sovbooks Chapter 1447 Chores
Chapter 1447 Chores
Chapter 1447 Chores
The next day, Grand Marshal Feng left the palace and returned to his residence.
Those who had been waiting patiently sent their visiting cards.
Now that Jiang Wan has passed away, Fei Yi, who succeeded him as Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, lacks prestige. Therefore, Grand Marshal Feng is the undisputed number one person in the Han court.
In addition to his relationship with the imperial family, the emperor's trust, and the support of his military achievements and reputation, his power was truly unparalleled, second only to the prime minister.
Therefore, meeting Grand Marshal Feng is not an easy task.
The vast majority of people sent their visiting cards out of a bit of wishful thinking: what if they could get a meeting with the Grand Marshal?
It's normal that we can't see each other; we've already asked to see each other anyway.
Seeing it would be a pleasant surprise.
Unfortunately, I haven't seen any unexpected surprises over the years.
It's the same this time.
Those who could enter the manor and meet Grand Marshal Feng, apart from the brothers of the Xinghan Society, were mostly his disciples and followers.
Thanks to Yang Huiyu, Yang Hu was also able to sneak into the Grand Marshal's mansion.
After presenting the gifts on behalf of the Yang family of Shandong, he took advantage of a break and followed the people sent by Yang Huiyu to his elder sister's courtyard.
"Sister, have you seen the Grand Marshal?"
The moment the siblings met, Yang Hu asked this question.
"When the Grand Marshal returns to his residence, he will surely summon his family members first, and I have naturally met with them."
Yang Hu asked somewhat vaguely, yet with a hint of something, "Then, how are things between you and the Grand Marshal?"
Although she was no longer a naive teenage girl, Yang Huiyu's face still flushed slightly when she heard her younger brother ask this question, and she said with a hint of anger:
"What nonsense are you spouting? I only met the Grand Marshal for the first time today and exchanged a few words. What could possibly happen?"
"Furthermore, what business is it of yours to ask about my relationship with the Grand Marshal?"
"Sister, you know that's not what I meant." Yang Hu, who was quite composed in front of outsiders, couldn't help but scratch his head when he saw his sister's expression. "Sigh, how should I put it..."
"In Shandong, every family with a bit of wealth is filled with anxiety and unease."
The entire history of the Later Han Dynasty can be seen as the history of the rise of powerful clans.
After the powerful clans of Kansai and Kanto joined forces to help Emperor Guangwu seize power, a long and fierce struggle ensued between them over the distribution of the spoils of victory.
Ultimately, the Kanto Group prevailed by suppressing and excluding the Kansai Group.
In the process of gaining enormous advantages in both politics and economics, the powerful clans also transformed into aristocratic families. In the end, they became too powerful to control and turned against their masters, leading to the collapse of the Later Han Dynasty.
You will rise to power by this, and you will also perish by it; this is truly not deceiving me.
This is precisely why most of the powerful families in the world resided in Guandong.
The place where the most prominent families gathered was none other than the Sanhe region.
There was a tragic upheaval in Hedong.
Before the loss of Luoyang, most of the powerful families in Henan either fled with Cao Rui or went to Hebei with Sima Yi.
The defection of the Wang family of Hongnong to the Han dynasty signifies that the prominent families of Henan have made their final choice.
As for Hanoi, the complete annihilation of the Sima family silenced the Hanoi aristocratic families.
Ji Province, due to the rebellion of the rebels and the chaos caused by the Hu people, perfectly replicated the darkest period in Hedong.
With the pearls and jade of Sanhe preceding it, and the gold and stone of Jizhou following it, anyone with a brain can imagine that the Guandong region south of the great river will sooner or later face the same fate.
To say I wasn't afraid would be a lie.
The Great Wei Dynasty is beyond saving.
Surrendering to Wu is not as good as surrendering directly to Han.
But surrendering to the Han dynasty came at a high price...
The kind that causes bleeding.
The key issue is that even if you bleed money, people might not accept it.
Even worse, if not enough blood is shed to satisfy the other party, they will get angry.
Some people, when they get angry, like to kill their entire family.
This is truly terrifying.
What kind of Ji Han version of "I don't eat beef" is this?!
If given enough time, the Yang family also wants to gradually lay the groundwork and integrate.
The reason why Yang Hu, who repeatedly refused to serve the puppet state of Wei, was able to lower himself in Chang'an was precisely based on this consideration.
But time waits for no one. Especially after Hebei was conquered by Feng in one battle, the powerful families in Yanzhou, Qingzhou, Xuzhou and other places south of the Yellow River suddenly found that they not only had no choice, but even time was running out.
The fact that Yang Huiyu, a legitimate daughter of a prominent family, would humiliate herself by entering the Feng family is merely a microcosm of the desperate self-preservation efforts of the Guandong aristocratic families, represented by the Yang family.
"Why rush this? What's the use of rushing?"
Yang Huiyu shook her head, not as eager as Yang Hu, "Since both ladies have agreed to let me enter the manor, then there shouldn't be too much of a problem."
Yang Hu sighed, "I know the truth of what my elder sister said, but I was pressured by my family and couldn't help but lose my composure."
Yang Huiyu looked at Yang Hu: "Aren't you still on good terms with the eldest young master? I remember that Wang Jun was introduced to the eldest young master by you."
"Now that the Wang family has regained its footing thanks to Wang Jun, how come you, the one who introduced them, are not as good as them?"
Yang Hu smiled wryly: "How can that be the same?"
Wang Jun was originally from Henan. He traveled around the Sanhe region in his youth and served as an official in Hedong in his early years, so he was extremely familiar with the Sanhe region.
The battle in Hebei was a perfect opportunity to utilize their strengths.
How can I compare myself to others?
"And I never expected that Wang Jun would achieve such a great feat this time..."
Yang Hu never expected that the seemingly harmless and low-key Young Master Feng would have such a heavy influence in front of the Grand Marshal.
Or rather, he wielded considerable influence within the Feng family.
What he least expected was that in the battle of Hebei, the Han Dynasty was able to take over Hebei directly, and even take over most of Yanzhou.
Sima Yi, who relied on the natural defenses of the Taihang Mountains, actually suffered a humiliating defeat and even abandoned his own homeland.
Of course, this is not Yang Hu's fault.
Because not only did he not expect it, but the entire Hebei and even the Guandong aristocratic families did not expect it either.
They had considered that Sima Yi might not be able to hold the line, but most people did not expect that Hebei would fall so easily.
After all, even after losing Hangu Pass, Luoyang was able to hold out for three or four years despite having no natural defenses.
With the natural barrier of the Taihang Mountains, Hebei should be able to hold out for at least five or six years, if not ten or eight.
It is based on this understanding that the Hebei aristocratic families showed various forms of non-cooperation when Sima Yi increased the amount of money and grain allocated to them, and instead made many additional demands.
Not to mention the people within the pseudo-Wei state, even a considerable number of people within the Shu Han state held the same view.
While Feng was locked in a stalemate with Sima Yi at Jingxing, some officials in the Shu Han court suggested a temporary retreat, citing the availability of funds and provisions in the imperial treasury.
It can be said that the result of the battle in Hebei was far beyond the expectations of most people.
At the same time, this battle also firmly established Feng's status as the number one general in the world today.
"Regret it?"
"What do you regret?"
"Do you regret not volunteering back then?"
Yang Hu shook his head: "Even if I volunteered, I might not be as good as Wang Jun. Besides, what's the use of regretting now that things have come to this?"
Yang Huiyu nodded in agreement:
"It's best that you think that way. Keep a calm mind. After all, whether it's the Wang family or the Xiahou family, they have had some kind of relationship with you."
"After the battle in Hebei, Yanzhou was also lost in the process. At this time, Mount Tai was located at the border between the Han and Wei states, so it is understandable that the elders of the clan were anxious."
"But you've been in Chang'an for many years now, how could you not know the situation of the Han Dynasty? Some things are bound to happen, and some things should be let go, and some things should be given away."
"As the saying goes, if you want to take something, you must first give something, and vice versa. When the trend is right, forcibly going against it will surely bring disaster."
Yang Hu exclaimed in admiration, "What my elder sister says is absolutely right."
-
Many people came to visit the Grand Marshal's residence.
People like Yang Hu, who lived in Chang'an but whose families were far away in Mount Tai, were not considered exceptional.
Some even came from as far away as Jianye.
For example, there was Qin Bo, an old acquaintance of Grand Marshal Feng and a clerk in the Wu State Office.
Although Lu Yi, the head of the Imperial Academy who was highly regarded by Emperor Sun of Wu, wanted to come in person, the current situation in Wu was delicate.
Lü Yi had no choice but to come to Jianye, as he couldn't leave. So Qin Bo had to come instead.
"What urgent matter is it that made you rush over here at this time, Principal Qin?"
Compared to those pointless social gatherings where people just want to build relationships, Feng Da Sima prefers guests like Qin Bo who genuinely have something to discuss.
Qin Bo was somewhat flattered by the Grand Marshal's enthusiasm. While pleased, he was also a little uneasy. Looking at the Grand Marshal, whose imposing aura had not yet dissipated, he cautiously said:
"My lord, I have been waiting in Chang'an for a month. If you do not return soon, I will go to Luoyang to find you."
Calling out "My Lord" seems to be an attempt to evoke old feelings for the Grand Marshal.
After having fine tea served to Qin Bo, Grand Marshal Feng leaned back in his armchair, his body relaxing somewhat.
"There's no need for formalities between us. If there's anything inconvenient, just write a letter to let me know."
Qin Bo cupped his hands in a gesture of respect, a wry smile on his face.
“This matter is of great importance and is no ordinary matter; I dare not discuss it in writing.”
Upon hearing this, Grand Marshal Feng sat up straight, his gaze slightly narrowing:
"Is it a private matter or a business matter?"
Qin Bo said in a low voice, "It's official business."
"Oh?" Grand Marshal Feng lowered his gaze and said slowly, "If it is official business, even if I am not in Luoyang, His Majesty is still here. Even if His Majesty is not here, the Secretariat can still make a decision."
"What urgent matter do you have that even the Secretariat cannot decide? Why do you have to wait for my return before daring to come and discuss it with me?"
Qin Bo coughed, seemingly finding it difficult to speak:
"Bo has not yet congratulated you, my lord, on your successful recapture of Hebei and your unparalleled achievement."
Grand Marshal Feng waved his hand:
"There's no need for empty talk; let's get down to business."
"In the battle of Hebei, you, my lord, broke through Jingxing Pass as easily as tearing through white silk, and crossed Yanshan as if walking on flat ground. You are truly the master of military might. When the world hears of this, no one dares to call himself a general in your presence..."
Before He Yan could finish speaking, Grand Marshal Feng suddenly smiled, his voice deep and resonant:
"Duke Qin, you are mistaken! Jiangdong also has its famous generals. In the past, Lü Bu crossed the river in disguise, and Lu Boyan burned down the enemy's camps..."
"My Lord!" Qin Bo hadn't expected that Feng would turn hostile so soon after he started speaking.
But seeing the look of horror on his face, he lost his composure and his legs went weak, causing him to slide to the ground with a thud.
The Jingzhou Incident and the Battle of Yiling are unspeakable scars between the Han and Wu dynasties.
Now, the power of the Ji Han state is soaring, its soldiers are all fierce and ruthless, and it has a military expert like Mr. Feng leading the army.
Judging from the Grand Marshal's words, could it be that Shu Han intends to break off its alliance with Da Wu?
Of course, the alliance between Han and Wu is not something Qin Bo needs to worry about.
But if the alliance between Han and Wu is broken, then... what will happen to the trade between the two countries?
If the huge trade between the two countries is suddenly cut off, everyone in the Imperial Household Department might be executed by His Majesty the very next day to replenish the treasury.
This is not a joke or an exaggeration; it is a very real and highly probable possibility.
After Lu Xun's death, the farmland he had established in Jingzhou in his early years was basically divided up.
They either switched to planting sugarcane or turned it into mulberry fields.
Selling raw sugar and silk to Ji Han, and then using the money earned to buy grain from Shu, with ships traveling between Jingzhou and Shu, as long as they don't leave empty-handed, they could earn far more than just growing grain in poverty.
Long live the friendship between Han and Wu!
Therefore, in addition to the various powerful families and military leaders, the School Affairs Office was naturally also among those participating in this grand feast of division.
To ease His Majesty's burdens, the Imperial Academy also set up checkpoints in various places to collect taxes from merchant caravans.
The trading markets related to various bulk commodities of Ji Han were also deeply involved.
They even obtained supplies directly from Ji Han and sold them for profit.
If you're too lazy to sell, just add a zero and pass it on to the next seller; that's a common practice.
As the saying goes, cutting off someone's livelihood is like killing their parents.
Over the years, in order to make up for the deficit in the imperial treasury, the Imperial Household Department has killed countless parents.
Not to mention the things he did in his early years, which already made him enemies all over the court and the country.
If their source of funding is truly cut off, and they lose the means to raise money and provisions for His Majesty, not a single member of the Imperial Academy will be able to escape.
I and Master Lü might even be torn apart by five horses.
Most importantly, after he made this trip to the Grand Marshal's residence, the Grand Marshal suddenly turned on him. He couldn't bear such a serious crime, no matter how many times he died!
"Grand Marshal... have mercy!"
Seeing Qin Bo's appearance, Feng Da Sima's eyes showed a hint of surprise.
Clearly, he hadn't expected that his words would frighten Qin Bo into making a fool of himself.
"Why is Your Excellency Qin acting this way? I merely wish to discuss with you the famous generals of Wu..."
The fear between life and death is immense, and at this moment, Qin Bo displayed a quick wit he had never shown before:
"A great general is one who understands the right time, the right place, and the right people."
"Lu Ziming crossed the river in disguise, taking advantage of the century-old fog of Yunmeng Marsh, which was the opportune moment; Lu Boyan burned the camps, relying on the three hundred miles of withered trees in Yiling, which was the advantage of the terrain."
"However, the Grand Marshal Hu strode into Hebei, in the dead of winter with snow falling. He had no favorable weather to rely on, and he had no advantageous terrain to rely on, so he gathered the refugees in Hebei and severed the ties with the false Wei."
"Moreover, both General Lü and Chancellor Lu have passed away. Your Excellency is in the prime of your life. To contend with the deceased would be beneath your dignity."
Upon hearing this, Grand Marshal Feng glanced at Qin Bo and smiled knowingly.
"Rise, Duke Qin, please rise! We were just joking around, why have you taken this so seriously?"
A...playing game?
Qin Bo almost burst into tears.
"My lord, you are truly a man of character."
"Haha... Let's get back to the point. Tell me, what exactly was the official business that Lord Qin wanted to discuss with me just now?"
Qin Bo sat down again, straightened his clothes, and seemed a little hesitant, whether from being frightened or embarrassed, before finally uttering two words.