"Because he is doing good for the people, he is showing the retribution of losing virtue." [Yi·Xici, Part 2]
Zhao Qi was ordered to go on an envoy this time and had several political tasks: the first was to move Emperor Xiaohuai and Empress Linghuai to their mausoleums and rebury them with the proper rituals; the second was to declare to the world that the emperor was in charge and try to eliminate the royal family. The influence of Yun's exemption on the princes of Guandong; the third is to reflect the emperor's long-standing purpose: 'Unite all that can be united and attack all that must be attacked', win over loyal ministers like Zhu Jun, and let them lead by example and serve as the king's vanguard.
After gaining the support of Zhu Jun, Zhao Qi prepared to part ways with his deputy Pei Mao, and Pei Mao went north to find Yuan Shao, Liu Yu, Gongsun Zan and others; while Zhao Qi, after completing the move to the mausoleum, went south in person. Go find Liu Biao and Yuan Shu.
Zhao Qi's views are different from those of the emperor. He has always been a staunch supporter of the political view of Sui and Guandong. He is somewhat dissatisfied with the emperor's attitude of treating Guandong Mu Shou as a prince and a great enemy. He even thinks that the emperor is too naive in this matter. Stubborn. According to Zhao Qi's opinion, as long as he is active and loyal and uses the authority of the court, he may not be able to persuade them to serve the emperor again.
The emperor tried to persuade Zhao Qi several times, but due to the fact that the other party was the emperor's master, it was difficult to put his words seriously. This mission simply needed to make use of his reputation at home, which just allowed ambitious people like Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu to take practical actions. Tell Zhao Qi, and even all the people in the court who still have hopes for Guandong: The world has changed, and the rules of etiquette and justice are no longer enough to restrain these people's ambitions.
After talking about the appointment of Zhu Jun, Zhao Qi just said tentatively: "I heard that Hao, the second son of Gongwei, is very talented and can be regarded as a noble man in the world. It's just that he has never been an official until now. It's a pity. If you don't mind, it's better to leave it to him." Can I recommend it on your behalf?"
Zhu Jun had two sons. The eldest son, Zhu Fu, is now the governor of Jiaozhou, but he has a bad temper and a bad reputation. The second son, Zhu Hao, showed unique talents when he was young. He was knowledgeable and courteous, and was favored by Zhu Jun the most. He has been with me all these years, giving advice and training with all his heart.
Hearing Zhao Qi's words, Zhu Jun didn't understand the other party's hint. He wanted to retain the military power and guard the outside. He really wanted a son to stay in the capital to act as a 'proton' to reassure the court. When Liu Yu was appointed Youzhou Mu, Liu When Yan was appointed pastor of Yizhou, didn't he always leave his son in the capital as an official?
This is a rule established by the imperial court. Zhu Jun has a clear conscience, so naturally he will not refuse it, nor will he make it special for himself.
"A dog's talent is shallow and it is difficult for him to become a great person. Now I have the help of Duke Zhao to promote him."
"Easy to say, easy to say." Zhao Qi said with a gentle smile: "I am the emperor's teacher, so I can speak well in front of His Majesty. If nothing else, I am a secretary-general with a rank of six hundred stones. I can still speak well for your Majesty. Invited."
The same rank of 600 stones can also be classified into high and low due to different powers. Just like the governor, the middle-ranking officer of the Northern Army has more weight than the generals, prime ministers, temple priests and other minor officials.
The same goes for Secretary Cheng. This position has been vacant since Wang Ling was transferred to the Chang'an Order. As Secretary Lang gradually became more important around the emperor, the status of Secretary Cheng also increased. Zhu Jun heard Zhao Qi say that the number of Secretary Cheng was increasing day by day. This time, his son, who had never been an official, started his official career as secretary-general. It can be said that the treatment was very generous.
And Zhao Qi was just a favor. The reason why he dared to vouch for it was that the emperor had already said it before, and now he used his own words to say it. First, it was to show favor to Zhu Jun. After all, he had to be there during this period. The second is to show his power so that the other party will not underestimate him.
Zhao Qi was an old and sophisticated man, and he was very thoughtful in this regard. He used the prestige of the angels and his reputation as a great scholar to use some tricks at the banquet hosted by Zhu Jun, and he convinced everyone.
Zhu Jun immediately said that in order to fully support the imperial court's farmland policy, he would appoint his close confidant Zhang Chao (this Zhang Chao is not Zhang Miao's younger brother Zhang Chao) as the Dian Nong Xiaowei, together with Henan Yin and Nong sent by the imperial court. Together with Cao Peng, he imitated the method of farming in Guanzhong and fully implemented it in Henan.
Among these people were Zhu Jun's own arrangements, as well as Tao Qian, the governor of Xuzhou, Liu Biao, the governor of Jingzhou, and others who heard that Zhao Qi was coming and specially sent envoys to wait and see.
The court's prestige was still there, coupled with Zhao Qi's prestige and Zhu Jun's endorsement. After hearing Zhao Qi's introduction and attitude towards the court and the emperor, they all said goodbye and left after a few days, expressing their desire to persuade their respective envoys. Junming Mansion, let them welcome the imperial court again.
After the banquet, Zhao Qi and Pei Mao met Zhu Jun again. He introduced: "This is Pei Mao, the imperial censor. Even though he is the deputy envoy on this trip, in fact, in order to increase his prestige, your majesty specifically asked him to perform ordinary duties." .Speaking of which, his authority is better than mine."
"I don't dare. Mr. Zhao is praising you too much. Mr. Zhao has both moral character and reputation, but he is not very talented at all. Everything must be done by Mr. Zhao," Pei Mao said humbly.
The purpose of the two people's mutual humility was to make Zhu Jun respect Pei Mao and not really regard him as a deputy envoy.
Zhu Jun knew what was going on and said slowly: "The situation in Hebei is chaotic. If Mr. Pei wants to go to Youzhou, he may encounter many passes along the way."
This pass is not a terrain obstacle, but refers to people.
"Bohai Prefect Yuan Shao met by chance, and Han Fu was forced to give up Jizhou. General Gongsun Zan had a grudge against Yuan Shao, and the two fought successively at Jieqiao and other places." Zhu Jun was worried that Pei Mao would go north without knowing the situation, so he reminded him specifically: "In addition, there are the Black Mountain Army, the Xiongnu Liudu East County and other places. If Mr. Pei wants to go, be careful."
"Weren't the Black Mountain Army Yu Du, Bai Rao, the Xiongnu Yu Fuluo and others defeated by Cao Cao last year?" Zhao Qi interjected: "I remember Yuan Shaote paid homage to Cao Cao as the governor of Dongjun for this reason."
"That's true. It's just that Yu Fuluo and others are running around as bandits in Dongjun and other places, so they must be careful and vigilant." Zhu Jun explained: "But you can rest assured in Henan and other places. I am here to guarantee that no one will be safe. Yu.”
Zhao Qi nodded and praised: "Gongwei is a good general of the imperial court, and he is really the assistant of the Han Dynasty."
"Then I wonder what Mr. Zhao will do next?" Zhu Jun asked: "Although I am not talented, I am willing to do my best."
"We have to trouble Gongwei to send elite troops to escort Pei Jun north. As long as we get to Yecheng and Yuan Shao is there, the imperial envoys will not be wronged."
Zhu Jun thought about it carefully and made a final decision: "Tao Qian, the governor of Xuzhou, once sent me three thousand soldiers, including many Danyang elite soldiers. I selected sharp soldiers from among them, and then selected close followers from under my command to make up a thousand soldiers and deliver them to Pei Jun. "
Pei Mao hurriedly refused and said: "This is impossible. The former general is currently stabilizing Henan and focusing on people's livelihood. If there are no elite soldiers on duty, how can he intimidate Xiaoxiao? Besides, I am here to express condolences for the emperor, not to lead an expedition. This must not be done. Bringing so many people will prevent people from becoming suspicious and putting themselves at risk."
Zhu Jun thought the same thing. If there was a misunderstanding over this and delayed the imperial envoy's mission, wouldn't it be his fault?
So Zhu Jun changed his words and said: "I happened to want to send something to my old friend to express my condolences. The road is not peaceful and I am afraid of an accident. Otherwise, these 300 people should be combined with Pei Jun's team or follow behind. They can also take care of each other.”
Zhao Qi also agreed with this compromise plan. His eyes lit up and he said: "Yes, I haven't seen you for many years, and I also want to express my condolences to this old friend."