The elite did not migrate south

Chapter 368 Are You a Loyal Minister?

Xun Yi knew that Wang Xiang must have a way to deal with the emperor.

Otherwise, he wouldn't be so confident.

But the problem is that Wang Xiang has been imprisoned now. Although he is nominally just reflecting in the mansion, in reality it is no different from being in prison.

I have to find a way to get this person out.

Xun Xi has already discovered his own shortcomings, and Wang Xiang has a strong ability to find opportunities. If he can stay by his side, the two of them can work together, with Xun Xi responsible for uniting the ministers and Wang Xiang responsible for finding the right opportunity to take action. Then, the ministers who are like scattered sand will be able to form an unstoppable force again.

The emperor has quite a few people around him now, but compared with the aristocratic families, it is still quite limited.

The military power in the hands of the emperor became increasingly stable, but the big families also had military power.

It’s just that the big clans are unable to unite closely, and even in the most dangerous times, they still act independently.

Xun Xi and Wang Xiang looked at each other for a few seconds, and then Xun Xi stood up to say goodbye.

Zhao Guo sent him out all the way.

Xun Yi didn't know how to bring Wang Xiang out and get him out of His Majesty's control.

It can be seen from His Majesty's attitude towards Wang Xiang that His Majesty attaches great importance to Wang Xiang and will not let him go easily.

Moreover, Wang Xiang was also involved in Gao Rou's rebellion, and the emperor could execute him at any time.

Wang Su and Wang Xiang also had a strong disagreement.

When Xun Yi thought about this, he suddenly felt a headache.

The tactic of writing a collective petition does not always work.

When Your Majesty wants to punish someone, the ministers can collectively write a letter to protect him, but there is no such thing as a collective letter to ask the emperor to reuse or promote someone.

It would be somewhat difficult to get the emperor to reinstate Wang Xiang, but we could still think of a way to pardon his crimes and restore his freedom.

Xun Yi frowned. He lacked strategy. Although he knew that Wang Xiang was the person who could change the current situation, he had no way to save him.

When Xun Yi returned to his mansion, there was already someone standing at the door waiting for his arrival.

Seeing this man, Xun Yi was shocked and hurriedly got out of the car.

The man standing in front of Xun Yi was tall and had an extraordinary appearance. He was a steady and elegant old man, just like Zhuge Dan.

"Zhongnan! Long time no see!"

Xun Yi couldn't help but speak.

This old man, named Guo Pei, is the younger brother of the late General Guo Huai.

He previously served as the prefect of Chengyang County, but later resigned because of his son's affairs and has been staying in his own mansion. Xun Yi did not expect to meet him here.

Guo Pei is different from the young man Guo Zhang. He used to be an official in the local area for a long time. Although he has never been in the government, he has a very good vision and courage to do things.

He had two sons-in-law, the first one was Jia Chong and the second one was Pei Xiu.

That’s right, the relationships between the big clans are so complicated.

Jia Chong died at the hands of Cao Mao, but Pei Xiu became Cao Mao's confidant.

Xun Yi happily took his hand and invited him into the house. He probably knew the reason why Guo Pei appeared here, which was for Guo Zhang.

Since Guo Huai's death, his family has not had an easy time. Although there are several two thousand stone officials in charge, and Guo Huai's son is also vying for the position of governor, this is far from enough.

Especially after losing several important helpers in succession, they cannot afford to lose Guo Zhang again.

Xun Yi looked down on Guo Zhang, but was very welcoming to Guo Pei.

When the two of them walked into the inner room, there was no false greeting and Guo Pei went straight to the point.

"Your Majesty's actions are becoming increasingly unsystematic."

"To have eunuchs raid my nephew's house is truly chilling."

Xun Yi was overjoyed. He was just waiting for someone like this. He immediately said, "This is all because of the eunuch."

"Xun Gong, don't do this again."

"Do you know why you've been repeatedly defeated when facing the Emperor? Is it because you don't even have the courage to accuse the Emperor? Does that mean the Emperor can't accuse you?"

"When the Ming Emperor wanted to renovate the palace, didn't his ministers write letters of advice and criticism?"

"When the King of Qi wanted to promote a eunuch, didn't his ministers reprimand him?"

"The emperor is still young, and he did something so absurd. Shouldn't he be reprimanded?"

After hearing what Guo Pei said, Xun Yi didn't dare to speak. He looked around and whispered, "Mr. Guo, you don't know that the current emperor is definitely not an emperor like Emperor Ming and the King of Qi." "When the emperor came to Luoyang, he had no one to rely on and was imprisoned in the Taiji Palace. He was surrounded by people who were watching him. But in just one year, the emperor won over the ministers, took back the military power, made connections with the generals, promoted his confidants, killed Jia Chong, defeated the general, executed Gao Rou, demoted Sima Fu, dismissed Wang Xiang, captured Sima Zhao alive, and defeated Jiang Wei again."

"In the past, when the four generals were away, even the general had trouble controlling them. But what about now? Zhuge Dan came to the palace in person to serve as the Grand Marshal. Wang Chang stayed by the emperor's side overnight, not daring to go out. Guanqiu Jian even held high the emperor's banner and never disobeyed. Chen Ben worked tirelessly for His Majesty in the Secretariat. He Zeng could only visit friends in Luoyang. Sima Wang stayed in his palace."

The more Xun Yi spoke, the more desperate he became, and there was obvious fear in his eyes.

"This is not something that Emperor Ming or the Prince of Qi could accomplish. This is not even something that Emperor Wen could accomplish. This requires the courage and talent that only Emperor Wu possesses!"

"And the most terrifying thing is that the current emperor is only fifteen years old. He is extremely intelligent and is very good at learning. His talents will improve day by day. In time, he may not even be able to match Emperor Wu!"

Xun Yi's words made Guo Pei silent.

He looked at Xun Yi in astonishment.

Are you a loyal subject???

I came all the way here to help you deal with the emperor, and you started flattering him the moment we met. Are you sent by the emperor to fish for me?

I think your respect for the emperor is much greater than that of Zhong Hui and others!
Seeing Guo Pei's astonished look, Xun Yi also reacted, quickly cleared his throat, and said, "Please don't misunderstand me. I just feel that I shouldn't look down on Your Majesty."

Guo Pei was a little unhappy. No wonder you guys can't get anything done. With a leader like you, it would be strange if you could get anything done.

Guo Pei said, "Talent and strategy are not the most important things. For a monarch, benevolence, righteousness, and morality are what matter. Didn't King Zhou have talent? Didn't the First Emperor have strategy? But they lacked benevolence, righteousness, and morality, and that's why they ruined their own country!"

"And those who lack morality, no matter how talented and resourceful they are, will only bring misfortune to the world!"

"What we must do today is not to take back the power of the ministers, but to remove the unjust king and support a king who can rule the world well!"

Xun Yi just felt horrified.

Suddenly I didn't dare to speak.

Xun Yi really didn't have such bad intentions. He just wanted to preserve his position and fight for power for the ministers. But in Guo Pei's eyes, his confrontation with the emperor was just a child's play!

This power struggle should have resulted in bloodshed and murder. They didn't even dare to talk about dealing with the emperor, but kept muttering about eunuchs all day long. The matter had already failed before it was even done.

Seeing Xun Xi remaining silent, Guo Pei was very disappointed and stood up to leave, but Xun Xi hurriedly stopped him.

"Mr. Guo, no matter what, we must first resolve the current predicament. I want to rescue Mr. Wang. Mr. Wang is a man of strategy and courage. He was the one who personally took action against the general. If I can rescue him..."

Guo Pei laughed, "Did Your Majesty ever make him do corvee labor?"

"Never."

"Did your majesty ever say he wanted to kill him?"

"Not even."

"Then what else needs to be saved? Tomorrow, bring the documents to Wang Xiang and have him write a letter expressing his regret, accusing Gao Rou and others of their crimes, and confessing his guilt to the emperor."

"The emperor can only admit the crimes of Gao Rou and others. If he admits them, then the prince will be considered to have repented. When the time comes, you will lead the ministers to bring him out."

"I've also heard about his fight with Wang Su. This makes it even easier. Send someone to find out about Wang Su and his relatives' misdeeds, and then tell the world about them. Let the news spread like wildfire, and ruin their reputation. As long as his reputation is ruined, what does it matter if Wang Xiang plagiarizes him?"

Guo Pei pointed out the direction and path for Xun Xi with just a few words. Xun Xi was particularly excited at this moment.

"Mr. Guo is right!"

"I will send someone to handle this matter immediately. When Wang Su was a local official, he was notorious for his harsh administration. His youngest son was also extremely extravagant and had a habit of extorting money from others."

Only then did Guo Pei nod in satisfaction.

Children can be taught.

He added, "One more thing. The reason your actions have been exposed these days is probably because some ministers have been secretly informing Your Majesty. You should not discriminate based on the closeness of your relationship with the Emperor. If you are not thorough, you will surely fail."

"I know what you are thinking. You want to gather all the ministers and win by the power of the majority."

"But the struggle in the imperial court is never about numbers. This isn't a war outside. With just a few loyal and reliable people, great things can be accomplished."

"The things we discussed cannot be known to anyone else. It's best for you to find some of your closest tribesmen to handle this."

"Tell them to keep their mouths shut and not leak the information! Don't ask those who take drugs and drink alcohol to organize such things!"

"Gao Rou's original plan was ruined by these villains!"

Guo Pei gave several instructions and Xun Yi nodded in agreement.

Guo Pei's arrival gave Xun Yi confidence immediately. He could mobilize many big families, Guo Pei could give advice, and Wang Xiang could decide the timing. In addition, there were many talented people in the temple, as well as a large number of people who were dissatisfied with the emperor.

If we can gather this power, we really don't have to be so afraid of the emperor. We wouldn't dare to depose or enthrone the emperor as Guo Pei said, but in any case, we won't have to live in fear like this!

(End of this chapter)