was a tight ring in place, Tian Feng could not be allowed to do whatever he wanted.

"third,"

Liu Bian took another sip of tea and said, "Don't start a massacre. Everything should be done carefully. We should deter others but not cause panic in the world. Do you understand what I mean?"

Tian Feng raised his hand high and said in a clear voice: "I understand. I will obey your order!"

Liu Bian nodded slightly and said with a smile: "Now that we have finished talking about serious matters, let's talk about something relaxing. I heard that the Zhong Qing family has welcomed another daughter? Didn't they send me an invitation to the full moon banquet?"

Zhong Yao heard the relaxed smile in Liu Bian's words, and quickly followed suit and said with a smile: "Your Majesty is busy with all kinds of affairs. It's just my daughter's full moon. How dare I disturb Your Majesty?"

Liu Bian was drunk, but he still managed to speak: "I have been very idle recently, and I have been going to Yongle Palace to eat more often. My mother asked me to go less often. Now my mother likes her grandson very much and is very annoyed with me."

Gossip about family matters is the easiest way to bring people closer together. As the court officials listened, they all smiled, whispered to each other, and talked among themselves.

Liu Bian took another sip of tea, looked around, and smiled even more. He said, "My children are all about the same age, and it's time for them to get engaged. My nobles, is there anyone who wants to be my daughter-in-law?"

As soon as the words came out, the originally harmonious and cheerful atmosphere suddenly changed. Everyone woke up and looked at Liu Bian seriously, and then thought about the legitimate son and daughter in the family.

Being able to marry the emperor is the dream of all ministers, not to mention that the emperor is a powerful one today and a close relationship is even more necessary.

Xun You wanted to say this very much, but he swallowed the words back when they came to his lips.

Unlike Zhong Yao, he rarely had sex with women, and his children were all adults, so there was no one of the right age. There were quite a few in his family, but they were not worthy of being the emperor's son or daughter.

Xun Yu and Zhong Yao looked at each other secretly. Even though they had the same problem at home, they kept silent.

Their official positions had almost reached the pinnacle. They were also the leaders of the "Yingchuan Party", commanding the court, and then they married into the emperor. That was too much.

Xu You, Tian Feng, and Xi Zhicai saw that the big guys in front of them didn't say anything, so they kept silent.

They seem to be the heads of the three judicial departments in the court, holding high positions and great power, but in fact they have little qualifications, and the right to speak and the real power are all in the Secretariat.

Seeing that they were silent, Liu Bian turned to Cao Cao and said, "My dear Cao Qing, I heard that you recently had a daughter. Do you want to send her to the palace to be my daughter-in-law?"

Cao Cao turned sideways, his big bearded face showing sincerity, and said: "Your Majesty, I am a warrior, and my crude words may damage the reputation of the royal family. Please understand your majesty."

Liu Bian was stunned for a moment, then he looked around and couldn't help but laugh, saying, "From this perspective, it seems like my son can't find a wife?"

The court officials bowed but said nothing.

Xun Yu and Zhong Yao didn't want to, Xun You didn't have it, and the three chiefs of the judicial department didn't dare to, while Cao Cao deliberately avoided it.

How could Cao Cao, as an "isolated minister", marry the emperor?

If he really agreed, his death would not be far away.

Cao Cao rejected this simple and direct temptation directly.

Liu Bian took in their expressions, sighed, and said with a smile: "My children are going to be in trouble. Forget it, let's not talk about this. I heard that some noble families are trying to boycott the imperial examination? Are the locals also strongly opposed to the requirement that 20% of the county schools be common people?" A considerable number of local officials were from Xun You's school. He immediately said solemnly: "Your Majesty, there are many reasons for this, and it is not just a boycott of the court's reform of the system of selecting scholars."

Liu Bian said, "Please tell me in detail before drinking tea."

Xun You carefully observed Liu Bian's expression and said, "Your Majesty, first of all, the common people are lowly and do not know etiquette. If they are crowded together with the gentry, they will inevitably be mixed with the good and the bad, and they will not be able to concentrate on studying. Secondly, this is more complicated. First, the common people are poor, without money and food, and the consumption is huge. Second, the future of scholars and common people is different. Even if the common people have achieved academic success... they should not forget their roots. Third, if the common people flock to the county school, who will farm? This involves the foundation of the country, so some officials are inevitably hesitant."

Liu Bian nodded calmly and said, "That makes sense. But the sage said: There is no distinction in education."

As soon as these words came out, Xun You felt like he was stuck in his throat.

It's not that there is no way to refute "The Sage's Words", but he noticed Liu Bian's attitude.

Liu Bian's eyes were calm. Seeing that he had stopped talking, he said, "Regarding the imperial examination, I have said it many times. I will not repeat the truth. Let's put it this way. For some officials who are confused and don't know why, some who can't understand the court's policies and refuse to implement them, or who are perfunctory, and some who openly and wantonly criticize and slander everywhere... officials, this is not the way to do it. Let the Ministry of Personnel send someone to talk to them first. If they can change, then that's fine. If they can't change, be polite and ask them to voluntarily give up their positions."

"I obey your order!" Wang Lang responded loudly.

This is his duty as the Minister of Personnel. At the same time, with the imperial edict, he can take action against the "Yingchuan Party" openly.

Xun You glanced at him with a gloomy look, and did not continue to "resist", but sat back.

Cao Cao sat opposite Xun Yu, watching everything with cold eyes. He seemed to feel that the scene was a little cold and awkward, so he turned to Liu Bian and said, "Your Majesty, I want to tell you something interesting."

Liu Bian said "oh" and tried to cheer himself up, "What interesting things happened in Cao Qing's family?"

Cao Cao smiled slightly on his broad face and said, "Yuan Shao and Shi Xie have been fighting for so long, but Shi Xie didn't even ask the court for help. Your Majesty, isn't that interesting?"

Liu Bian raised his eyebrows, thinking carefully about this "interesting thing" of Cao Cao.

Yuan Shao sent troops to Jiaozhi, attempting to destroy the seemingly weak Shi family and annex Jiaozhi, but after fighting for nearly a month, Shi Xie did not ask the court for help.

This is not a "trend" at all. It is reasonable for Shi Xie to ask for help, but he didn't!
Wang Lang's expression changed. Just as he was about to speak, he suddenly changed again. He raised his hand and argued with Liu, "Your Majesty, Shi Xie is a disloyal person. This is well known. Now that he has not asked the court for help, this is even more confirmed. I request the court to issue an order to order the royal army to march south to fight against the disloyal people!"

Liu Bian glanced at him and asked Cao Cao, "What's so interesting about what you said?"

Cao Cao remained calm and smiled as he said, "Your Majesty, the interesting thing is that Yuan Shao sent troops to attack Jiaozhi without asking for permission. However, Shi Xie was able to resist without asking for help from the court. Instead, Liu Biao of Jingzhou and Liu Zhang of Yizhou wrote to the court, asking for mediation. As far as I know, Liu Zhang and Liu Biao have already dispatched troops and are ready to divide Jiaozhi. If Your Majesty made it clear at this time that Yuan Shao was a traitor, or ordered Sun Ce to send troops to Danyang, the situation would become very interesting."

Liu Bian opened his eyes slightly, thinking about the chaotic scene, he couldn't help but laugh, and said: "What Cao Qingjia said is indeed interesting. Zhong Qingjia, this matter will be handled by you."

Zhong Yao's mind was already racing, and he said, "I will plan carefully."

Liu Bian nodded and smiled to Cao Cao, "How do you get along with Liu Xuande?"

Cao Cao immediately said: "General Liu is a rare gentleman. I am happy to work with him and have benefited a lot from it."

Liu Bei was transferred to the position of Right Sima and became Cao Cao's right-hand man.

Liu Bian smiled slightly and said, "That's good. We also need to make some plans for the Three Qiang. If we don't move, it's fine. But if we move, we must succeed!"

"I obey your order!" Cao Cao said in a deep voice.

Liu Bian took a deep breath, then exhaled a long breath of alcohol, stood up a little shakily, and said: "There are many complicated things, but there are only so many things. It becomes simple if you focus on the key points. It's almost time, all the ministers should go back and rest early. Those who can't go back can rest in the palace. Pan Yin, you can make the arrangements."

"Yes." Pan Yin responded.

"Your Majesty, we respectfully bid farewell to you." The court officials raised their hands and watched Liu Bian leave.

After Liu Bian left, everyone sat back down, each with their own expression.

The tense expressions relaxed, the suppressed effects of alcohol surged up, and everyone felt sleepy and tired.

Xun Yu forced himself to cheer up and said to everyone, "Everyone, the end of the year is approaching. Let's go to the Shangshutai tomorrow to discuss carefully, summarize this year, plan for next year, and report to His Majesty."

"As the Prime Minister ordered." Everyone responded, staggered to their feet, and left in twos and threes.

After the excitement died down, only Xun Yu, Zhong Yao and Xun You were left.

Zhong Yao was relaxed, drinking strong tea, and said, "Everything is settled, we can breathe a sigh of relief."

Once the crown prince is established and the country is on the throne, no matter how big the storm is, they are fearless, as if they have the confidence.

Xun Yu thought for a moment and asked, "What do you think of Cao Cao?"

Xun You was startled and asked, "What did he do?"

Xun Yu said: "No. Tell me what you think."

Zhong Yao understood what he meant and said, "After Cao Cao entered the capital, he was extremely low-key, careful in words and deeds, and never overstepped the boundaries. Thinking back carefully, this is not his personality. Either he is really cultivating himself, or he has some ulterior motive."

Xun You didn't believe that Cao Cao and his kind would "cultivate their character" at all. He said with a gloomy look, "I think he has some plans. I have carefully read his recent deployments and they are very suspicious!"

Xun Yu saw the clear attitudes of the two and said thoughtfully: "Cao Cao... don't worry for now, just observe first."

Only the palace could control Cao Cao; even the Secretariat was powerless.

Especially since Cao Cao is now the Grand Marshal, the times are different from the past. The methods used to deal with him in the past can no longer be used.

Zhong Yao also knew this and said, "You can talk to Shangshu Huangfu. The power to command the troops lies with the Bingcao, not the Grand Marshal's Office."

Xun You said, "I will go and talk to Huangfu. Did he have any evil intentions in his advice to Your Majesty just now?"

Cao Cao's intention was simple: to stir up rebellion and internal strife in the south and then the imperial court would sit back and wait for the benefits.

Zhong Yao said, "I didn't see it. But your majesty transferred Zhang Liao of Xuzhou and Liu Bei of Yuzhou to the capital, which was obviously intended to give Yuan Shao and others an opportunity to fight each other. Cao Cao might just be responding to your majesty's wishes."

Xun You frowned and said, "Don't think Cao Cao is that simple. He has great ambitions and should not be underestimated, let alone taken lightly."

Xun Yu sat up straighter and said, "Let's wait and see. For now, we still have to get along with him. 'State affairs' come first, and we can't have internal strife."

These words were obviously meant for Xun You.

(End of this chapter)