Han officials

Chapter 211 Eliminating Hidden Dangers [4.7K]

The night Hua Tuo arrived in Ji County, the Xingren Division received a new task.

Three days later, Taishi Ci, who was on the front line of Hejian State, frowned slightly.

"Daluze?"

"That's right!" Mu Cheng said politely, "General Taishi, please help me!"

The Xingrensi also learned about Tian Feng's whereabouts from Ju Su.

When Taishi Ci learned that Wei Zhe wanted to recruit this person, he did not delay and immediately ordered the scouts in the army to lead the way.

Now the two sides are fighting each other with Anping State as the battlefield. No one knows better than the scouts how to sneak behind enemy lines.

It is said that Anping State also had a tragic fate. Gongsun Zan and Yuan Shao fought repeatedly here.

Now that the Wei army is attacking Jizhou, this county has once again become a battlefield.

After several changes, Anping State no longer had the prosperity it once had.

It was precisely because of this that Mu Cheng and his companions were able to successfully pass through Anping State and enter Daluze.

As the preferred home for prisoners and the dead in Jizhou, the vast and misty Daluze can be said to be a mixed crowd.

As the largest lake in Jizhou, the nine surrounding rivers, including Zhangshui, Fushui, Mingshui, Xishui, Shui, Liangshui, Lishui, Lishui and Xishui, all converge here. The water area is hundreds of miles wide, like an ocean.

It is said that when Emperor Yu of Xia dredged the Nine Rivers, he diverted all the water into this place, and then led it into the sea from the Dalu Lake.

The vast ocean is so majestic, and nine rivers flow into one lake. This is exactly the scene.

But no matter where you live, there is one thing that is unavoidable, and that is salt.

Therefore, all the illegal salt dealers in the mainland basically also work part-time as information transmitters.

The order of darkness is also order, and life will always find a way out.

……

In the afternoon, on a hidden sandbar deep in the mainland swamp.

Looking at the letter in his hand, the tall and haggard Tian Feng couldn't help but fall into deep thought.

Naturally, he had heard of Wei Zhe a long time ago. Although he lived deep in the mainland, he was not isolated from the news.

As the most prominent celebrity in Jizhou, Tian Feng was much more comfortable than other prisoners even when he fled here.

In fact, there were quite a few nobles in Julu County who were willing to protect him, but Tian Feng just didn't want to implicate others.

Otherwise, he would not be safe and sound in this continent where all kinds of people gather.

It was through correspondence that Tian Feng learned about the various events that had occurred after Yuan Shao stole Jizhou.

To be honest, Tian Feng was a little disappointed with Yuan Shao's performance.

It is true that he refused Yuan Shao's call to serve, but that was only to protest Yuan Shao's unjust act of killing Han Fu, and nothing else was involved.

He initially recognized the ability of Yuan Shao, the descendant of three generations of officials.

After all, when he was the Imperial Censor in Luoyang, his reputation as "Yuan Benchu, the Model of the World" was well-known throughout Kyoto.

But Tian Feng didn't expect that he would not live up to his reputation.

Although Yuan Shao killed Gongsun Zan and secured his position as Governor of Jizhou, he made a series of stupid moves afterwards.

Although he was in control of Jizhou, a fertile land in the world, he was reduced to being besieged on all sides.

If he were Yuan Shao, he would never allow Zhong Hu to defeat the Yellow Turbans in Qingzhou, but would only form an alliance with him to attack Bohai.

You must know that Bohai County is the throat of Youqing Province. If Jizhou is not recaptured here, it will be difficult to reverse the decline strategically.

It can be said that the most strategically important location among the four northern states is Bohai County!
Tian Feng even felt that even if he could not recapture this place, it should not be left to the Wei army even if it was destroyed.

It’s a pity that he can’t be the master of Jizhou, and he has no right to do so.

In contrast, Tian Feng was amazed by Wei Zhe's many actions.

Tian Feng, who came from a poor family, was shocked by Wei Zhe's methods but also admired his courage.

After all, the large-scale military farming in the inner counties was obviously an attempt to take advantage of the chaotic times to expand across the world.

Regardless of whether he can succeed or not, this kind of vision and courage alone is enough to leave Tian Feng speechless.

Even many of Wei Zhe's actions were beyond Tian Feng's comprehension due to lack of inside information.

Now that Wei Zhe's order to recruit people was before him, even though Tian Feng had a strong sense of local culture, he couldn't help but waver.

But his behavior is not surprising. It has nothing to do with wisdom and is entirely due to emotion.

For example, Chen Deng and his son Chen Gui, and the Xu family of Qiao County, basically only served as officials in their own province.

No matter how good the wise leader outside is, he is not as attractive to them as the lord who occupies their own state.

If given a choice, Tian Feng would naturally want to work for Jizhou.

Just like many people from poor families who have the desire to serve the country but cannot find the right way to do so, Tian Feng is now powerless.

Unless he could destroy his own values and submit to Yuan Shao against his will, he would probably just rot in the swamps of the mainland.

When he thought of this, even though Tian Feng was upright, he couldn't help but look unwilling.

What is more tragic than a hero’s old age is actually having no place to use his talents.

Tian Feng was proud of his talent for saving the world, so he naturally did not want to waste his life in the marshes of the mainland, rotting like fish and shrimps.

After much deliberation, Tian Feng finally gritted his teeth and said, "Well, since Jizhou is unjust, I will surrender to General Zuo!"

Anyway, there is no hope of becoming an official in this province, so it will be the same if I fight back.

After saying this, Tian Feng finally stopped hesitating and immediately ordered his followers to pack their bags and prepare to set off.

That’s right, even when he was on the run, Tian Feng was always served by servants.

……

Let’s not talk about how Tian Feng was thinking about saving the country in a roundabout way.

On the other hand, Wei Zhe was overjoyed when he learned that he had accepted his invitation.

So after Tian Feng arrived in Ji County, he was immediately appointed by Wei Zhe as a teacher and friend, and participated in the military affairs of the shogunate.

Tian Feng didn't care about the level of the position, he only cared about the platform.

And he is confident that no matter what his current position is, he will be able to become one of the core staff members in the future.

But when Tian Feng did his job conscientiously, Wei Zhe finally understood where the comment about him being "rigid and rebellious" came from.

The fact that he was evaluated in this way in history books shows how tough Tian Feng was in dealing with people.

At least when facing his boss Wei Zhe, he really doesn't know how to be tactful at all.

Although he was wholeheartedly considering his boss's position, Tian Feng always managed to make Wei Zhe angry.

Take fishing for example. Wei Zhe doesn’t really like fishing. He just goes to the lake occasionally to relax and unwind. In fact, he spends most of his time talking about government affairs while fishing.

But when Tian Feng learned of this, he, who was only attending the shogunate meeting for the second time, actually made a direct appeal in public: "I have heard that the son of a thousand gold does not sit in the hall, and the son of a hundred gold does not ride on a saddle. A wise ruler does not take advantage of danger to seek fortune. Now the general has been frequently wandering around the lakes and marshes. If he continues, he may be taken advantage of by those with ulterior motives. If something happens, even if the general takes it lightly, I am afraid the people of the three states will be in danger!"

He ignored Wei Zhe's gloomy expression and said stubbornly, "General, you are a wealthy man, but you are doing the work of a fisherman. This is a sign of losing your ambition due to playing with things. I really don't think this should be done!"

As soon as Tian Feng said this, the main hall of the shogunate suddenly fell silent.

Wei Zhe's face was as gloomy as water, and full of murderous intent.

To be honest, no one under his command has ever dared to speak to him like this since he came to power.

For a moment, Wei Zhe really wanted to kill.

But he soon woke up with a start and was surprised by his own idea.

When did he become like this?
Good medicine tastes bitter but is good for the disease; honest advice may be unpleasant to the ears but is beneficial for action. He knows this principle by heart.

It would be fine if Tian Feng was a hypocrite who was seeking fame and reputation, but he was indeed thinking about himself when he said this.

Faced with a loyal minister who was so considerate of his lord, he actually had the intention to kill him?
For a moment, Wei Zhe only felt a chill on his back.

He suddenly recalled how, before Sun Ce's death, his ministers had repeatedly tried to dissuade him from riding alone. The counselor, Zhang Hong, had advised him, "The commander-in-chief is the lifeblood of the entire army; he should not underestimate a small enemy."

His confidant Yu Fan repeatedly advised him, and even said bluntly: "If a monarch does not respect others, he will not be majestic. Therefore, the white dragon turned into a fish and was trapped in Yuqi; the white snake released itself and was killed by Liu Ji." The myths of the white dragon turning into a fish and being shot in the eye by a fisherman, and the white snake appearing in the world and being killed by Liu Bang warned Sun Ce that it was easy to be in danger when traveling incognito.

However, Sun Ce did not accept the advice and continued to do as he pleased, which led to his accidental death.

With this thought, Wei Zhe's somewhat angry mind finally calmed down completely.

Wei Zhe took the initiative to descend the stairs, walked to Tian Feng's side, helped him up, and then took his hand and said with emotion: "Only you, sir, can hear these words! From today on, I will write this on the screen as a warning to myself!"

After saying this, he waved his hand and rewarded Tian Feng with a fine horse from Fu Yu and five hundred pieces of silk on the spot.

But unexpectedly, Tian Feng, the old man who had just gone too far, refused to accept it.

Seeing this, Wei Zhe could only helplessly say, "Sir, you are well-read in the books of sages. Are you trying to emulate Zigong and redeem someone?"

After hearing what Wei Zhe said, Tian Feng felt that it made sense, so he respectfully thanked him for the reward.

Only at this point did the shogunate officials in the hall breathe a sigh of relief.

Perhaps even Wei Zhe didn't realize that as he continued to succeed, his authority became more and more important.

Especially those old ministers of Yuan Dynasty who had followed him since Daifang County and witnessed him expanding the territory, destroying countries and capturing kings, defeating Dong Zhuo and breaking through the pass, and recovering Luoyang, were already a little superstitious when facing Wei Zhe.

Because they have witnessed Wei Zhe's success so many times, they also believe that he will continue to be successful.

This is also the reason why no one advised Wei Zhe before Tian Feng.

After all, it would be fine if Wei Zhe did something shockingly foolish, but they really didn't think there was any need to advise him on such a small matter as fishing.

Perhaps out of fear or superstition, Wei Zhe really lacks someone who dares to speak out and give advice.

It’s not that he is a masochist, but Wei Zhe can’t guarantee that he won’t make mistakes in the future!

He is a human being, not a saint, and it is inevitable that he will make mistakes.

But if ordinary people make mistakes, it will only bring harm to themselves. If he makes a mistake, it will bring harm to the people of the three states.

At times like this, it is very important to have someone who dares to point out his mistakes.

From this perspective, Tian Feng's existence did fill the gap of the shogunate.

Of course, it is not easy to be a loyal minister like Tian Feng. If you are not careful, you may end up in a thankless position.

For example, in the original history, he clearly considered Yuan Shao wholeheartedly, but was eventually killed by Yuan Shao.

Therefore, the work of a direct minister is still somewhat dangerous, and the older the time, the more dangerous it is.

Especially in times of chaos or when a country was being founded, there was a high probability that one would lose his head if he gave direct or eloquent advice!

In other words, Tian Feng was born with this personality, otherwise ordinary people would never do such a thing.

However, after this incident, Wei Zhe also discovered that there were indeed some problems in the shogunate.

After a quick glance around, Wei Zhe's thoughts raced, and he suddenly sighed, "A man uses a bronze mirror to adjust his attire; uses history as a mirror to understand the rise and fall of things; uses people as a mirror to understand gains and losses. From now on, I will hold these three mirrors in my hand to prevent my own mistakes!"

Upon hearing this, Xi Zhicai, Guo Yuan, Zhao Yun and others on the side were immediately impressed.

Even someone as upright as Tian Feng couldn't help but bow solemnly to Wei Zhe at this moment, saying with sincere admiration: "Mingshang's words are very kind. You can truly be a model for the world and a role model for future generations. I am no match for you!"

If Tian Feng still had some reservations before, he was now completely devoted.

Even in Tian Feng's opinion, the wise leader Wei Zhe showed this time far surpassed Yuan Shao and his ilk, and was even catching up with Guangwu.

Without such a broad mind that encompasses the whole world, one will not be able to accomplish the great cause of supporting the world!

However, Wei Zhe said this not only to make them admire him, but also because he had other plans.

Wei Zhe solemnly ordered, "From now on, the Xuanjing Division will be established under the shogunate. My teacher and colleague Tian Feng will be appointed as the Chief Justice. They will monitor illegal activities and report to the emperor at all times. Please do not slack off."

As soon as these words were spoken, the hall fell into dead silence again.

After all, no one is a fool. As soon as they hear the function of the Xuan Jing Si, they understand what kind of government office it is.

Although the name has been changed, isn't Tian Feng's job the same as that of the Chief Censor?

Thinking of this, many people couldn't help but be secretly alert.

The gap left by the absence of censors from various places due to the chaos in the court was finally filled.

In fact, this is also the purpose of Wei Zhe establishing this position.

There may not be censors sent to the local areas by the court, but as the shogunate's jurisdiction becomes larger and larger and the number of people increases, a certain degree of supervision is still quite necessary.

This rope can be loose, but it cannot be absent.

Remember that rights never disappear, they are only transferred.

If you don't seize power when it is in your hands, it will be transferred to others.

Just when the world is unified, I think of this matter and it may be too late.

……

That night, with Wei Zhe's deliberate promotion, what happened in the shogunate quickly spread throughout the city.

And as the news spread, it gradually spread to the three states of You, Ying and Liao.

Wei Zhe's "Three Mirrors Theory" amazed the scholars of the three states for a time.

Even Zheng Xuan, Lu Zhi, Cai Yong and others publicly stated that this was a "good prescription for saving the world."

Especially the scholars of Dongshan Academy, after learning the details of that day, they admired Wei Zhe even more.

The next day, in the library of Dongshan Academy.

Just as Cai Yong and Lu Zhi were arguing over a piece of writing on a rare manuscript, Zheng Xuan came over with a smile on his face.

"Take a look!" Zheng Xuan handed over the bamboo slips, stroked his beard, and sighed, "This is truly a land of kingly virtue!"

Upon seeing this, Cai Yong took it curiously and took a look. He saw the three words "Three Mirrors Fu" written on it. When he unfolded the scroll, he saw a line of meaningful handwriting.
-
The time is September, and the order belongs to the third autumn.

Frost covers the chrysanthemums of Liaodong, and expeditionary geese fly in formation across the Bohai Sea. The general opens four gates to receive advice, and hangs three mirrors to reflect himself. Virtuous and wise men gather, and loyal ministers gather.

I secretly observed its splendor and dared to express my humble feelings and compose a poem to praise it:
At that time, remonstrations filled the boxes, and honest words reached the ears. Those who criticized the weak were rewarded generously, and those who touched taboos were spared. Therefore, he was able to transform honest words into sweet dew and thunder into gentle breezes. In the past, Jie rejected Long Feng and lost his state, and Zhou dissected Bi Gan and lost his country. Now, looking at General Zuo's open-mindedness, isn't he a man of great wisdom gifted by heaven to save the world?

As for the drum of remonstration, which sounds in the morning, and the tree of slander, which shines in the evening. Lord Tian shed his blood, writing down his ill-conceived policies; the general, having skipped his meals, addressed them with an open mind. He recorded the remonstrances, and pondered them day and night. The harmony between ruler and subject is like the sweetness of fish and water; the closeness between them is as strong as iron and stone.

When the memorials are listed on the screen, it often feels like thunder is beside me; when the warnings are written on the right side of the desk, it seems as if I can hear the sound of history's pen.

He sighed and said, "Luckily, I have found a mirror!"

Alas! The bronze camel, brimming with thorns, once witnessed the ruins of Luoyang; the mirror of history, reflecting the world, has experienced the poison of troubled times. Though the drum of remonstration is mute, its sound is still in my ears; though the tree of slander is rotten, its warning is in my heart. I glance over the green scroll and mourn the sages of the past; I stand by the Wei River and recall the sounds left behind.

However, the general’s wisdom is not only renowned in his time.
When the three mirrors are hung, all things are revealed, and the general's legacy is as bright as the sun and the moon.

Those who read it later will also be moved by this article!
After reading it, Cai Yong nodded and shook his head.

Nodding is an expression of appreciation for this poem, while shaking the head is a regret that one did not think of this.

When he learned that this "Three Mirrors Fu" was written by a scholar in the academy who was good at writing, he was even more moved.

Zheng Xuan laughed out loud upon seeing this and asked, "Can this poem be included in the Dongguan Hanji?"

Hearing this, the old man Cai Yong glared at him and said unhappily:

"This theory of the three mirrors should be memorized even if it is a children's song, let alone this poem!"

After saying this, Cai Yong was too lazy to pay attention to Zheng Xuan, the disrespectful old man, and began to think about how to start writing.

The pen of history is like a knife. Those who are recorded are afraid of it, but those who write it dare not be negligent.

Seeing this, Zheng Xuan and Lu Zhi smiled and said no more.

However, this "Three Mirrors Fu" spread like wildfire and soon became known in the three states. Even the gentry in Jizhou obtained a copy from letters, and it became a hot topic again.

This was originally a good thing, but it caused dissatisfaction, or even jealousy, from Yuan Shao, the governor of Jizhou.

So when Wei Zhe was immersed in building the monitoring system, a piece of bad news soon reached Ji County...

(End of this chapter)