Chapter 1000 Internal and external difficulties

  When Cao Rui came to the throne, it wasn't that he didn't think about weakening the aristocratic family.

  Divide up the four auxiliary ministers, restore the five baht coins, strengthen the imperial court's control over the local area, appoint the stern and selfless Sima Zhi to attack the rich and powerful in Luoyang, and even do not hesitate to investigate the "flashy case" and so on.

  It’s just that for so many years, I don’t know whether it’s a coincidence or intentional by the Shu captives. Whenever Cao Rui’s imperial power shows signs of being stable, there will always be problems on the border between Shu and Wei.

  Forcing him to rely on the power of the aristocratic family again to maintain the stability of Wei State.

   Later, he could only watch helplessly as the influence of Shi Jiahaoyou in the court grew.

  Internal and external difficulties, many difficulties, Cao Rui gradually felt a sense of powerlessness.

  The ambitions of his early years have also been sapped. In the past few years, he has become more and more fond of indulging in female sex, so as to paralyze himself.

  Not only did additional guards be sent to guard the palace gates, but other ministers, except for the confidantes, hardly had the opportunity to enter the palace to meet the emperor.

   Even set up female officials in the harem, and set up different grades like the outer court, allowing them to sort out official documents and assist in handling official affairs.

  In other words, in the words of later generations, Cao Rui has become somewhat autistic.

   Ting Wei Gao Rou also advised Cao Rui to dismiss the extra women in the palace, but Cao Rui just talked about him from left to right.

  On the second day after Cao Rui fainted, another news spread from the palace, saying that His Majesty had woken up.

  Many courtiers in the court wanted to enter the palace to see them, but they were all blocked.

   Only Cao Zhao, the son of Cao Xiu, who was the captain of Tunqi at that time, Cao Shuang, the son of Cao Zhen, who was the general of Wuwei, and Cao Yu, the king of Yan, could enter.

  When Liu Fang and Sun Zi heard about it, they were even more worried.

  After he was on duty, Sun Zi found an excuse and came to Liu Fang's house.

   When Cao Cao became Duke Wei, the two had already been Secretary Lang together.

  After Cao Pi usurped the throne, he was also in the same palm as the Secretary.

  Up to now, the official ranks of the two have continued to rise, but the positions of Zhongshujian and Zhongshuling have always been held by two people and have never changed.

  It can be said that the two have been in charge of Wei Guoji for more than 20 years, and it can be regarded as sharing weal and woe.

  In recent years, there has been a gap in the talents of the clan, and Cao Rui has become more and more dependent on the veterans left by Cao Cao.

  Liu Fang and Sun Zi are not only in charge of daily government affairs, dispatching troops and other big and small matters.

  Even when the imperial court decides on major events, they also have the right to decide right from wrong and act according to their decision.

   Nowadays, many officials hear the name of "Zhongshu", and they dare not violate it, which shows the great power of Zhongshu Province.

  The two people who made the officials of Wei State change their expressions, now they have ugly faces.

  The reason is that someone quietly sent a message to the two of them from the palace:

   Today, after Cao Zhao came out of His Majesty's bedroom, he saw a chicken perched on a tree branch in the hall, and he pointed at the chicken and blurted out:

   "It's been a long time, how much can it recover?"

  It means that this thing has stayed for too long, I want to see how long it can still bounce?

  Cao Zhao's words are inexplicable, and others can't understand what he wants to express.

  But who are Liu Fang and Sun Zi?

  After three dynasties, the old man who has not only stood still, but has even become more and more powerful, will it be a fuel-efficient lamp?

   Not to mention that Liu Fang and Sun Zi have mastered the secrets of the Wei state for more than 20 years. Among other things, in terms of analyzing intelligence, the two are the top of the Wei state.

  Since Cao Rui came to the throne, Cao Yu, Cao Shuang, Cao Zhao, Qin Lang and others can be said to be emerging favorites.

  Originally there was another Xiahouxian, but after the Xiahou clan fell out of favor, Xiahouxian also dismissed from office and went home.

  There is only so little space around the emperor, if you occupy more, others will naturally occupy less.

  Cao Zhao and Qin Lang have long been dissatisfied with Liu Fang and Sun Zi, thinking that they serve the emperor every day, and hold important powers.

   It was precisely because of the conflict between the two parties that Liu Fang and Sun Zi took advantage of the loss of Longyou to transfer Qin Lang away from Cao Rui's side and let him guard the county when Cao Rui drove to Chang'an.

   I just didn't expect that Qin Lang's talent is really outstanding. In the end, he not only protected Cao Da Sima from the battle of Xiaoguan, but also defeated Ke Bineng.

  Now Cao Zhao is serving inside, Qin Lang is leading the army outside, echoing inside and outside, has faintly overwhelmed Liu Fang and Sun Zi.

   Coupled with the fact that His Majesty's physical condition is unknown, what Cao Zhao said in the hall immediately made Liu Fang and Sun Zi tremble with fear.

   "Your Majesty's health may not be optimistic."

  In the secret room of the Liu Mansion, Sun Zi had no scruples, and said this directly with a gloomy face.

  Because if His Majesty is in good health, then the status of the two of them will not be shaken.

  His Majesty may be a little too trusting of his confidantes in appointing people, but in terms of the overall situation, he still knows who can be used and who can't.

  Since Cao Zhao said such words, it means that His Majesty probably already has the intention of choosing a minister to assist the government.

   Liu Fang's face was even more gloomy than Sun Zi's, and his tone was like ice scum scraping the ground:

   "His Majesty most likely intends to let Cao Zhao assist the government."

  The two looked at each other, and they both saw the worry in the other's eyes, as well as the hidden... a trace of fear.

   "Qin Lang and Cao Zhao both hated us and the others, and Jiang Ji also wrote to His Majesty, saying that the Ministry of Education has the disadvantage of the monopoly of evil officials."

  When Sun Zi said this, his face began to tremble a little.

  Qin Lang and Jiang Ji are both leading the army. If Cao Zhao is appointed by His Majesty as Assistant Minister, what will happen later, the two of them dare not think about it anymore.

   "No, Cao Zhao can't be allowed to take power so easily, otherwise, we may want to have a burial place but can't get it!"

  Sun Zi's eyes showed evil light, "We must find a way to stop His Majesty."

   Liu Fang is also a little irritable:

   "Now Your Majesty lives in the deep palace, we are not allowed to enter, but Cao Zhao can come in and out at will, we have nothing to do."

  As veterans of the three dynasties, it wasn't that they were unwilling to be loyal to Wei, but insisted on internal strife at such a critical moment.

   But the situation is too critical.

  According to the conflict between myself and Cao Zhao and others, if I really let the other party come to power, let alone the lives of the two of them, I am afraid that the family will be implicated.

  Being loyal to Wei, you have to have a life before you can be loyal, right?

   Life is gone, how can you be loyal?

  The two of them have grasped too many secrets. Even if they want to retreat bravely now, others cannot rest assured-in fact, they have no way out.

  Liu Zi stood up and took two steps back and forth:

   "Although we cannot enter the palace, it does not mean that others cannot enter."

   Having said that, he stood still and looked at Liu Fang.

   After a moment of silence, two voices sounded at the same time:

   "King Yan?"

   "Cao Shuang?"

   "Cao Shuang is the son of Cao Zhen, and he was born in the same royal family as Cao Zhao. How could he be partial to us?"

   "At least Cao Shuang has no prejudice against us now." Liu Fang glanced at Sun Zi, "According to the practice of the Great Wei, there must be a clan among the auxiliary ministers."

   "Since this is the case, it is better to let Cao Shuang go than to let Cao Zhao go. Moreover, Cao Shuang is weak and seldom plans. Even if he takes power in the future, he will have to ask us for advice."

  The two powers harm each other whichever is lesser. Cao Zhao and himself are sworn enemies, but Cao Shuang may not.

   "What about King Yan?"

   "King of Yan?" Liu Fang sneered, "Not to mention the identity of King Yan, even according to the laws of the Great Wei and the rules set by Emperor Wen, King Yan himself should know what he should do."

  The so-called King Yan is Cao Yu, the son of Cao Cao and Mrs. Huan, the uncle of Cao Rui, and the uncle of the future prince.

  Using uncles and grandparents as auxiliary ministers to assist the emperor's great-nephew?

   Your Majesty is confused about this kind of thing. Could it be that King Yan is also confused?

   Even if King Yan is confused, he and others, as the veteran ministers of the Great Wei Dynasty, cannot be confused.

   "The king of Yan has always been respectful and gentle, so he should know what to do." Sun Zi said something nice for Cao Yu, "If it doesn't work, let me go and test it out to see what his plan is."

  In all fairness, although Jiang Ji said that the Ministry of Education was suspected of "evil officials monopolizing power", Liu Fang and Sun Zi have always done a good job in handling confidential matters.

  General Zhengdong Manchong offended many people because of his strict law enforcement. In addition, he was at odds with Wang Ling, who was born in a noble family, so he was often slandered.

   After a lot of slander, Cao Rui also had doubts about Man Chong, and even called him back to Beijing.

  Sun Zi often argues for Man Chong, speaks out his interests in front of Cao Rui, protects his reputation, and prevents him from being framed.

   On the contrary, when Sun Zi was slandered by others, he did not defend himself. Later, after the other party asked for reconciliation, he was still willing to marry the other party.

  This kind of character is considered very strong in the eyes of many people in the court.

  So if Sun Zi came to find Cao Yu in person, I believe Cao Yu would not miss him.

   As for whether Cao Yu will tell the truth, you will always have to try to know. If you don’t try, you will always have to guess.

  Hearing that Sun Zi was willing to take the initiative to find Cao Yu, Liu Fang nodded: "That's fine, let's see what King Yan thinks, so we can deal with it."

   "Since Yanlong is looking for King Yan, then I will go to Cao Shuang."

   Liu Fang's eyes flickered, "If the King of Yan really knows how to advance and retreat, and we continue to drive a wedge between Cao Shuang and Cao Zhao, the matter will be mostly settled."

   "Who doesn't want the assistant government position? I don't believe that Cao Shuang will be willing to give it up to Cao Zhao." Sun Zi also nodded in agreement, "Even if they are both assistant ministers, there is a priority."

  Compared to jointly holding power with Cao Zhao, Sun Zi believes that Cao Shuang is more willing to hold power alone.

  Even if it is not possible to hold power alone, at least the number of people should be as small as possible.

  As long as someone can help Cao Shuang realize this, they believe that Cao Shuang will make the right choice.

  The discussion has come to this point, and it is almost considered a decision.

  The two were silent for a while, but neither of them got up to leave.

   After a while, Sun Zi hesitated and said:

   "The most prestigious person in Wei today is none other than Da Sima. I think Da Sima should be told what happened in Luoyang these days. What does Ziqi think?"

  Hearing the words, Liu Fang let out a breath suddenly: "It is true."

   Reached an agreement, the two breathed a sigh of relief, and then looked at each other and smiled.

   Man Chong was originally favored by Sun Zi, if he could get the support of Da Sima again, even if Jiang Ji and Qin Lang, who were leading the army, were at odds with him, so what?

   "After Sikong (Chen Qun) left, only Da Sima was left as the auxiliary minister of His Majesty. Of course, Da Sima must be notified of such a big event."

   "Exactly."

  Luoyang, the undercurrent began to surge.

  Staying in Linfen all the time, accumulating strength and wanting to hit Jiang Ji head-on at any time, Inspector Feng naturally didn't know what happened in Luoyang.

  One day, he suddenly discovered that after some hesitation, Jiang Ji turned around and retreated as the leader.

   It seems that he really wants to guard the gate.

  Although Inspector Feng was ready to pounce, Jiang Ji retreated so resolutely, which still made him a little depressed, like a punch in the air.

   "Brother, what should we do now?"

   Zhao Guang asked sullenly.

   "Cold salad!"

   As the commander-in-chief, Governor Feng naturally couldn't let himself fall into emotions for too long. After complaining, he quickly re-examined the current situation and responded at the same time:

   "So, I will lead 3,000 troops to find General Guan, and you will continue to lead the army and stay in Linfen."

   "Ah, brother, are you going to leave little brother?"

   Governor Feng clicked his tongue: "Just do as I say, I have my own plan, you just stay in Linfen, don't worry about the rest."

  Zhao Guang and Yang Wanwan had no choice but to nod in response.

  If they really want to lead the army into battle, the two of them may not be able to completely convince the proud soldiers of the Liangzhou Army.

  But let them lead the army in Linfen, this prestige is still there.

  Yang Wanwan can be regarded as the younger brother who called Feng Shishi "brother" earlier.

   Not to mention Zhao Guang, the number one **** kid.

  Liangzhou Army, many grassroots backbones are still children of Nanxiang or Yuexuan.

  The most elite group of veterans, if they don't give face to anyone, they should also give face to both of them.

  These veterans even came out of the Nanxiang Workshop Guard at the earliest, and the one with the worst luck is now the head of the centurion.

  When Zhao Guang was in Nanxiang, he personally participated in the training of "Military Exercise Code". It is not too much to say that he is their old boss.

   And right now, the only threat to Linfen is the army led by Jiang Ji in Zhiguanxing.

   It's just that after waiting for so long, if Jiang Ji really dared to come out, he would have come out a long time ago, so he wouldn't wait until now.

  So Governor Feng is not worried at all.

  After the arrangement was completed, Governor Feng really led an army of 3,000 cavalry through Wenxi County.

  Zheguanxing in the east of Wenxi County, there was no movement.

  Therefore, without any hesitation, Inspector Feng led the army around Anyi County and swept towards Pubanjin along the Su River.

  Hedong has completely become a battlefield for the Han cavalry.

  Knowing that Governor Feng was about to come over, General Guan, who was stationed at Pubanjin, was not in a hurry to cross the river.

  Anyway, according to the current situation, even if she wants to cross by force, most of the people on hand will be filled into the big river.

   Years of planning, thousands of miles of raids, slamming east and west, concealing the sky and crossing the sea, hiding old warehouses, falsely attacking Guo...

   Everything that can be used has been used.

  Everything that can be done has been done.

   The rest is up to God.

  General Guan, who was standing on the bank of the big river, was meditating when he heard thunderous hooves.

  She turned her head to look, but saw an iron horse rumbling towards in the distance.

   Seeing the banner clearly, General Guan, who had been extremely cold all along, had a smile on his face.

  Although she was dressed as a man, her smile actually gave people the illusion of bright spring in this autumn weather.

   "Raise the flag!"

   "The emperor has orders, raise the banner!"

  The huge Feng character flag is slowly rising, facing the autumn wind blowing across the river, making a loud noise.

  Under the banner, General Guan's eyebrows are like sharp swords, his eyes are like autumn water, looking at Feng Junhou, who is busy in the world, his red lips lightly part:

"coming?"

  Feng Junhou looked at General Guan in front of him, his eyes and face were full of smiles, and at the same time, there was unresolved joy, but he nodded: "Here we come."

  PS: The map of the situation in Hedong, please click on the comment, the first floor is not simple since ancient times.

  (end of this chapter)