Chapter 3307: Work together to make the cake bigger


    The boundary of Qinghe County, Daping Mountain.


    There is a level ground on the mountain that can accommodate troops, and now a military camp has been set up.


    At this time, the commander of the barracks and the temporary commanding general Chen Qun was having a headache.


    The former orphan of Liyang somehow knew that Chen Qun was here. Before he came to the military camp alone and wearing filial piety, he impeached Cao Ying, the fake county magistrate of Liyang. He was corrupt, perverted the law, and killed loyal people. This led to the emptiness of the place, the disorganization of military discipline, and corruption at all levels. , simply unable to fight.


    ??Chen Qun knew that Cao Ying could take up a job in Liyang and that Cao Pi was there.


    What talents should Cao have?


    ??????????????????????????????????????


    I can read some books and know some of the meaning of the classics, but that''s it. I am just a memorizer. If I want to make any achievements in the great meaning of the classics, it is really ruining the face of the great Confucianism of the Han Dynasty under my feet. .


    ?But why is his surname Cao?


    ??So Cao Ying has no ability, but he can still be a county captain, and he can even kill the county magistrate with no problem.


    ?Everyone knows that there is a problem here, but as long as the people do not appoint officials, they will not correct it.


    Is everything for the big man? As long as the intention is good, there will be flaws in the process...


    ?Now the flaws are coming.


    Cao Ying is unreliable after all.


    In fact, Chen Qun really wrongly blamed Cao Ying. It wasn''t that Cao Ying didn''t want to get rid of the root cause, but that Cao Ying couldn''t protect himself at that time. He hadn''t reached an agreement with Wei Yan yet. By the time he and Wei Yan put on a pair of trousers and looked back, he would have already run away.


    Now Chen Qun has a headache.


    ?? Sometimes why the Chinese feudal dynasty strictly prohibited people from making complaints beyond their level, blocking the street to complain, beating the drums, etc. It is not that these higher-level departments do not know what is going on below, but because there is no need to deal with this matter.


    ??Although there were some cases in the feudal dynasty where people complained beyond the level and won lawsuits before the emperor, but has anyone considered how many others were sent back to their place of origin for processing, or even handed over to the officials the whistleblower reported?


    ?After feeling incredible, who will consider the deeper meaning of this?


    Most people who can be high officials are not stupid. Since he is not stupid, he did something that looks stupid...


    Chen Qun wanted to rectify the officials in various ministries in Jizhou and get rid of all the unqualified and incompetent people in the past, but in the end he could only think about it and sigh with emotion. After all, these officials were able to take office because they had obtained the prime ministership. Without the approval of the government or the chancellery, how can he be dismissed just because of a "little thing"?


    Chen Qun does have some power of life and death in his hands, but the more so, the more cautious he needs to be. Otherwise, if he really follows Chen Qun''s wishes and fires all the Jizhou officials, will Chen Qun be responsible for the next affairs in various places? ? What if Chen Qun was cutting through the thorns in front, and then a group of people quietly followed Chen Qun to pick up peaches? Chen Qun bled, sweated and shed tears. Others smiled and said that Chen Qun was a hero, but in their hearts they mocked Chen Qun for being a fool.


    ??But the sufferer has already arrived, and there are so many people inside and outside the military camp watching. Chen Qun can''t say whether he will disappear where he is, or whether he will be hit by a carriage when he walks into a certain city...


    Therefore, Chen Qun had a long way to go if he wanted the Han Dynasty to prosper, and he must not slack off at all, otherwise he would be harming the country and the people.


    This is not the only thing that gives Chen Qun a headache. Not long after Chen Qun came out, Yecheng issued three letters in a row, bringing Cao Pi''s accusations and demanding that Chen Qun must completely wipe out the thieves in Jizhou within a month. Suffer”.


    Isn’t this a joke...


    Chen Qun called the son of the Liyang County Magistrate and told him that he had received an order from Cao Pi. The important task at this stage was to wipe out the bandits. As for his matter, it could only be dealt with after major military and national affairs. He asked him to go back and wait. Further investigation.


    This survey is very "spiritual".


    ?Perhaps the son of Liyang County Magistrate knows a little bit about "official terminology". Knowing that this kind of waiting may last a lifetime, he just threw Wang Zhao...


    ??The son of Liyang County Magistrate not only reported Cao Ying for corruption and bending the law this time, but more importantly, he reported Cao Ying for colluding with Wei Yan!


    Chen Qun''s first reaction was to talk nonsense, Cao Ying''s surname is Cao!


    But after calming down, Chen Qun suddenly felt that Cao Ying...


    ?The word "collusion" may sound a bit unpleasant, but in fact it is not uncommon in Jizhou. It''s just that there is usually a fig leaf hanging, but now that the son of Liyang County Magistrate pulled it like this, some black and curly hair was exposed, which was not very elegant.


    Therefore, Chen Qun is somewhat suspicious, but this kind of thing must have ironclad evidence, and if the situation is really as what the son of Liyang County Magistrate said, then if he rashly enters the Qinghe situation, he will be betrayed to Wei Yan instead. , and then Wei Yan was waiting for him somewhere.


    ??Furthermore, Chen Qun is currently stationed in Daping Mountain. He sent to various counties in Qinghe to contact local gentry children, but no news was received for several days, which made him a little worried. He knew that Qinghe County had not been in harmony since Mr. Cao took control of Jizhou, but he did not expect that things would be so serious...


    Do you want to send more people to investigate? ” asked Chen Qun’s confidant.


    ??Chen Qun thought for a moment and shook his head slightly.


    ?This is the power of the old manor-landlord class economic system of the Han Dynasty, or it can be said to be harmful.


    This measure of tightly binding the people to their place of origin through the household registration system and the village street protection system is undoubtedly the favorite of the feudal dynasty. It is simple in management and easy to govern. It is also easy for the top to collect taxes according to the household registration, and the bottom is greedy. It is also convenient to get up.


    It''s just that because of the long-term closure, outsiders are easily and obviously exposed. It doesn''t matter if they are just passing by. Generally speaking, passers-by don''t care too much about the local political situation, and no one wants to cause trouble, so once Another unfamiliar face and another inquiry...


    The people of Qinghe are not stupid people, they will come eventually. ” Chen Qun said in a deep voice.


    Movement is worse than stillness.


    ?He is stuck here. Even if there are any bandits in Qinghe County, they cannot go north to invade...


    At least there is no way to go directly north, you have to take a detour.


    "So...on the prince''s side..." the confidant asked again, "this continuous urging...we don''t move, I''m afraid..."


    Chen Qun nodded, remained silent for a moment and then asked, "Are there any bandits nearby?" 』


    "nearby? ” I was puzzled, but then I suddenly realized, “This is possible. 』


    ??Chen Qun grunted and said, "Tomorrow we will send some troops to kill the bandits." 』


    The confidants responded quickly.


    With the head of the "bandit", there is no problem in delaying it for a few more days.


    We can''t let Chen Qun go deep alone while being surrounded by "bandits". This is a taboo among military strategists and it is too inconsistent with "common sense". Not to mention Cao Pi''s urging, even if Cao Cao comes, he will stand still. Tenable.


    ??The confidant was about to walk out when he suddenly thought of something and stopped and said: "So...this son of the Liyang County Magistrate..."


    ??Chen Qun frowned slightly and said, "Just keep it for now." 』


    ?This thing is a hot potato, but now it has become a key witness. It is really not good to just throw it out like this.


    ??The confidant nodded and was about to leave when he was stopped by Chen Qun, "By the way, secretly send someone to his hometown to check..."


    "check? ’ asked the confidant.


    Chen Qun nodded and said two words, "Taxation." 』


    The confidant immediately agreed, turned around and went out. How many Han officials, especially those who sit in the position of county magistrate, do not interfere with taxes? Eating the Han Dynasty''s financial rice, disaster relief and water conservancy and so on, just taking a bite is not fat and oily?


    ??Chen Qun couldn''t help but sigh softly as he watched his confidant leave.


    I wonder if the gentry disciples in Guanzhong are also so tired under Fei Qian''s command?


    …


    …


    ??As for Chen Qun''s doubts, Wei Yan felt that he still had a say.


    Wei Yan now feels that the situation has gradually deviated from his original vision and begun to roll in an inexplicable direction.


    ?? Wei Yan stared at Cao Ying in front of him, his eyes filled with suspicion and scrutiny, which made Cao Ying feel a little shy.


    "General..." Cao Ying said, "Why do you look at me like this..."


    Wei Yan really wanted to ask Cao Ying, your mother, oh, what is your father’s surname?


    ?Your surname is Cao!


    ??Don''t you feel heartbroken to betray your family''s heir apparent like this?


    Or is this actually a trap?


    In fact, Wei Yan still could not fully understand Cao Ying''s current changes.


    ?In many cases, people only need an excuse so that they can sleep peacefully, which is enough, no matter how bad the excuse is.


    Some things are huge in today’s world.


    ?For example, mountains and rivers change hands, city walls change, or even the emperor dies and dynasties change. These huge historical events will completely change everything for everyone in a region or a country, leaving mottled colors in the scrolls of history, but for someone in this big event, he still It’s about eating, drinking, having fun, and resting and sleeping…


    For a specific person, the world is far away but family is close.


    For a certain official, the emperor is far away and the warehouse is very close.


    Everyone’s values ??and beliefs are different, and the choices they make when facing major historical changes, and in times of national crisis, the trade-off between personal interests and national interests are naturally also different.


    When he was captured by Wei Yan, Cao Ying thought about dying. This is no joke, he really thought about it, and if he was really given a chance at that time, he would definitely die in the line of duty and show the heroic spirit of the Cao family.


    This is indeed true.


    I believe that the vast majority of people in history who felt that their scalps were itchy or the water was too cold wanted to die for their country at some point. They were full of heroic spirit when they were not attacked by swords and axes. When there is no need to choose, you can criticize those surrendering lackeys and show your innocence...


    Cao Ying is no exception.


    He really wanted to die, but at that time his hands and feet were tied, tied to the ground like a dolphin dog, and placed on a horse.


    When a person''s dignity is deprived, trampled on, and insulted, how many people will hold their heads high again?


    Rather than saying with a smile, since you can no longer resist, why not just lie down and enjoy it?


    ?Cao Ying, who wanted to continue resisting, died at a certain point. The only person who survived was Cao Ying who passed through that impulse and entered the state of a sage.


    There are only a few people who really have great courage and determination.


    After that period, no matter how great the grief is, it will fade away with time, no matter how great the suffering is, it cannot reduce people''s physiological needs, and no matter how great the humiliation is, it cannot prevent the arrival of sleep.


    Especially when Wei Yantian, like a flying fairy, broke the fragile mental balance of Cao Ying, Gao Rou and others, the fall was naturally unavoidable, and once they started to fall, Cao Ying, Gao Rou and others would quickly find their way out. All kinds of reasons and excuses.


    Just like this time…


    『I am doing this for the big man! For the true prosperity of the Cao family! ” Cao Ying said seriously, “Really! This battle can''t go on any longer! There is a severe drought in Jizhou, and Yuzhou is not much better. Now there is an urgent shortage of food and grass. If the war continues, the Cao family will definitely bear the world''s infamy! When the time comes...rather than doing this, it would be better to stop fighting now! Since I am a member of the Cao family, I should plan for the future of the Cao family! Thinking about the people of Hebei and Henan! Praying for the sake of all people in the world! Now, the only option is to cease fighting and stop fighting! 』


    ?? Wei Yan did not show any expression, but carefully observed Cao Ying, "So... you want peace talks?" 』


    That’s exactly it! ” Cao Ying nodded and said, with a high sense of righteousness, “It is definitely not a blessing in the world to resort to military violence! The general entered Shandong and saw that Shandong is now..."


    Cao Ying''s momentum suddenly dropped, and then he raised it reluctantly, "Even though there is a drought in Shandong, there is still a large population. Under such a situation, even if the hussar general comes, what will happen?" 』


    Wei Yan sneered, "Why, do you think my lord can''t conquer Shandong?" 』


    No, no, no, no, no, no! ” Cao Ying waved his hands, “You are extremely talented and wise. How can this place in Shandong stop you?” It''s just... General, you have also seen that the drought is serious now, and all our food and grass have been plundered and sent to the front line. If the general hadn''t happened to come here, he took pity on the hardship of the people in Jizhou and moved some food and grass to relieve people''s livelihood, I''m afraid Chisato Akano is inevitable! And this food and grass is just a drop in the bucket... General, think about it, if the Hussar really comes to Shandong, will the Hussar save the drought and the refugees or not? 』


    "Um. ” Wei Yan frowned, and after a moment, he glanced at Cao Ying.


    Cao Ying shivered, and cold sweat broke out on the back of his neck subconsciously, "General, is this murderous intention?" 』


    ?? Wei Yan rolled his eyes, and the cold aura immediately dissipated, "No, how could it be?" 』


    “General, let me tell you the truth, even if the hussars come and kill us all, we still won’t be able to get enough food...” Cao Ying said with a sad look on his face, “Who could have imagined such a severe drought? Isn''t it possible that the current drought is beyond our control? ! Nowadays, we are eating less food and grass every day, and every day we use less food and grass. With the little food and grass we have freed up, it is not enough for millions of people in Jizhou to share a bowl of gruel... So this war really cannot be fought. , must stop. Yes, it must stop! 』


    ??Wei Yan laughed twice and said rudely: "You have no food and grass to eat. What does it have to do with me?" ! According to what you said, then I should seek for the master! 』


    Cao Ying retorted, "General, this is wrong!" A strike would be beneficial to both parties! 』


    『Humph, you say. Wei Yan shook his feet, obviously not believing in the "win-win" that Cao Ying said.


    O general... In the past, the Zhou Dynasty was weak, but only Qi, Chu, Qin, and Jin were strong. At the beginning of the Jin Dynasty, Duke Xian died and the country was in chaos. Duke Mu of Qin moved far away and refused to form an alliance with China. When King Cheng of Chu first took over the land of Jingman, the Yi and Di took it upon themselves and could not come. Only Qi is China''s ally, and Duke Huan can declare his virtue, so the princes will meet..." Cao Ying said slowly, "General, you should know this? 』


    Speak in human language. ” Although Wei Yan probably understood what Cao Ying meant and straightened his feet, he still wanted Cao Ying to speak more clearly, “I am a rough man and I can’t understand those refined words!” 』


    ??Cao Ying laughed and did not laugh at Wei Yan. Instead, he used Duke Huan of Qi as an example to explain to Wei Yan...


    In fact, what Cao Ying said is very simple.


    ?At that time, Duke Huan of Qi was able to unify the alliance among the chaotic countries and become one of the overlords of the Spring and Autumn Period. He did not rely on absolute military superiority, but also focused on political means. The Beixing Alliance was obviously the best embodiment of this political method. The various countries in the alliance are definitely not living in harmony. On the contrary, there are still many contradictions and hatreds left over from history. But why was Duke Huan of Qi able to successfully form an alliance under such conditions, and then let the countries work together to become a martial arts world? The alliance leader relies on the four-character secret of "making the cake bigger".


    ??The same is true for Jizhou and Yuzhou today. Originally, they had conflicts and competitions with each other, and there was no harmony at all. But under the pressure of the external force of Qiusi, the originally loose and messy situation will come together...


    Therefore, if the Hussar is unwilling to truce or march into Shandong, it is very likely that a severe drought will make it difficult for a large number of people to survive. By then, the second or third generation of Chen and Wu will roar, and the six countries will turn against Qin. It will happen again if you can''t say it. How many soldiers and horses will the Hussars have at that time, and they can suppress them everywhere? At that time, just like the former Qin Dynasty, all the counties in the world belong to the Hussar. When there is a Hussar army, everyone is a good citizen. Once the army leaves...


    After hearing this, Wei Yan frowned and thought for a long time.


    ??Although Wei Yan also knew that Cao Ying''s words may not be even one out of 10 true, it has to be said that Cao Ying''s rhetoric also pointed out a more serious problem, which made Wei Yan feel the need to report Fei Qian...


    Wei Yan rolled his eyes, then changed his smile, "I don''t understand any of this!" Let me ask you where are the benefits you said you would give me? 』


    ?Cao Ying looked at Wei Yan and seemed a little hesitant, but in the end he gritted his teeth and took out a piece of cloth from his arms.


    "This is? ” Wei Yan asked.


    ??Cao Ying stretched out his hand rather helplessly and handed the scarf to Wei Yan, "This is... alas, this is Yecheng''s defense..."


    Before he finished speaking, Cao Ying felt that his hands were suddenly empty.


    Wei Yan snatched it with his hands and couldn''t wait to unfold it. The joy on his face turned into a look of anger. He slapped the scarf on the table with a "pop" sound and pointed at the half-painted scarf. The voice said: "What is going on?" Could it be that you are playing tricks on someone? ! 』