Chapter 2453: The Means of Edict


    Of course, China must pay attention to modesty, so it is impossible for Cao Cao to be like Dong Zhuo, who announced that he was the Prime Minister on the same day, and then became the Prime Minister. The procedures that should be followed still have to be followed, so Cao Cao stood up in the early morning and said that he was "short of talent and little knowledge." , "embarrassing a big task", or "failing to meet expectations" and so on, which gave everyone a buffer, and also prevented the emperor''s face from falling to the ground on the spot.


    But everyone knows that this matter has most likely been settled. Unless the emperor is ready to fall out with Cao Cao, Lao Cao, the prime minister, will basically be in his seat, just one day earlier and one day later.


    After the chaotic morning meeting, the emperor naturally returned to the apse, but Cui Yan felt that the emperor''s steps were a little unsteady when he walked back. He must have been somewhat uncontrollable emotionally.


    Cui Yan put himself in the emperor''s shoes and thought about it. Do you think this matter is actually not a bad thing? After all, even if the emperor does not recognize Cao Cao as the prime minister, isn''t Cao Cao now being captured by both foreign and Chinese officials?


    ?That’s right?


    Of course, giving Cao Cao the title of Prime Minister will make Cao Cao more justified in doing these things, and it will represent the decline of imperial power and the loss of more voice. But the problem is that this will not only affect the current Han Dynasty, but also Jizhou. Yuzhou, as well as other areas controlled by Cao Cao, can almost immediately avoid some people''s unrest, which is of certain benefit to the Han Dynasty as a whole.


    Well, the "Dahan Sheji" here has actually vaguely drawn out the area in Guanzhong...


    ?However, since Emperor Guangwu, there have been many conflicts between Shandong and Shanxi. Now they are just completely on the surface, so it is not an unacceptable event.


    One thing must have both positive and negative effects. This may also be an opportunity for the emperor. It depends on whether the emperor Liu Xie can seize it!


    ??The same opportunity, some people can''t even grasp it, but some people can make the most of it. This may be the difference between mediocre people and capable people.


    Although Lao Cao was initially manipulated by Fei Qian, the situation in his own territory was somewhat distressed. Local forces and the emperor Liu Xie were at odds with Cao Cao, and Cao Cao''s economic embarrassment made him even more distressed. There is nothing he can do, but once he returns to the field he is good at, his operations are really exciting.


    The title of Prime Minister is not only a difference in title, but also represents a large number of new carrot pits under the Prime Minister, and these carrot pits will greatly alleviate the conflicts between Jizhou, Yuzhou, and other states and counties due to job shortages. , and it will also make these internal personnel who originally had some conflicts under Cao Cao''s rule become "submissive" to a certain extent again.


    For example Cui Yan.


    The biggest conflict point between the children of the Jizhou gentry and Cao Cao before was the uneven distribution of interests, or strictly speaking, there were not enough positions for this group of people in Jizhou. But now that Cao Cao has become the prime minister, there will be so many extra Cui Yan naturally has the position. Not to mention anything else, at least there is still a Cao Yu in the prime minister''s house.


    ??Cui Yan would not worry that Cao Cao would cross the river and burn the bridge, because this is the rule after all. Cui Yan was the first to speak out for Cao Cao. Could it be that Cao Cao turned around and threw Cui Yan away? If he is really so short-sighted, how will Cao Cao convince the public and employ people in the future?


    So after the Jizhou nobles and others learned about this, they quickly reached a consensus and elected Cao Cao to the position of prime minister. Similarly, Zang Ba and Cai Mao had almost similar thoughts.


    In this incident, Cao Cao took a step back, but gained to some extent. After all, Cao Cao did not want to completely break the broken jar, but still hoped to retain more soup. The reason why we had conflicts and disputes with the local powerful people in Jizhou and Yuzhou before was actually not because the original "cake" was too small and could not be moved around. Everyone could eat so much, but now it is almost the same as "cake". When it expands, the natural contradictions will be reduced or slowed down.


    Xun Yu may have seen this step a long time ago, but he did not say or do it. It was just because Xun Yu still had a sense of loyalty to the emperor Liu Xie in his heart. But for Guo Jia, he has no thoughts and burdens in this regard. Of course, he will choose to do whatever is more beneficial.


    Although Guo Jia''s strategy is actually not perfect in some aspects, it may even be suspected of treating the symptoms rather than the root cause. However, when we have gradually reached a dead end, the only way is naturally the best. The road is gone…


    Xun Yu knew what Liu Xie was doing, and Guo Jia also knew it. It was just that Xun Yu cared and Guo Jia didn''t care.


    In the previous battle of Jingzhou, Cao Cao won first, then defeated and then made peace. Although he had meritorious service, it could not be said to be a great victory. But this time in the battle of Qingxu, he lost first and then won. Not only did he gain something, but he also lost part of it. Hidden dangers can naturally be described as a "big victory". Anyway, just don''t compete with that guy on the hussar.


    ?Under this premise, Cao Cao has a relatively sufficient reason to take advantage of the opportunity to ascend to the position of prime minister, and it is also easier for ordinary people to accept...


    Among these ordinary people, the Emperor Liu Xie was obviously not included.


    Liu Xie returned to the apse. He only took off his heavy crown, and without even changing his clothes, he drove all the eunuchs out.


    ??The warm pavilion in the back hall is not large, and the carved blue gauze partition divides it into two parts: the inner and outer parts.


    There is a table and brocade mat outside. A row of bookshelves stood on one side, holding some idle books. The serious books or memorials are in another study room. Most of them are not very important books. There is a wolf-hair pen resting on the desk, with some ink on the tip.


    ?Behind the green gauze partition is a couch where you can take a temporary rest. Incense is lit in the corner of the inner corner. The elegant and delicate fragrance is the finest spices from the Western Regions.


    But these things that are difficult for ordinary people to obtain cannot bring Liu Xie peace of mind.


    Liu Xie sat behind the desk with his brows furrowed.


    He didn''t know whether it was his actions during this period that caused Cao Cao to counterattack, or whether it was because Cao Cao originally had this intention and waited for this opportunity.


    This time, Liu Xie already felt very cautious.


    After all, he could still vaguely remember Dong Cheng''s death, and sometimes he would wake up at night because of the sound of a woman crying. Then he would turn over and sit up, only to realize that it was just the wind blowing through the treetops.


    Liu Xie has been deliberately, well, carefully accumulating his strength. He is eager for the outside world, longing for the future man, imagining the blue sky and the vast land...


    It just so happened that Liu Xie knew that Cao Cao had not been doing well some time ago.


    ?Competed with the Hussars, Cao Cao suffered losses in many places.


    Cao Cao went to Yecheng, and the Xiahou princes were busy guarding against the Hussars. On the other side, they had to deal with Jiangdong. For a while, no one could care about Liu Xie, and no one had any thoughts to make things difficult for him. Liu Xie was preparing He carefully arranged some of his own little days and made some careful thoughts, but he didn''t expect that just a short time later, there was a thunderbolt, and then pouring rain and hail hit his face.


    It hurts in my heart!


    Even though Liu Xie didn’t have much experience in fighting for power, he instinctively knew that this was definitely not a good thing!


    Although Cao Cao''s ascension to the position of prime minister was not finalized at today''s court meeting, Liu Xie knew that this was definitely just the beginning, and there would be a second person and a third person to come forward until Cao Cao ascended the throne "as expected" Until the position of Prime Minister!


    Liu Xie couldn''t help but pick up the langhao pen on the table, and then moved the pen on the paper on the table quickly, writing the four words "his heart can be killed", especially the word "kill", which penetrated the back of the paper, and a long line It''s as sharp as a knife!


    Liu Xie took a long breath, then threw the pen, ignoring the stained pen and ink that splashed large pieces of ink on the desk. He stood up and walked around in the small back hall room with his hands behind his back. Two laps.


    Then he turned twice more.


    When it turned to the third two laps, Liu Xie''s mood finally calmed down slightly.


    Does he have the ability to prevent Cao Cao from ascending to the position of prime minister?


    ?He would like to have it, and he is still working hard to accumulate it, but unfortunately, Liu Xie himself knows very well that his current strength is not enough to compete with Cao Cao.


    So…


    Liu Xie sighed slightly and was silent for a moment. He raised his head and was about to walk out. But when he reached the door, he suddenly stopped. Then he turned back to the table and grabbed the piece of paper on which he had just written. He crumpled into a ball, looked around, and finally stuffed it into his sleeves, then turned around and headed towards the queen. After Liu Xie left, a cleaning **** came in with a low eyebrow. Not long after, he discovered the ink stains on the table. He quickly moved over and stretched out a finger to mark the remaining marks on the table. It was a pity that although some ink passed through the paper and remained on the desk, only that one stroke seemed to be more obvious, and the rest of the words were relatively vague, and it was not certain what was written.


    ??The **** looked up at the door, his eyes flickering, but he quickly lowered his head again...


    For Liu Xie, it was just a helpless psychological struggle in the palace, while for most officials, it was unconcealable joy in their hearts.


    After the early dynasty, Cui Yan followed the flow of people to the Shangshutai.


    The Shangshu Desk seems to be always busy, with people coming in and out, so busy that they can hardly touch the ground. But even so, after meeting Cui Yan, these officials, big and small, did not hesitate to offer their gifts. The brightest smile is like the peach blossoms in March.


    There were even people who personally led Cui Yan the way, standing at the corner, bending down and waiting for Cui Yan to walk by before leaving. Cui Yan was somewhat flattered by such politeness.


    “Ji Gui is pure, loyal and bright, and has far-reaching elegance and knowledge. He is by no means a mediocre person. He is more beautiful than ever before, and he is a model for our generation!” ” Walking on the chancellery, Lu Hong, the Prime Minister of the Weiwei Temple, walked a few steps straight to Cui Yan with a smile, praised him, and then invited Cui Yan to enter the hall.


    Cui Yan was polite for a moment, then walked into the hall with Lu Hong, and then received the imperial edict.


    What surprised Cui Yan was that this time, in addition to replacing his official position with the governor, he was also given an additional official position of a servant. Although the official position of this servant was an additional official, it was nothing. What a prestigious position, but this so-called small position is also relative.


    Ordinary people, even if they are promoted to official positions such as those who are forbidden to serve, they start from being a doctor, and then it takes at least a year to be promoted to the rank of minister, and after a few more days, they can be promoted to the minister. .


    The person above the servant is the servant.


    Normally, it would be good to be granted the title of a minister or a minister, but as soon as Cui Yan came up, he was exempted from the time required to obtain the qualifications, and in one step he was promoted to a casual official in the imperial court, which is not a bad thing. A kind of grace.


    Shizhong, who was appointed from the Qin Dynasty, was an official from the rank of prince to the doctor. There was no fixed number of people. It was established along the Han Dynasty. Because he could serve the emperor, go in and out of the palace, and hear about the government affairs, it gradually became a trusted and valuable position.


    Although Cui Yan was a little surprised, his etiquette remained calm. After he respectfully received the official letter, the surrounding officials congratulated him in unison, making Cui Yan even more emotional about his current situation and the differences in the past few months. In comparison, it''s really quite different.


    ?However, this is a reasonable thing. After all, Shizhong had a history of being the prime minister during the Qin Dynasty. He used to go to and from the east chamber to report affairs, so it was called Shizhong. Cui Yan is now carrying the banner for Cao Cao, so he naturally deserves the position of attendant.


    ?However, what should have been a very harmonious atmosphere quickly disappeared with the arrival of a person.


    An old man with gray beard and hair came along the corridor. He looked up and saw a group of people surrounding Cui Yan, laughing and talking. His face was a little unhappy. When he walked near Cui Yan, his eyes narrowed coldly, his face There was a sarcastic look on his face, and he raised his hand slightly, as if to salute, and as if he was flicking dust out, "Ji Gui is now a blockbuster and enjoys a generous salary. He is really the envy of the world... Congratulations." It''s just that when you are proud of your life, you still need to be cautious and self-restrained. Some bad words, tell them according to their feelings, listen or not, it''s up to you. 』


    The meaning of this is probably that I am a straight-tempered Han Dynasty version.


    Cui Yan smiled slightly, without any lack of etiquette. He cupped his hands and said, "Brother, please give me more." 』


    ??Liu Taitai, Liu Yi glanced sideways at Lu Hong who was next to Cui Yan, said nothing more, just shook his sleeves and looked up and left.


    "Huh..." Lu Hong snorted with unknown meaning, and then saw Cui Yan turning his head and putting on a smiling face again, "This person is just relying on his old age, a powerless person... Haha, this Ji Guixiu should take it to heart when people say some nonsense..."


    Powerless?


    Hehe, not necessarily.


    Liu Yi can be regarded as a veteran of the Three Dynasties. During the period of Emperor Ling of the Han Dynasty, he once served as Taichang and Sikong. Although he was dismissed the next year, which is a typical scapegoat, but after all, he also served as the top official of the Han Dynasty. Naturally unusual.


    ??In addition, Liu Yi has a complicated relationship with the imperial family. He now holds the position of Taichang and is responsible for various ancestral temple rituals. He is also old. Basically, others will be polite to him when they see him.


    Liu Yi''s position and identity basically determine that he must stand on the side of the emperor Liu Xie, but he is older and has a group of people who are either great dancers or stargazers. God is making do with ghosts, and he can''t really do anything. At most, he can only beat the drum like he is now, and there is nothing else he can do.


    ?? Cui Yan cheered for Cao Cao this time. On the surface, it was just Cao Cao''s promotion to prime minister, but as long as he knew something in his heart, he would know what it actually meant. In the eyes of the pro-Cao faction, Cui Yan has of course become one of their own, and the courtesy and enthusiasm along the way are due to this. However, in the eyes of the royalists, Cui Yan''s behavior is undoubtedly an evil act, which is a great harm to the country, and can even be said to be It is an unforgivable sin!


    In Liu Yi''s words, he basically regarded Cui Yan as a sycophantic villain and a scum of the scholarly community...


    ?Then Lu Hongzhi said, on the surface, he said "Don''t worry about it", but in fact it was full of encouragement.


    Cui Yan smiled and said: "Taichang''s kind words of warning are of good intention, but they are just acquaintances that are superficial but not profound, or they may be ignorant and insensitive, so I just want to express my gratitude... I have something else to do. Let''s meet again some other time... Sorry." , Rong Mou said goodbye first..." After saying that, he did not wait for Lu Hong''s response, turned around and gave a brief signal to the officials at the Shangshutai around him, and then left.


    The reason why he did not continue talking to Lu Hong was because Cui Yan noticed that Lu Hong was smiling, but he did not necessarily have good intentions. On the other hand, Cui Yan had some doubts about the behavior of these officials, big and small. Digging a hole for him and attracting people like Liu Yi...


    That is to say, the emperor is weak at the moment, so he can do this, otherwise...


    Anyway, Cui Yan is the same as most of the children of the Jizhou gentry. He could offer "loyalty" to Yuan Shao back then, and he can also offer "loyalty" to Cao Cao now. If the future emperor Liu Xie can one day wield power, Cui Yan and others will too. Offer "loyalty" to the emperor Liu Xie without hesitation.


    It''s just that this "loyalty" is based on ensuring the interests of one''s own family. To put it bluntly, Cui Yan and others basically have nothing to do with true loyalty, only actual interests.


    When Cui Yan left the Chancellor''s Desk and was about to arrive at his temporary residence in Xu County, before leaving the gate of the official residence, suddenly another attendant hurriedly came from behind and shouted loudly: "Cui Shizhong ! Cui Shizhong, please stay! The general came down with another favor, and asked Cui Shizhong to go to the general''s mansion to receive the order! 』


    When these voices fell, everyone around them couldn''t help but burst into uproar!


    Received the imperial edict twice a day!


    ?The front leg has not left the official residence of the court, and the back leg has gone to the General''s Mansion to receive a title!


    Feeling the envious looks cast by the surrounding officials, Cui Yan was surprised and also sensed a serious crisis. As a result, his original position as the leader of the Jizhou gentry would face a very big change. !


    ??The color on Cui Yan''s face did not change, but his heart began to feel a little orange...


    Even if the Prime Minister''s matter fails this time, Cui Yan knows that he will be firmly labeled as Boss Cao, the kind that he can''t even take off!


    ?On the surface it’s two letters a day, but actually it’s killing two birds with one stone!


    No, it can even accomplish multiple things with one stone!


    Cao Cao, this is really...


    What a good idea!


    (End of this chapter)