The ox cart drove through the muddy country road and stopped in front of a dock.
Soldier Cao Zhang Jin got out of the carriage, looked up at the towering wall, and said loudly: "Where is Mr. Yang?"
There was a noise on the wall.
After a while, the suspension bridge was lowered with a bang, the courtyard door opened wide, and an old man in his fifties and dozens of nephews came out to greet him.
"It turns out to be Mr. Zhang. I haven't seen him for several months, but he still looks the same." The old man known as "Yang Gong" said with a smile.
There seemed to be hidden worry in the smile.
When officials from Yanshi County come to visit, they never do anything good. They either send donations or ask for people, and sometimes they ask for both.
But there's nothing they can do.
As one of the few Wubao commanders in Yanshi County, they have their own way of survival.
The first is to be able to fight. They don't need to be strong enough to defeat all enemies, but they need to make the enemies who besiege them pay a considerable price, and feel that the gains outweigh the losses.
The second is to be kind to others. As long as you don't push them into desperation, everything is easy to discuss - anyone can discuss it, including the court, the grass bandits, the Huns and even all the military leaders.
Bingcao Zhang Jin represents the imperial court, and Yang Gong seems to have realized what he is here for.
"I have no choice but to come to the door today. I have been suppressed by the superiors." Zhang Jin first gave a "disclaimer" and then said: "The matter is urgent, so I won't talk about the past today. Henan Yin You ordered to recruit people from all the counties in Sizhou.
Yanshi County also has a share of the money and food..."
Yang Gong was silent for a long time and asked: "How much do you want?"
Zhang Jin actually has a certain degree of discretion, because the county magistrate only wants the result, regardless of the process.
Therefore, he completely depends on the choice of food, and the indicators of each fort and manor are different.
The owner of the Wubao in front of us is said to be from a distant branch of the Taiyang family, but how can I say that the Yang family has never taken any care of them. Even if there is a relationship, I don’t know how many generations ago it happened, even though they both have the same surname.
Sheep are actually two families.
But Zhang Jin is very knowledgeable about people and the world and is very familiar with the local area.
As far as he knew, the tomb of Yang Xuanzhi, the father of Empress Hui Yang Xianrong, was in Yanshi. The old man in front of him often brought his children and nephews to pay homage to the tomb, and he was very diligent.
In Zhang Jin's opinion, this was just a shameless attempt to get close to relatives.
Of course, he didn't dare to say this to others, because there were rumors in the countryside that Yang Gong's father accompanied Yang Xuanzhi to Beijing as a distant branch of the Yang family - a domestic slave - and later ran away for unknown reasons.
In Yanshi, villagers gathered together to protect themselves in troubled times.
It is difficult to tell whether the rumors are true or false.
But we would rather take this kind of thing seriously than take it lightly.
Therefore, after a moment's thought, he gave the number: "Three hundred strong men will arrive in Nancheng, Heyang before May 20th."
"Do you still need money and food?" Yanggong nodded slightly and asked again.
"I have no control over money and food matters." Zhang Jin waved his hand and said, "But we have to prepare some corn, wheat and hay, and maybe a few vehicles with draft animals, and the drivers need to be ready."
Yang Gong knew what he was doing. He clapped his hands and a nephew came forward with a wooden plate.
He took off a piece of silk from the plate and handed it to Zhang Jin, saying, "Thank you for your hard work, Mr. Zhang."
Zhang Jin was not polite and asked his entourage to put the silk back into the cart, then exchanged pleasantries and left in a hurry.
Seeing the retreating figures of Bing Cao and his party, Yang Gong's face darkened.
It’s not a small matter!
News came from Luoyang that Duke Chen Shao Xun had led troops into Luoyang, and it seemed that he was going to fight against the Xiongnu.
Before the troops and horses move, food and grass go first. Conscripting soldiers and sending food is a precursor to starting a war, and everyone has long been accustomed to it.
Fight, fight, fight all day long! If we continue to fight, we will all die together.
Luoyang is peaceful and quiet this year, but there is still a large flow of people heading south to Yangzhou and Jiangzhou.
When everyone with some wealth runs away and goes to farm and fight for King Langya, let's see what else you can do!
"Disperse everyone and continue weeding." Yang Gong ordered, then turned and returned to Wubao.
They are not alone.
Starting from late April, all counties under the jurisdiction of Henan Yin received orders to send donations and troops to Heyang to gather - the earliest batch arrived on May 20th, and the latest batch would not be later than mid-June.
.
Suddenly, people, supplies, and vehicles began to gather in the three cities of Heyang, and the situation changed color.
****
The scholars and people in Luoyang City did not escape "exploitation".
Starting from late April, the guards on the left and right sides of the Forbidden Army sent out soldiers and horses to collect money and silk from door to door.
Yes, they collected money and silk and confiscated their food.
They don't have much food, but they have a lot of money accumulated by their ancestors. After all, this is Luoyang, where the world's talents and money gather. Many families have settled here since the Cao Wei period. After several generations of accumulation, their family wealth is still not high.
Less.
Early in the morning, the door of Prince Wu's Mansion was opened.
When Sima Yan, the fifth son of King Wu and King of Xindu, went out angrily and was about to shout, he suddenly choked.
Dozens of heavily armed sergeants stood outside the door, seemingly part of a team.
The leader of the team was respectful and only said: "According to the emperor's decree, please donate money and reward from the kings."
Sima Yan's expression changed for a long time before he swallowed his breath.
This isn't the first time.
During the reign of King Sima Yi of Changsha, he exploited the ministers in every possible way and asked them to provide food and money. In the end, Sima Yi was stabbed to death by Sima Yue in the back, and all the officials in the city also contributed.
But after Sima Yue came to power, he did the same things, but even worse.
When Sima Yue himself went out to the outer vassal town, his generals He Lun and Wang Bing robbed the officials one after another to obtain money.
Everyone was frightened by Sima Yue's power and dared not speak out in anger.
As the situation worsened day by day, my thoughts gradually changed, so I endured it.
The only dissatisfaction is probably that the methods used by He Lun and others are too crude and ugly. The feeling of a successful martial artist is very obvious and gives people a bad impression - Princess Lingshou was offended and insulted by He Lun, who actually touched her in public.
Face, snatched away her personal maid.
This large-scale apportionment was undoubtedly ordered by Shao Xun.
I don’t know where he got the courage. Do you think that your foundation is solid and you can do things that you didn’t dare to do before?
This realization is a bit scary.
Sima Yan, who was originally unwilling to pay, did not dare to say these words in the end. Instead, he sighed and turned back to ask his father for instructions.
Sima Yan, King of Wu, was not in good health and his eyesight was even worse. He had an illness when he was young and his eyesight was damaged. Now that he is in his thirties, his eyesight is so bad that he almost has to press his eyes to the book.
Only then can you see clearly.
Perhaps, this was the main reason why Sima Yue chose Sima Chi instead of him when he was appointed heir - among Emperor Wu's disciples, only Wu Wang Yan and Yu Zhang Wang Chi could be the heir at that time.
"Not as good as the average person, the worst among Emperor Wu's disciples." Even if Sima Yue agreed, the ministers would not let a blind man and fool become emperor. It is really outrageous.
"After paying money and going out, can I still eat meat?" After hearing his son's report, Sima Yan was stunned for a moment and then asked.
All the servants and maids lowered their heads, not daring to listen or see more.
Sima Yan explained with all his heart: "Don't worry, Master. In two months, the money and food for the fiefdom will be delivered, and you will be able to eat meat."
Although Sima Yan is blind and stupid, he is one of the two remaining sons of Emperor Wu Sima Yan. To put it bluntly, if Sima Chi, the current boss, dies, the chances of King Wu are not small.
In the 10th year of Taikang (289), Sima Yan was granted the title of King of Wu and took the three counties of Danyang, Wuxing and Wu as his fiefdom. Later, he was deprived of it by Sima Lun, and then restored. He could receive one-third of the rent of the three counties' fiefdom every year——
It is impossible to get the full amount now.
King Wu also had staff.
Ge Hong of Danyang had just left Beijing and returned to his hometown a while ago. His father, Ge Ti, had served as the lieutenant of the King of Wu and later as the prefect of Shaoling.
The royal family members are all in Danyang. If Sima Yue and Jin Shang had not allowed the prince to leave the capital, it would be a good idea for the whole family to go to Danyang to enjoy the blessings.
"Then give it." Sima Yan narrowed his eyes and said, "How much do you want?"
"A thousand pieces of money, two thousand pieces of silk, and five carts with drivers and draft animals will be given." Sima Yan said with some heartache.
Although he has been granted the title of King of the New Capital, his fiefdom is in Liangzhou, where wars have been frequent. He has not received any taxes for many years, and he has no official position. He can only live in old age in the name of taking care of his father.
How could it not be heartbreaking to allocate so much money this time to "support military supplies"?
But if someone asks for this number, will you give it or not?
"Is it a lot?" Sima Yan asked after hearing the number reported by his son.
Sima Yan was silent for a while and said, "Not much."
"Then go find your mother and concubine and give her the money." Sima Yan closed his eyes and said.
"Okay." Sima Yan bowed and went to report to his mother Xun first. Then he took five large carts out of the mansion and parked on the imperial street inside Dongyang Gate to deliver the goods to the sergeant.
At this time, people were coming and going on the street, and cars and horses were not stopping.
As the imperial road in Dongyang Gate, the richest place in Luoyang, was crowded with dignitaries and nobles, the sergeants emboldened themselves and went from house to house asking for money, and then sent the collected money to Jinyong City, where it was piled high.
With heavy rewards, there will be brave men. How can we motivate soldiers to fight bravely without money?
If the current situation is like this, in order to save Luoyang and win, the officials and ministers will naturally bleed, especially the kings of the Sima clan.
****
Shao Xun returned to Jingu Garden after a long absence.
Because no one has taken care of it for a long time, the garden is overgrown with weeds, making it almost impossible for horses to graze.
The begonia flowers have faded, leaving only a residual red after the rain and wind.
"The desolate scenery is like the counties in Henan." Shao Xun said with emotion as he walked in the grass that reached his knees.
"Quan Zhong, you are really becoming more and more undisguised." Wang Yan followed him and complained.
"My cousin is not Quanzhong." Shao Xun said helplessly: "Besides, what am I hiding?"
"Why did Quanzhong say this?" Wang Yan said dissatisfied: "You are here today because of the support of Luoyang Gongqing and the Yingchuan gentry, right?"
"Yes, and no." Shao Xun said with a smile: "The king of Changsha gets it, the king of Donghai gets it, but I can't get it? What's the reason?"
"Five horses were taken away from my house," Wang Yan said.
"Haha." Shao Xun leaned over and whispered: "Lieutenant, what difference do you and I have between you? In the future, when we fight against the Huns, how about Jin Guyuan giving it to you?"
Wang Yan shook his head and laughed.
He didn't really feel sorry for the money, he just took the opportunity to remind Shao Xun to pay attention.
You have just appointed officials to the warriors and usurped the interests of the scholars. Now you are exploiting Luoyang Gongqing. Your actions are a bit too drastic.
Of course, he wasn't too worried, just a little reminder.
Shao Xun acted in a measured and cautious manner.
Two years ago, he would never rob Luoyang Gongqing's property, but now he dares to do so.
Wang Yan thought for a while, and it seemed that there wouldn't be any big trouble. After Sima Yue's death, Shao Xun was already the largest military leader around Luoyang, and he was also the only military leader. Too many people wanted to have a relationship with him.
After marrying Yu Wenjun, he became the political representative of the Henan gentry. With all the honors added to him, he could naturally take whatever he wanted.
"What's the use of Jinguyuan?" Wang Yan replied angrily, "As long as you know what's going on."
"I promise to give it to you, and I will give it to you naturally." Shao Xun said: "After the construction of the three cities of Heyang, the situation in Luoyang has become increasingly stable, and Jingu Garden can be tidied up a little. In the future, Wang Mi can be killed, and Jingu Garden can even recruit people for farming.
, do you really not want to restore the grandeur of the past?"
Wang Yan was a little moved.
He doesn't like money very much, but the value of Jinguyuan cannot be measured by money. There are too many things attached to it, which is very suitable for him.
"If the Lieutenant doesn't want it, I'll give it to -" Shao Xun pondered for a moment.
Wang Yan looked at him doubtfully, his expression unchanged.
"Just give it to Hui Feng." Shao Xun said.
Wang Yan surprisingly had no objection.
"How about giving it to Jingfeng?" Shao Xun asked again.
"Nonsense!" Wang Yan finally couldn't stand it any longer.
Shao Xun smiled, dropped the topic, and said, "The Xiongnu are attacking fiercely in Guanzhong, so the court doesn't think of a way?"
"Today is different from the past. When the imperial court sends someone there, people may not recognize it," Wang Yan said.
This is the result of the loss of central authority, and local princes no longer recognize you.
Of course, this is only part of the reason.
Hongnong was in the hands of the Xiongnu, so in order to contact Luoyang from Guanzhong, he had to transfer to Nanyang and then go north, which was quite inconvenient.
Geographical barriers will create psychological barriers, allowing military leaders from all walks of life in Guanzhong to subconsciously do their own thing. The direct consequence is that they are scattered and no one obeys anyone.
A powerful enemy is present, and our friendly forces are in trouble, immovable as a mountain.
Not long ago, the Xiongnu defeated the princes in Guanzhong at Feng Yi and invaded Chang'an.
The two sides fought fiercely in Huangbaicheng. Qu Yun, who took over as the governor of Yongzhou after Jia Zan's death, suffered repeated defeats. Yin Suofei of Jingzhao, Liang Zong, the governor of Chang'an, and others sat back and watched.
This situation is obviously very dangerous.
You must know that after Jinyang was recaptured by Tuoba Yilu, all the Xiongnu forces were stationed in Bingzhou and did not use all their strength to attack Guanzhong. The princes of Guanzhong are all responsible for the war being fought like this.
"We still have to find a way to mediate." Shao Xun suggested: "It's just a dispute over official positions. If that doesn't work, let Liang Fen go to Chang'an. He has high prestige and may be able to control the heroes."
Wang Yan glanced at Shao Xun and did not answer directly.
This is something else!
"What are you going to do about the war in Hebei?" Wang Yan asked.
"It won't work if you say it." Shao Xun said with a smile: "Lieutenant, you might as well help me find out the inside story of the Huns."
"Why don't you find Pei Zhongyu?" Wang Yan asked.
"The lieutenant is better informed."
Wang Yan sneered and said: "That's all, that's all, I'll ask Huifeng to come over now. She used to sort out these things."
"That's great." Shao Xun smiled and said, "In this case, I can go to Heyang with peace of mind."
Wang Yan was startled.
Chapter completed!