Chapter 55: Unplanned Union
Regarding the causes of the two interest groups in Shandong and Shanxi, Huang Fu's views are not much different from those of Yang Bi. However, as a military general, Huang Fu's focus on the issue is somewhat different from that of Yang Bi. He particularly mentioned one problem: Du Shi.
What is referred to as "all trials" is the autumnal martial exercise under the background of universal conscription. After Liu Xiu ascended to the throne, one major reform of Western Han's policies was the cancellation of all trials. Later generations have two completely different views on this matter. One view holds that this was a benevolent policy by which Liu Xiu allowed the people to rest, while another view considers it the reason why the military prowess of Eastern Han was not prominent, and is a policy of a weak nation.
Huangfu Song did not comment on the moral evaluation of Liu Xiu's move, but rather its actual reasons and impact.
Why did Emperor Guangwu cancel the trial of the capital? This is related to his construction of Luoyang as the capital. Luoyang is located in the central plains, and its surrounding terrain is not conducive to defense. If the trial of the capital was not cancelled, once there were any disturbances in the surrounding provinces of Ji, Yan, Yu, Qing, and Xu, Luoyang would be threatened by heavy troops, facing a life-and-death crisis.
As soon as Huangfu Song said this, Liu Bian immediately understood. It wasn't that he was clever, but rather there were vivid examples right in front of him. When the Yuan brothers raised their arms and called out, Shandong responded, and Luoyang didn't become the frontline immediately? Even if it's Xiangyang, or Henan, or Yingchuan, they are all just a day or two away from Luoyang. If the imperial examination is not cancelled, every autumn, the emperor will face a sudden crisis, and anyone can use this legitimate opportunity to gather a large army and suddenly attack Luoyang.
Emperor Guangwu rose to power by taking advantage of the rules of Dou Rong, and he was well aware of the pros and cons. After ascending to the throne, he abolished Dou Rong, not as a benevolent policy, but to ensure the safety of Luoyang. The reason for this move was the confrontation between the Shandong faction and the Luoyang court. During Liu Xiu's unification of the world, the Nanyang faction was the core force, the Hebei faction was the backbone, while the Dongfang faction was always ambiguous. Therefore, when the Hebei faction had a rift with the imperial family, it naturally joined forces with the Dongfang faction to form the Shandong faction.
Reminded by Huang Fu's words, Liu Bian thought of another problem.
Emperor Guangwu abolished the system of imperial examinations at the cost of not being able to display his military prowess, and maintained more than a hundred years of peace in Luoyang. But why can the Yuan family now respond to one call and gather an army of over 200,000 in a short period of time, threatening Luoyang?
Because of the Yellow Turban Rebellion six years ago, the states and counties had a force that could not be ignored. In other words, the Yellow Turban Rebellion gave the Shandong group an opportunity to rearm, and now they can respond to one call and hundreds of responses.
The scope of the Yellow Turban Rebellion is roughly the same as that of the current Yuan Shao's uprising. Is it possible that the Yellow Turban Rebellion was a rehearsal for today's situation? Are Zhang Jue and Yuan Shao in the same vein, with Yuan Shao being at a higher level, having greater prestige, and stronger forces?
Liu Bian broke out in a cold sweat.
……
Jia Yuanchao welcomed a mysterious guest: Yan Zhong.
Yan Zhong may be considered Jia Xian's mentor. It was Yan Zhong's high praise of Jia Xian that gave him the opportunity to be recommended as a filial and incorruptible official, coming to Luoyang, although he didn't manage to embark on an official career, it broadened his horizons and allowed him to see the world, and also left an impression on two generations of emperors. Now, as a close minister to the emperor, Jia Xian's position may not be high, but his prospects are vast. Faced with Yan Zhong, this mentor, Jia Xian is naturally extremely grateful.
"Gongxiao sir, how did you and General Zuo end up in the same place again?"
Yan Zhong smiled slightly: "It's just a coincidence. Wen He, what kind of person is the Son of Heaven?"
"The Jade of Jing Mountain."
Yan Zhong's eyebrows rose in surprise at Jia Xian's evaluation of the emperor.
"Lacking in experience, but having seen more people. Having a firm and simple character, with little pretension."
Yan Zhong seemed to be deep in thought, slowly nodding his head and twirling his mustache as he said: "So, this is a pioneering hero of the founding emperor's caliber, rather than a defensive monarch like Guangwu?"
"Almost."
"I'm relieved then." Yan Zhong looked at Jia Xuan and said straightforwardly, "This time I followed General Zuo to Luoyang, not only to help the Emperor defeat the Yuan family and defend Luoyang, but also for a major matter. Do you know what it is?"
Jia Xian smiled and said without hesitation: "Move the capital to Chang'an."
Yan Zhong burst out laughing: "Wen He, I didn't misjudge you. You see, are you going to the front line or staying in Luoyang? Let's join hands and let those Shandong people see that Shanxi not only produces generals but also prime ministers."
Jia Xun hesitated for a moment: "Sir, you are intelligent and have experience as an official in Shandong, so you are more familiar with the tactics of those people. It is more suitable for you to stay in Luoyang. As a Shanxi person, I want to gain the trust of the emperor, but it's not good to be too prominent, achieving great merit can also alarm the ruler. Let me accompany the emperor to the front line, and you stay with General Zuo to guard Luoyang."
"Excellent." Yan Zhong replied with a smile, and the two of them looked at each other and laughed.
……
"I wish Your Majesty to be the great ancestor." Huangfu Song clasped his hands and said sincerely: "The troops in Shandong are not to be feared, nor are the Yuan brothers. However, it has been over 400 years since the Great Han Dynasty, and over 200 years since Emperor Guangwu's time. It is time for a change. I wish Your Majesty to be the master of this change."
Liu Bian was not very confident. Huangfu Song's suggestion made him very surprised. Huangfu Song led 30,000 elite troops to Luoyang to assist, but he didn't want to go to the front line himself to make achievements, instead, he wanted to hand over the elite troops to Liu Bian and let him lead the expedition in person, while he himself guarded Luoyang.
This couldn't help but make him have some doubts. On one hand, he doubted his own abilities, on the other hand, he doubted Huangfu Song's intentions.
But he had to say that Huangfu Song's reason was very sufficient.
The Shandong army is numerous, but the Yuan brothers are all noble sons and have never fought a battle. Zhang Miao and Liu Dai also have no combat experience. To lead the expedition personally seems very dangerous, but in fact, the danger is limited. If successful, it can make a name for itself in one battle, which will be of great help to its own prestige and establishment.
Huangfu Song also said that the uprising in Shandong looked impressive, but at most it was only an economic blow, with limited military impact, and would not shake the foundations of the Han dynasty. Liu Xuan should focus his attention on the northwest. The people who might overthrow the Han dynasty are not in the southeast, but in the northwest. The turmoil in the Central Plains and the entry of ethnic groups from the western grasslands are the greatest threats. To thoroughly eliminate this threat, one must change the flaws of the Eastern Han's emphasis on literature and revive the spirit of martial valor, also known as reform.
The Son of Heaven learned from the Grand Progenitor Emperor Liu Bang, personally taking to the battlefield, which is the most direct demonstration of the spirit of valuing martial prowess. From another perspective, the Son of Heaven personally grasping the most elite military force can also avoid powerful generals becoming too full of themselves and uncontrollable.
Liu Bian understood Huangfu Song's intention, he was probably scared by the court's suspicion after the Yellow Turbans and didn't dare to make great achievements again, so he chose to keep a low profile, hand over the army and be content with being a behind-the-scenes hero, retreating to the second line.
After careful consideration, Liu agreed to Huangfu Song's suggestion and immediately appointed him as Taifu, restored his title as Marquis of Huaili, and granted him a fief of 3,000 households.
The second update, seeking recommendations, seeking collections!
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