Big man: I am the Champion Marquis!

Chapter 80: Poaching people in person
When General Wei Qing returned victoriously, the people of Chang'an were very happy and not surprised at all.

Before this great victory, the general had led troops to fight against the Huns seven times.

The first expedition resulted in a great victory at Longcheng, where the Huns' sacred place Longcheng was attacked, marking the Han Dynasty's first victory over the Huns.

Including this great victory, Wei Qing had killed or captured more than 80,000 Xiongnu. In his more than 20 years of military career, this great general had never been defeated by the Xiongnu.

However, when the general returned to the court, he immediately begged the emperor to let him retire, saying that he was too weak and sick to lead troops.

Naturally, the emperor would not allow it, and Wei Qing repeatedly submitted memorials and pleaded in court meetings.

The Changping Marquis' Mansion is extremely lively at the moment. Although Wei Qing is a low-key and cautious person, Princess Pingyang thinks that it is necessary to be high-profile.

What's more, there are many students and old friends who are eagerly waiting. It is only natural to hold a banquet at this time.

Gongsun He and Wei Ru entered the Changping Marquis's Mansion under the leadership of Wei Buyi. Wei Ru was very pleased. Her brothers and sisters were promising, really promising!

"Sister!" Princess Pingyang took Wei Ru's arm affectionately, "Let's go talk over there."

Wei Ru, that was Wei Qing's eldest sister and also the sister of Queen Wei Zifu.

Wei Ai gave birth to three sons and four daughters with her two "husbands", and now Wei Ru is the eldest among the siblings.

"Where's Xian'er?" Wei Ru looked around and said, "He doesn't like to see me, his aunt, and always complains that I nag him. What day is it today? Why doesn't he come earlier?"

Princess Pingyang smiled and said, "Someone just reported that he behaved inappropriately after getting up, and His Majesty is punishing him. I think he will be reduced in food and fiefdom again, so I don't bother to care about him anymore."

Today, because he stepped into Xuanshi with his left foot first, his fiefdom was reduced by 500 yuan. Tomorrow, because he failed to arrange guards properly while on duty, his fiefdom will be reduced by another 1,000 yuan.

Although it was an exaggeration, Huo Xian's fief did need to be reduced. At first, the people on Wei and Huo's side were nervous, but now everyone is used to it.

Wei Ru smiled and said, "My Wei family now has three marquises!"

Wei Qing was the Marquis of Changping, Wei Kang was the Marquis of Yong'an, and Huo Shan was the Marquis of Guanjun.

This does not include Wei Guang, who had previously pacified the Southern Barbarians and attacked the Kunming Kingdom. Logically, he should have been granted a title of nobility, but now he is only a General of the Central Army.

As she spoke, Han Yunniang stepped forward and said, "I pay my respects to my aunt."

Although Wei Ru's status is not as high as that of the Queen Wei Zifu, she is now also the head of the Wei and Huo families. "You have been with Shan'er for quite some time, but there is still no sign of pregnancy?"

Before Han Yunniang could speak, Princess Pingyang smiled and said, "Sister, please don't say anything. Shan'er likes this girl now and takes her with him wherever he goes. If he knew you were talking about her, he would be even more reluctant to go to your house."

"Xian'er is just like Qubing!" Wei Ru said helplessly, "When you talk to him, he just lowers his head and listens, without talking back or responding, and just doesn't take it to heart."

Princess Pingyang felt the same way. "I am too lazy to say anything about the father and son. It is all because of your majesty's indulgence. There is no point in saying anything."

Wei Qing, who was entertaining the guests, hurried over. Although they were half-sisters, he had deep feelings for his sisters.

"Your second sister is gone." Wei Ru said with some sadness, "When you were little, she was the one who loved you the most."

Wei Qing, who was born in a humble family, liked Huo Qubing and Huo Shan, which was also a way of repaying his father's kindness. He was born in a humble family and was like a slave to his father. When he returned to his mother, only his three sisters were kind to him.

Wei Deng suddenly arrived, followed by Huo Xian in splendid clothes. This was the end of his punishment, and he hurried to the Marquis of Changping's mansion.

"Uncle, aunt, and great-aunt, here I come!" Huo Xian said proudly, holding a box in his hands, "I got a sword. A sword goes with a hero. This sword is worthy of my uncle!"

Wei Qing asked with amusement, "Did you pick up a sword?"

"Your Majesty is using a knife now, the sword is just for show." Huo Xian said carelessly, "Your Majesty didn't stop me when I was using the sword, it's not a problem!"

In Huo Xian's understanding, since the emperor did not say anything to stop it, it meant that he acquiesced.

Therefore, the sword he took out was formal, legal, and justified.

"My cousin was planning to come over, but my aunt persuaded him not to." Huo Xian said with a smile, "I'm here too. Can we start the banquet now?"

Princess Pingyang was curious, "Xian'er, you are always hungry, are you hungry?"

Wei Qing complained and criticized, "How can you be full if you don't eat your staple food properly and keep eating fruits and snacks? You complain of being hungry when you see people, and people who don't know you would think you are being treated unfairly!"

The elders are all like this, and they hate the younger generations who like to eat snacks. But many times, when the elders see that the children are idle, they keep feeding them snacks.

Huo Xian said with a playful smile, "I see that my uncle's house is full of distinguished guests, and they all seem to be from military backgrounds. Uncle, please introduce a few to me and I will take them with me to attack Dayuan next year."

Wei Qing suddenly had a headache. Huo Xian seemed to have regarded the attack on Dayuan as inevitable. Not only did he nag in front of the emperor, he also often talked too much in front of other people.

The emperor has not yet approved this matter, but Huo Xian acts as if it is a matter of course.

Princess Pingyang said, "Your Majesty has not yet approved your uncle's resignation, and you want to take away the old people in Changping Marquis's Mansion?" Huo Xian said casually, "My uncle will definitely not resign. He is the general and I am the general of the cavalry. The general is retired and does not take care of things, so the general of the cavalry should take care of things."

Even if Wei Qing asked to resign, the emperor would not allow it. However, the power of the general was basically reduced to the minimum, and he had less time than in previous years.

Wei Qing also understood this. He retained his position as general and no longer got involved in the court and military affairs. This was the best outcome for him.

It was true that the house was full of distinguished guests, and Huo Xian was very clear about his position. It was true that he was the Marquis of Guanjun and the General of the Cavalry, but he could not sit in the seat of honor in the general's mansion.

Gongsun He, Gongsun Ao and others are qualified to sit in the seats of honor.

After Huo Xian had eaten and drunk his fill, he said to Wei Qing, "General, you have led many expeditions against the Xiongnu, and many of your officers have been promoted to generals. Are there any talented people you can introduce me to?"

As soon as Huo Xian finished speaking, the originally lively atmosphere became a little weird.

On the surface, Huo Xian seemed to want to meet some talented people, but considering Wei Qing's situation in recent years, it is easy to think that this champion marquis was poaching people in person.

The memory of Wei Qing's former disciples and officials running to serve Huo Qubing has not yet faded, and now Huo Shan is asking for people in front of Wei Qing!
Wei Qing smiled and said, "Speaking of talented people, there are some. You who often interact with me know that I can introduce a few people you don't know well today."

After saying this, Wei Qing asked, "Is the Imperial Guard here?"

A strong man stood up and said, "Ren greets the general and the general of the cavalry."

"Tian Ren is the son of Tian Shu, the Prime Minister of Lu." Wei Qing introduced with a smile, "He served as a servant in my house a few years ago. He has been with the army to fight against the Xiongnu several times. He is truly both wise and brave. He entered the government as a doctor and is upright and incorruptible. He is now the commander of the capital."

Wei Qing pointed at the stern-looking man and said, "This is Ren An. He was born in a poor family and started out as a chief of a thief pavilion. He was dismissed from his post because of something he did. He eventually became a servant in my palace and entered the government as a doctor. He was previously exiled to Yizhou and is a very talented person."

These two people are also very famous in history and played extremely important roles in the Witchcraft and Poisoning Incident.

Tian Ren ordered the gates to be opened after the prince's defeat, allowing Liu Ju to escape from Chang'an. Needless to say, his fate was that this minister who could not bear to detain the prince was executed.

Ren An was the Northern Army Guard who was in charge of the Northern Army in the capital. After receiving Liu Ju's edict, he did not take any action. Eventually, Emperor Liu Che considered him to be sitting back and watching the outcome, which was disloyal, so he was beheaded.

When he was imprisoned, Sima Qian wrote a reply letter, "Letter to Ren An", which had been delayed for many years.

In fact, Sheren were not family servants, but subordinates of some important officials. The empress, the crown prince, and the princess all had subordinates. The prime minister and the general naturally also had subordinates.

Ren An and Tian Ren were both former subordinates of the general, and they once had a good relationship, but they don't interact much now.

Huo Xian looked at him and asked, "So you all have military experience. What title do you hold now?"

Tian Ren quickly replied, "My Lord, I am here to serve you."

Ren An also replied, "My Lord, I am currently the left guard."

Shaoshangzao is currently at the fifteenth level of military merit, which is very high, and Zuo is at the twelfth level, which is not low either.

The Han Dynasty inherited the Qin system, and the seventh-level duke was considered a high-ranking official. Those with a common rank of duke or official and above were only allowed to bow but not kneel when meeting a county magistrate or a county magistrate.

Huo Xian nodded and asked, "Since both of you were born as servants in the general's mansion, why did you become officials instead of joining the army?"

Tian Ren replied politely, "My Lord, I was fortunate to be recommended by the general, so I was able to enter the government and was appreciated by Your Majesty. I have been sent to serve as an official several times, and I have done my best to repay Your Majesty, and I dare not take credit for it."

Ren An also replied, "My Lord, I feel the same way. Your Majesty appreciates me and gives me an official position. I have done my duty faithfully and dare not be greedy."

There is nothing wrong with this answer. As a brick of revolution, we can move it wherever it is needed.

There is no reason to be picky about the officials appointed by the emperor.

Huo Xian smiled and nodded, saying, "It just so happens that I have nothing to do these days. When you are on vacation, send the invitation to my house and I will take you hunting."

The meaning of this statement is actually very obvious. It is nothing more than examining the abilities of these two people face to face.

Ren An was a little excited. He was obsessed with officialdom and wanted to climb up the social ladder. Now, everyone in Chang'an knew about the reputation of this champion marquis.

Tian Ren was in a dilemma. If he sent the invitation, others would think that he had abandoned the general and turned to serve Marquis Guanjun. This was not Tian Ren's character.

Huo Xian looked at Wei Qing and continued, "General, there are only two of us. This won't work. If it really doesn't work, can we let Yiqu Hou go hunting with me?"

Many people were furious. Gongsun Ao, Marquis of Yiqu, was a close friend of General Wei Qing and a true brother who helped each other when they were in humble positions!

Now this champion marquis is directly poaching the general's right-hand men!
Wei Qing, who was sitting in the main seat, smiled, while Gongsun Ao, the person involved, smiled and shook his head. This Marquis Guanjun just liked to exaggerate and make things bigger.

Forget it. Your Majesty lets it go and the general doesn’t restrain him, so I won’t say anything because it’s useless to say anything!

(End of this chapter)