Han officials

Chapter 1 Are there any prostitutes here?

The seventh year of Guanghe, the fifth month of summer.

Just after the Shen hour, visitors began to flock to the temple outside Changsha County, Yingchuan Commandery. Some wore leather caps and long robes, while others were dressed in armor.

After a while, a middle-aged scholar with a tall hat and a wide belt and an elegant appearance came walking side by side with a short and strong middle-aged man.

"I haven't seen you for a few years. Meng De looks even more majestic than before. I'm so envious!"

This middle-aged famous scholar was called Zhong Yao (yáo), a handsome man from a noble family in Changsha County.

However, although the Changsha Zhong family was a famous family in Yingchuan and he was four years older than Cao Cao, their status was very different.

Cao Cao was only thirty years old, but he was already a cavalry captain with a rank of two thousand stones, while Zhong Yao was still a commoner. It is no wonder that he would express such emotion.

Cao Cao laughed upon hearing this and said, "Yuan Chang, you're joking. A month ago, the Emperor issued an edict to pardon all those involved in the rebellion. Now that the shackles are gone, with Yuan Chang's talent, it would be easy for him to claim the two thousand stone seal. I'm just taking two steps ahead."

Cao Cao, who was in Luoyang, knew better than anyone what Zhong Yao's future would be after the lifting of the Party Ban.

You should know that Zhong Yao’s grandfather Zhong Hao was known as one of the “Four Elders of Yingchuan” together with Chen Shi, Xun Shu, and Han Shao.

Even though no one from the Changsha Zhong family is now an official due to the Party and Faction Persecution, the family's reputation throughout the country is extraordinary.

In particular, Zhong Hao, one of the "Four Elders of Yingchuan", taught poetry and rhythm to more than a thousand disciples during his lifetime. Although his two sons, Zhong Di and Zhong Fu, were influenced by the Party Factions and never took up official positions in their lives, the Zhong family's private school flourished because of this.

In fact, this is also the main reason why private schools are prevalent in Yingchuan County. Many famous scholars have lectured in Yingchuan because of the Party and Faction Persecution, which also led to many scholars coming to Yingchuan County to study.

In the Han Dynasty today, reputation is more valuable than official position. Since the Western Han Dynasty, it has been common for common people to become the Three Dukes.

Therefore, Cao Cao really envied Zhong Yao's family background, unlike his family... Alas!

Of course, although he felt this way in his heart, Cao Cao remained calm and walked inside while chatting and laughing with Zhong Yao.

But what Cao Cao didn't know was that at this moment there was a young soldier behind him looking at him curiously.

"Is this Cao Cao?"

It has been more than half a year since Wei Zhe traveled to the Han Dynasty. He has actually met many famous people in history, such as Sun Jian, Zhu Jun, Huangfu Song and others. Now he no longer has the celebrity filter.

Although God did not give him a cheating device like the system, fortunately he also rewarded Wei Zhe with a strong body. Otherwise, he would have died on the battlefield when he first came to this world, and would not have had the leisure time he has now.

But when I think about the experiences of the past six months, it really feels like a dream.

He was washing his feet and singing, so how could he suddenly travel through time?
"What's wrong, brother? Do you know this person?"

Seeing Wei Zhe suddenly lose his concentration, Taishi Ci beside him immediately followed his gaze and looked in the direction curiously.

Upon hearing this, Wei Zhe burst out laughing: "Of course I know him. Didn't you also see Captain Cao's divine soldiers descend from the sky yesterday?"

Taishi Ci didn't think much of this. Recalling the scene on the battlefield yesterday, he couldn't help but nod in agreement, "Indeed, we were able to achieve such a complete victory in yesterday's battle thanks to Commander Cao. Otherwise, that group might not have retreated."

It is said that since the outbreak of the Yellow Turban Rebellion in March, the Luoyang court ordered Huangfu Song and Zhu Jun to lead the five schools of the Northern Army, the Sanhe Knights, and more than 40,000 soldiers from various counties and volunteers to attack the Yellow Turban Army in the Yingchuan area.

But unexpectedly, last month, the Right General Zhu Jun was defeated by Bo Cai, the leader of the Yellow Turbans in Yingchuan, and had to retreat to Changsha County.

Zhu Jun and Huangfu Song's armies were originally supporting each other. Zhu Jun's retreat forced Huangfu Song to retreat with him to Changsha County. As a result, the more than 40,000 troops of the southern route were surrounded in Changsha City by Bo Cai's army.

Because the Han army was small in number and had just suffered a major defeat, the morale of the army was quite low a while ago.

Fortunately, when the Luoyang court saw that Huangfu Song and others were surrounded, they sent Cavalry Commander Cao Cao to lead an army to rescue them, which led to yesterday's great victory.

Even though the siege that lasted for more than a month has come to an end, Wei Zhe still feels emotional when he recalls yesterday's battle.

Huangfu Song's use of fire to destroy the Yellow Turban camp yesterday evening was certainly the main achievement, but Cao Cao's timely arrival and the pincer attack from Huangfu Song were also one of the key reasons for yesterday's victory.

If not for this, the Han army would probably have won a small victory at most yesterday, and might not have been able to kill tens of thousands of enemies and cause the Yellow Turban Army in Yingchuan to be defeated.

It is precisely because of this that we are having today's celebration banquet. After all, the Han army also needs to rest.

……

Not to mention how Cao Cao and Zhong Yao chatted, Wei Zhe and Taishi Ci also soon entered the county temple.

Since the magistrate of Changsha County abandoned his land and fled when the Yellow Turban Rebellion first broke out, the county magistrate and the county lieutenant did not leave, but were soon killed in battle.

Therefore, Changsha County is actually in a state of being ownerless, and many affairs are basically maintained by the big families in the county.

For example, today's celebration banquet was prepared so quickly because it was led by the Zhong family and cooperated with other powerful families in the county.

Although the preparations were hasty, the current scene was not shabby at all.

Wei Zhe was led by a small official in a plain cap and black robe from the moment he entered the main hall. Once he entered, he discovered that the once solemn and cold hall had been draped with a vermilion curtain, adorned with patterns of clouds, birds, and beasts. It was extraordinarily luxurious, and tied with a black ribbon. Above the hall were two seats, one for Huangfu Song on the right and one for Zhu Jun on the left. Behind them stood four black cloud banners. The generals sat comfortably on two rows of long seats below.

After everyone was seated, maids came out one after another carrying vermilion lacquer trays and served delicious dishes.

As the saying goes: You never tire of fine food, and you never tire of delicate meat.

Today, Wei Zhe had witnessed the enjoyment of food by the powerful and wealthy in the Han Dynasty.

Even though he was only a small fake military marquis and his position was in a remote corner, the food on the table in front of him was still extremely rich, such as turtle, carp sashimi, pickled meat, quail, meat soup, etc., all kinds of food were roasted, steamed and boiled.

Wei Zhe didn't even recognize some of the food. He pointed at a dish curiously and asked, "What is this?"

"(⊙o⊙)...This is a deer egg, made from a deer fetus."

The maid who served the food was probably encountering such a situation for the first time. After answering in a low voice, she walked away quickly, somewhat timidly.

With all the delicacies, fine wine is naturally indispensable. For example, behind the curtains there are several large, open-bellied jars filled with millet wine, rice wine, glutinous rice wine, sweet wine and other fine wines for the maids to use at any time.

However, looking at the words "Jun Xing Wine" on the lacquer plate and ear cup in front of him, Wei Zhe couldn't help but sigh.

There is no doubt that the food and wine in front of them are all delicacies. Compared with them, the food in the Han army camp is simply pig food.

But even if it was the pig fodder in the Han army camp, the common people in Changshe County probably couldn't eat it every day, otherwise the scale of the Yellow Turbans in Yingchuan wouldn't be so large. Not to mention that Changshe County had been under siege for over a month and had only just been relieved.

But even so, the big families in the county were still able to prepare such a sumptuous celebration banquet.

Haha~ The rich have wine and meat, while the poor freeze to death on the streets. It’s just like that!

Thinking of this, Wei Zhe even felt a little sorry for the Yellow Turban Army.

If Tang Zhou hadn't informed on Ma Yuanyi, the traitor within the capital, the Yellow Turbans might have had a chance to repeat the success of the Green Forest Army and the Red Eyebrow Army in the late Han Dynasty. But now? There's no hope!

Of course, compared with the powerful Han Dynasty nobles, the Yellow Turban Army was not much better.

Since joining the army, Wei Zhe has seen many villages looted by the Yellow Turbans, which was extremely tragic.

While the majority of the Yellow Turbans were impoverished civilians struggling to make ends meet, many vicious bandits and thieves took advantage of the situation and infiltrated the ranks. Due to their combat effectiveness, most of these bandits were middle- and upper-class. In some counties, the Yellow Turbans were simply recruited by local tyrants. Under these circumstances, military discipline within the Yellow Turbans was naturally untenable.

In fact, most of the peasant uprisings in history were a mixed bag, unless a miracle happened.

For the common people at the bottom of society, they will die if they rebel, and they will die if they don't rebel. It's simply too outrageous.

In such a world, it would be unjust if the Han Dynasty didn't perish!
The most annoying thing is that Wei Zhe has to thank the Yellow Turban Rebellion.

After all, if it weren't for the Yellow Turban Rebellion that spread across the country, someone with his background wouldn't have had the opportunity to become an official, let alone establish laws and regulations and help the people. Just as Wei Zhe was sighing inwardly, Cao Cao, who was not far away, accidentally caught a glimpse of the scene and asked curiously, "Who is this person?"

Sun Jian, who was sitting next to him, took one look and said with a smile, "This is the Righteous Army Marquis Wei Gongwei. He is an expert in archery and horsemanship, especially in mounted combat, and has made many achievements in the past."

"Oh~ Whose family is this kid from?" Zhong Yao, who was standing by, also became interested after hearing this.

If it were an ordinary person, Sun Jian might not know, but he did know about a brave soldier like Wei Zhe. He immediately shook his head and said, "This man is not from a prominent family. He is the son of a powerful family in Xuantu County. Two months ago, he led 200 cavalrymen from Liaodong to cross the sea to Donglai County. He traveled thousands of miles before joining the army. He is truly a loyal and brave man."

Upon hearing this, Zhong Yao's expression immediately turned indifferent, without any interest at all.

What good can a local tyrant from a border county who is not even from a humble family do, no matter how loyal and brave he is?

Sun Jian was not surprised to see this. Yingchuan was originally home to many noble families, so it was not surprising that Zhong Yao had such an attitude.

As for Zhong Yao's disdain, that's just fine, because Sun Jian has made up his mind to recruit him anyway.

You should know that since he put down the rebellion, he has recruited many brave men from among the volunteers.

For example, Cheng Pu and Han Dang, who are guarding him tonight, were born in Youbeiping County and Lingzhi County, Liaoxi County, respectively. Both are Northern Tiger Warriors.

However, Wei Zhe was different from the other two in that he did not join the army alone, but brought his own righteousness with him, making him difficult to recruit.

Cao Cao, who was standing by, immediately understood what Sun Jian said, smiled and stopped talking.

Upon seeing this, Sun Jian smiled and raised his ear cup to show his gratitude.

Afterwards, everyone started to drink and chat happily, and there were even various performances in the hall.

I saw a nimble man holding a towel in both hands, with a combination of strength and flexibility, jumping back and forth nimbly on seven small drums symbolizing the Big Dipper, playing a piece of music. Finally, he landed on the left side of the small drum with a big bow step, holding a short towel in both hands, looking agile and elegant.

The generals in the hall cheered upon seeing this, and for a moment the place was filled with laughter and it was very lively.

However, Cao Cao had long since grown tired of such performances. Perhaps it was because of yesterday's victory that he had drunk a few more cups. He shook his head drunkenly, "Boring! Boring! Why watch this? There's nothing new here."

Zhong Yao, standing by, wanted to smooth things over, but Cao Cao turned to Sun Jian and asked, "Are there any prostitutes here?"

Upon hearing this, Zhong Yao's face froze and his brows furrowed slightly, but he quickly regained composure and said nothing.

As for military men like Sun Jian, they didn't take it seriously at all.

Even a prim and prudish man like Huangfu Song just laughed and said, "Meng De is drunk~"

Zhu Jun even waved his hand with a smile and asked his servants to help Cao Cao to the side room to rest.

Cao Cao wanted to say something to show off his strength, but the official in black clothes who was supporting him whispered, "Captain, the prostitute is waiting outside. I will take you there right away."

As soon as these words were spoken, Cao Cao, who was only slightly drunk, staggered and allowed the clerk to help him leave.

Seeing this, Wei Zhe in the corner couldn't help laughing on the spot.

I didn’t expect that Prime Minister Cao was so eccentric when he was young. He really remained true to his original aspirations and remained consistent!

As Cao Cao said that, the atmosphere inside immediately became more intense. Soon, people began to leave in groups of two or three. Along with them disappeared the beautiful maids and dancers. This was actually a deliberate act by the powerful families.

After all, they are not as famous as the Zhong family of Changsha, so they can only use other ways to make connections and accumulate good karma.

Of course, Cao Cao’s treatment was naturally not comparable to that of these people.

Because the clerk took him to none other place than the county magistrate's original residence in the house behind the county temple.

Xue Peng, the former magistrate of Changsha County, fled, but he failed to take his family with him. After Xue Peng's death at the hands of the rebels outside the city, his wife and family were left without care. Xue Peng's wife, Madam Mo, was surprised by Cao Cao's arrival, but she considered herself a convicted official and a woman, and even if she wasn't reduced to slavery, she was likely to be exiled.

So after the clerk persuaded her for a few words, the plump Mrs. Mo reluctantly agreed, which made Cao Cao very satisfied.

Just when Cao Cao was enjoying himself, Wei Zhe and Taishi Ci returned to the camp in the cold wind after the banquet.

There is no way. As a mere Yicongjunhou, it is lucky to have delicious food to eat, but don’t even think about beautiful women.

However, neither Wei Zhe nor Taishi Ci cared.

After returning to the camp, Taishi Ci said even more carefreely: "A true man is born into this world, and he should carry a seven-foot sword to ascend the steps of the emperor. What does a little bit of female beauty matter to him?"

Taishi Ci, who is only nineteen years old this year, is at the age of high spirits and full of expectations for the future.

But seeing Wei Zhe sitting at the table again, he couldn't help but ask curiously, "Brother, what about you?"

"Me?" Wei Zhe, who was about to pick up a pen to write something, was stunned at first. Then he smiled and said, "I don't have such lofty ambitions as you. As long as I can reduce the number of deaths in this world and provide more land for Han people to cultivate, I will be satisfied!"

Taishi Ci was speechless when he heard this.

They are all about expanding their territory. Isn’t this a lofty ambition?
But seeing that Wei Zhe had already started writing at his desk, Taishi Ci had no choice but to shut up and leave.

Wei Zhe ignored the situation and, after a brief recollection, wrote on a piece of paper: "When encountering a plain or vast marshland with no strategic location to rely on, it is advisable to set up a square camp... If you want to roam the horses, the outer tents should be arranged in a long and narrow pattern, while the inner part of the camp should be wide to avoid narrow passages... "

After writing this, Wei Zhe considered everything carefully and added: If the army does not need to stay for a long time, a trench can be dug as a camp. The bottom of the trench should be 12 feet wide and 10 feet deep... The inside should be carved into a path for people to walk on, and a trench gate should be built... At the boundary of the trench, every 20 steps, a battle tower should be placed... Outside the rim of the trench, a layer of horse pits should be dug, 25 steps wide... Each pit should have three chevaux de frises, and near the trench, a layer of thorny walls should be laid, 25 steps wide...

In this way, Wei Zhe wrote in bits and pieces for half an hour before stopping.

It was only after Wei Zhe traveled through time that he realized that he could not lead troops in battle just by memorizing the Thirty-Six Stratagems.

He remembered that a general once said that war is about who makes fewer mistakes.

He didn't understand this sentence before, but after following Huangfu Song to fight the Yellow Turbans for two months, he finally understood it.

It's simple. If you don't know how to set up camp and command a march, how can you avoid making mistakes?

Even if the coach does not need to do many things personally, he should at least be able to discover problems when his subordinates make mistakes.

Details determine success or failure, and foundation determines life or death. This is Wei Zhe’s biggest realization in the past two months.

For example, if Bo Cai had set up camp as meticulously as Huangfu Song, the Yellow Turbans in Yingchuan would not have been ambushed.

This is what is meant by "A good warrior attacks others but is not attacked by others."

After realizing this, Wei Zhe began to write marching notes every day, using this simple method to teach himself.

Although no one gave him any advice, the observant Wei Zhe still managed to summarize some rules from the various details.

The ancients said that words and deeds are the best way to teach, and Huangfu Song has unintentionally achieved half of it this time.

Of course, Wei Zhe had no choice.

War is fierce and dangerous, and he must try his best to survive in this chaotic world.

Because only by surviving can he try to change this damn world...

　Please collect it! Please recommend!

(End of this chapter)