Zhong Yao was taken away, but his life was not in danger.
The breakdown of this negotiation was not because of how loyal Prime Minister Xu was, or because the conditions given to Prime Minister Xu were not enough. In the final analysis, Prime Minister Xu wanted the Henan power outside the city to show the strength to control the future situation.
And these are obviously things Zhong Yao cannot know.
Xu Xiang watched Zhong Yao being dragged away, and continued to sit there in deep thought until he disappeared.
After a long time, Xu Xiang sighed and left with the support of two servants.
Obviously, Prime Minister Xu did not have the upper hand as he showed. The rebels outside the city and the Henan officials inside the city who could defect at any time would make him even more anxious.
Fortunately, this trial was not fruitless.
At least the Henan rebels outside the city have not yet thought of changing their regime.
But is that really the case?
…
At this time, outside the Dongguan Temple, Yuan Shao, who was an important promoter of this military alliance, was wrapped in a mink coat and chatting with a young scholar making wine in the winter.
This young scholar was Xin Ping, a scholar from Yingchuan, and was a member of this eunuch operation.
Yuan Shao had long wanted to attract scholars from Yingchuan for his own use. Then someone introduced Xin Ping to him. After that, through various connections, Xin Ping became close to Yuan Shao.
The Xin family of Yangzhai is not very prominent in Yangzhai, because the Xin family here is a branch of the Xin family of Longxi who moved eastward. As the main line, the Xin family of Longxi is much more prominent.
The Xin family of Longxi was a prominent family that settled in Longxi in the early years of the Han Dynasty. After that, each generation held military positions, and their family passed down the military skills of bows and horses. For example, Xin Qingji, the most powerful minister of the country during the reign of Emperor Cheng, came from this family. This shows that the Xin family of Longxi was a prominent member of the Wu family.
The high gate.
Yuan Shao had known this for a long time, and the main reason for wooing Xin Ping was to take the opportunity to establish a relationship with the Xin family in Longxi.
Yuan Shao predicted that when the Henan family established another court in Luoyang in the future, they would definitely not tolerate the false emperor from the west. And at that time, the Longxi Xin family might be an important ally.
Of course, in addition to this, Yuan Shao also valued Xin Ping's connections.
Through Xin Ping's relationship, Yuan Shao later got to know a series of scholars in Yangzhai. For example, Zao Zhi, Handan Shang, Guo Dan, Guo Jia, Guo Yuan, Chu You, etc. were all leaders in Yangzhai.
These people all gathered around Yuan Shao to make plans, which made Yuan Shao very unhappy.
Many plans were successful and many wise and resourceful people were gathered together. No wonder Yuan Shao was in high spirits.
When this person is happy, it shows in his appearance.
Yuan Shao rarely wore ostentatious clothes on weekdays, but on this day he actually wore a Hui Wen crown with a gold bell and a mink tail, plus a rare mink coat, which made his appearance even more impressive.
He and Xin Ping were drinking wine, chatting about the scholars in Yangzhai and the news in the city. The atmosphere was cheerful and interesting.
At this time, Xu had drunk too much, and Yuan Shao suddenly asked:
"Zhongzhi, you said that a big man like us always adheres to the five virtues. What virtues do we adhere to?"
Xin Ping was drinking wine when he suddenly heard Yuan Shao's question. He was stunned and subconsciously said:
"It is the virtue of fire. The Han Dynasty inherited the fortune of Yao and all received the virtue of fire, so the clothes are still red."
Yuan Shao smiled and pretended to be confused:
"Then why when I read history, I once saw that in the second year of Emperor Gaozu's reign, he attacked Xiang Ji in the east and returned. Emperor Gaozu asked what emperors the Qin Dynasty worshiped. Some people said they were the four emperors of white, green, yellow and red. Then Gaozu said, "This world
There were five emperors, but why was the Black Emperor missing? In the end, Emperor Gaozu said that he was the Black Emperor, so he established the Black Emperor Temple. It can be seen that the country has a virtuous nature."
Xin Ping felt a little relieved now. He stared at Yuan Shao's smiling face, wondering if there was any other meaning to his words, but he couldn't be sure for the moment.
So Xin Ping told the truth:
"Indeed, it is indeed a big question what kind of virtue this dynasty inherits when it comes to virtue. I have also asked my parents at home for advice, and I have some understanding of this."
Before Xin Ping finished speaking, Yuan Shao said:
"Want to hear it."
Xin Ping felt weird in his heart and secretly thought, isn't your Yuan family's family study just "Jingshi Yi"? Don't you know these theories about virtue and luck?
Not knowing Yuan Shao's plan, Xin Ping replied honestly:
"There are three answers to the question of what virtue the Han has, one is the virtue of water, the second is the virtue of earth, and the third is the virtue of fire. Each of these answers has caused great controversy in history, and there are certain reasons behind it.
Foolish men regard virtue as prophecies and talismans, but we in Yangzhai, who are descendants of the Legalist lineage, can see through the truth better."
When Yuan Shao heard this, he sighed in admiration and praised:
"That's right, I just want to hear your opinions on this from the Yangzhai School."
Xin Ping was also proud of their Legalist status, and also wanted to show off to the Runan people the academic achievements of their Yingchuan scholars.
As a result, Xin Ping became more interested and began to really treat this matter as an academic seminar.
He said:
"The so-called theory of moral destiny is actually the continuation of destiny. Whether it is a revolution or a change of dynasty, everything is arranged by destiny. The destiny of Shang was a black bird sent from heaven. Because Xia had many sins, destiny cut it off. Later Shang was destroyed by Zhou
, so we have the understanding that destiny is permanent. Since destiny can change, what is the basis for it?"
"That is virtue. It is said that the emperor has no relatives, only virtue is his assistant."
"Since destiny has transferred, virtue is the only supplement. Then what is the transfer rule of this virtue? During the Warring States Period, Zou Yan, a native of Qi, changed the theory of the five elements to win each other and changed it to the theory of the five elements of virtue. The five elements win each other, that is, fire beats gold, metal beats wood, and wood
Earth is better than earth, earth is better than water, and water is better than fire. These five behaviors are the basic elements of heaven and earth and are the talisman for the transfer of destiny. Therefore, the transfer of destiny always follows these five virtues."
Yuan Shao nodded frequently when he heard this. In fact, he knew all this. His family study was to study this destiny, so how could he not know it? But it is very difficult to outline the agreement like Xin's commentary and say it from a novel angle.
of.
On the one hand, it seems that Yingchuan's scholarship has indeed reached a very high level, and on the other hand, Xin Ping's ability and academic accomplishment are also very outstanding.
Over there Xin Ping continued:
"Since there are these five virtues, there is a basis for the rotation of virtue in the world. From the three kings to the hundred generations, everything is in this rotation. Yu is earth, Xia is wood, Yin is gold, Zhou is fire, and Qin is
water."
When he was about to talk about the Han Dynasty, Xin Ping paused intentionally and secretly looked at Yuan Shao. Seeing that his expression did not change, he continued:
"It was said before that Han Dynasty had three virtues, but in fact they all existed."
"From Emperor Gaozu to Emperor Wu, the Han Dynasty was characterized by water virtue. After Emperor Wu, the Han Dynasty was characterized by earth virtue. From the time he became emperor to this time, the Han Dynasty was characterized by fire virtue. There is a reason for each change."
Here, after hearing this, Yuan Shao suddenly interrupted his conversation and asked:
"Why did the Han Dynasty have the virtue of water during the time of Emperor Gaozu? Logically speaking, Qin has the virtue of water and ends with virtue, so the Han should have the virtue of earth."
Xin Ping explained:
"This question was asked during the period of Emperor Wen. At that time, Gongsun Chen of Lu people asked this question. However, the Prime Minister Zhang Cang refuted this article at that time. When Gaozu was still there, it was Zhang Cang and Gaozu who decided the water virtue together.
.Now, Zhang Cang has naturally maintained his good fortune in the face of the Lu people’s doubts.”
"Then how did Zhang Cang convince Gaozu? Zhang Cang said that the death of Qin II and the puppet dynasty was not Zhengshuo. Therefore, the Han Dynasty should follow the virtue of water and inherit the virtue of fire from Zhou Dynasty."
After hearing this, Yuan Shao suddenly smiled contemptuously and said:
"I also know this paragraph. Zhang Cang was an important minister of the former dynasty. In order to gain status in the new dynasty, he naturally dared to be more daring than ordinary people. Otherwise, it would not show his loyalty. But this is just for one point. From that time,
Emperor Gaozu inherited the Qin system and did not change the Shuo Yifu, which was also right."
Xin Ping looked at Yuan Shao in surprise, secretly thinking that this man really knew this, so what on earth was he asking himself?
After restraining his mind, Xin Ping agreed:
"Yes, Zhang Cang won the first round of the argument that year. Zhang Cang used the river breaking the golden embankment as a talisman and believed that the Han Dynasty was the virtue of water. But within a few years, the world suddenly heard that Huanglong appeared, and Huanglong appeared as a native of Tu.
Therefore, Emperor Wen of the Han Dynasty believed that based on this, the Han Dynasty should be regarded as Tu De."
"After that, Emperor Wen ordered Gongsun Chen of Lu to change the calendar system of Tu De into the first year, and Zhang Cang deposed himself. But coincidentally, in the year when Emperor Wen was about to change the Yuan year, someone made a rebellion, and Emperor Wen immediately abolished the Tu De theory
.It wasn’t until Emperor Wu that he finally changed his mind.”
Xin Ping was already a little suspicious of Yuan Shao's intentions after what happened before, so he wanted to test him now. Then he asked:
"Brother Benchu, you can gain something from this period."
Yuan Shao looked at Xin Ping, as if he couldn't hear his temptation, but replied seriously:
"The reason behind this incident is actually that Emperor Wen wanted to change his clothes. The reason for this was to change the laissez-faire policy of the emperor Gaozu and Empress Lu during the period. The so-called moral destiny is different, and the academic system for governing the world is different."
Xin Ping didn't expect that Yuan Shao had such a suggestion. He was greatly surprised and hurriedly asked for advice.
Yuan Shao also wanted to convince Xin Ping so that he could see his political ability.
Therefore, Yuan Shao talked eloquently:
"In the early Han Dynasty, the virtue of water meant that it was natural to use water to rule the world. The so-called water, the sage said: The best is like water. Water is good for all things without fighting. Since there is no fighting, it is to rest with the world and pay light taxes. But during the reign of Emperor Wen, the world was rich and the Han Dynasty
The family was poor, and the Huns were causing trouble at that time, so Emperor Wen naturally wanted to take over the power of the world. As for Tu De, it was located in the center, and it had the intention of centralizing power. Therefore, Emperor Wen wanted to change Tu De."
After hearing what Yuan Shao said, Xin Ping was really enlightened. He stood up and bowed:
"Listening to your words is better than ten years of hard study. The Yuan family is indeed the leader of the world, and I have benefited a lot from it."
Yuan Shao smiled to himself and said:
"People at that time also saw Emperor Wen's thoughts, so they started to cause rebellion. Emperor Wen also knew that his ideas would not be tolerated by the world, so he quickly put an end to it."
At this point, Xin Ping no longer dared to speak, but asked for advice while saying:
"So why was Tu De determined during the reign of Emperor Wu?"
Yuan Shao smiled and signaled to Xin Ping that there was no need for this, and he wanted everyone to discuss it together.
Faced with Xin Ping's doubts, Yuan Shao said:
"Emperor Wu was able to change the local virtues because of the influence of Wen Jing. Emperor Jing quelled the rebellion of the Seven Kingdoms in Guandong and directly destroyed the anti-Han princes in various places. Therefore, changing the local virtues during the period of Emperor Wu was just a matter of riding a boat with the current."
After hearing this, Xin Ping unconsciously gave Yuan Shao a hand gesture:
"Gao! Brother Benchu is indeed very knowledgeable about the affairs of the country."
Yuan Shao waved his hand, indicating where this was going, and then asked Xin Ping to continue.
"The virtues of this country continued until the time of Emperor Cheng. During this period, a master emerged, and that was Liu Xiang."
"His people greatly changed the theory of virtue of Zou Yan and Zhang Cang, and talked about the theory of mutual generation of the five elements. That is, fire generates earth, earth generates metal, metal generates water, water generates wood, and wood generates fire. He ranked the world's virtue according to the mutual generation, respectively.
Fuxi got the virtue of wood, Shennong got the virtue of fire, Xuanyuan got the virtue of earth, Shaohao got the virtue of gold, Zhuanxu got the virtue of water, Emperor Ku got the virtue of wood, Tang Yao got the virtue of fire, Yushun got the virtue of earth, Empress Xia got the virtue of gold,
The virtue of water is derived from soup, the virtue of wood is derived from Zhou, and the virtue of fire is obtained from Han Dynasty.”
After finishing speaking in one breath, Xin Ping took a deep breath and drank a cup of hot wine to moisten it.
Seeing Yuan Shao deep in thought, Xin Ping asked:
"Brother Benchu, do you have any doubts?"
Yuan Shao laughed and said:
"This Liu Xiang is indeed a strange person. His mutual life and death have a great meaning."
Xin Ping really didn't know this, so he asked for advice again.
Yuan Shao dipped his hand in wine, drew a circle on the eucalyptus table, and then said:
"Liu Xiang admired the ancient sage kings and believed that the sage kings received the same destiny. Changes in the world should not be mutual defeats, but mutual reciprocity. Moreover, this theory greatly explains the abdication of Yao and Shun. After all, the destiny rotates
Not just by revolution, but also by surrender.”
"Moreover, this statement inherits the view of Emperor Gaozu, which is that he does not recognize Qin as Zhengshuo. That's why Zhou Mu has the virtue of fire in Yan and Han."
In this way, Xin Ping suddenly said:
"So, the fire virtue of the Han Dynasty is because the Liu family is a descendant of Yao, so the Han Dynasty inherited the fate of Yao and acquired the fire virtue. It was only then that Emperor Gaozu had the son of Red Emperor, and after the restoration of Guangwu, he still had the red virtue
This means that Xinmang is the pseudo-dynasty, not Zhengshuo, and it means that the two Han Dynasties are one."
Yuan Shao nodded, and then asked Xin Ping:
"That's right. In the end, does Zhongzhi think Liu Xiang is right, or does Zou Yan's theory make sense?"
As soon as these words came out, sweat dripped from Xin Ping's forehead. Now he finally knew what Yuan Shao was talking about.
It turns out that if you support Zou Yan's theory that Han Dynasty has fire virtue, then the next dynasty will have water virtue. But if you support Liu Xiang's theory that fire creates earth, then the next dynasty will have earth virtue.
This was not the reason why Xin Ping was sweating. The reason was that he realized that the Yuan family in Runan was a descendant of Yu Shun.
So this is not about academics, this is about fame!
For a while, Xin Ping was silent and kept wiping sweat.
Suddenly he thought of something and smiled:
"It has been four hundred years since Emperor Gaozu fought hard, and Guangwu was revived. The Han Dynasty inherited the destiny of the Zhou Dynasty, and the Zhou Dynasty had 700 emperors. The same is true for the Han Dynasty. Therefore, although the virtue of the Han Dynasty declined, the destiny of heaven has not changed. It is unquestionable that the fate of virtue has changed.
"
Xin Ping's surprise was beyond Yuan Shao's expectation. He was stunned for a moment, and then burst into laughter:
"Yes, seven hundred years, seven hundred years. Haha!"
So the two of them laughed and had their own answers.
…
While some people were discussing the fate of virtue, there were also people in Hedong, on the other side of the Luoyang River, talking about some astrological predictions.
Dong Zhuo, who was supposed to be in Hebei, appeared in Hedong.
Dong Zhuo was always alert. After the accident happened in Henan, he felt something bad. At that time, Dong Zhuo had already led his army to retreat outside Fukouxing on the border of Handan. Pretending that the situation was not good, he immediately withdrew from the Taihang Mountains to Hedong.
As expected, the Han army in Hebei was defeated and completely routed. The Han army in Henan actually abandoned them and ran away.
At this time, Dong Zhuo did not waste any time and quickly led his troops back from the pass to the east of Hedong.
As soon as he arrived in Hedong, Dong Zhuo found that the situation in the world had changed too quickly.
The Han troops in Henan actually fought with the nobles in Yuzhou under the banner of Qingjun, and even fought all the way to Luoyang.
Seeing Liu Hongxi leaving, Luoyang was about to fall, and the Han Dynasty was in great turmoil.
Dong Zhuo's ambition could no longer be restrained, so today he called his close aide Li Ru and asked: