Chapter 451 Donate Food
The ox cart drove through the muddy country road and stopped in front of a dock.
Bing Cao Zhang Jin got out of the carriage, looked up at the towering wall, and said loudly: "Where is the Yanggong?"
A burst of noise rang out from 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 and tribes went out to greet him.
"It turns out to be Mr. Zhang. I haven't seen him for several months, but he still has the same style." The old man known as "Yang Gong" said with a smile.
There seems to be hidden worry in the smile.
Officials from Yanshi County never do anything good when they come to visit. They either send donations or ask for people, sometimes they want both.
But there was nothing they could do.
As the few Wubao commanders in Yanshi County, they have their own way of survival.
One 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 gain outweighs the gain.
The second is to be kind to others. As long as they are not forced into desperation, everything can be discussed easily - anyone can discuss it, including the imperial court, grass bandits, Huns and even various military leaders.
Bing Cao and Zhang Jin represent 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 said a "disclaimer" and then said: "The matter is urgent, so we won't talk about the past today. Henan Yin Youling, Yu Sizhou The counties collect people, money and food, and Yanshi County also has a share..."
Yang Gong was silent for a long time and asked: "How much?"
Zhang Jin actually has a certain degree of discretion. , because the county magistrate only wants the results, 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 them is said to be from a distant branch of the Taiyang family, but how can I put it, the Yang family has never seen any care for them. Even if there is a relationship, I don't know how many generations ago it happened. Although they both have the surname Yang, they are actually two families.
But Zhang Jin is quite sophisticated and very familiar with the local area.
As far as he knew, the tomb of Yang Xuanzhi, the father of Queen Hui Yang Xianrong, was in Yanshi. The old man in front of him often brought his children and nephews to pay tribute and was very diligent.
In Zhang Jin's opinion, this was just a shameless attempt to get close to relatives.
Of course, he did not 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. Later, for unknown reasons, he ran away to Yanshi, gathering villagers to live 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, he thought for a moment and gave the number: "Three hundred strong men will arrive in Nancheng, Heyang before May 20th."
"Do you still need money and food?" Yang Gong He nodded slightly and asked again.
"I have no control over money and food matters." Zhang Jin waved his hand and said: "But we must prepare some corn, wheat and hay, and maybe a few vehicles with draft animals, and the drivers must be ready. "
Yang Gong knew it well. 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's hand, saying: "Zhang Jun is diligent in the king's affairs. Thank you for your hard work."
Zhang Jin was not polite and asked his entourage to He put the silk back into the cart, exchanged pleasantries, and left in a hurry.
Seeing the retreating figures of Bing Cao and his group, Yang Gong's face darkened.
This is no 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 move, food and grass go first. Conscripting soldiers and sending food is a precursor to starting a war, and everyone has long been used to it.
Fight, fight, fight all day long! If we keep fighting, we will all die together.
Luoyang is peaceful this year, but there are still large crowds of people rushing 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.
Beginning in late April, all counties under Yin's jurisdiction in Henan received orders to send donations and troops to Heyang to gather - the earliest batch arrived on May 20th, and the latest batch did not Will be later than mid-June.
Suddenly, people, materials, 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".
Beginning in late April, the left and right guards 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 didn’t have much food, but they had a lot of money accumulated by their ancestors. After all, this is Luoyang, where all the talents and money in the world gather. Many families have settled here since the Cao Wei Dynasty. After several generations of accumulation, the family wealth is still quite large.
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 scold him, he suddenly choked.
There were dozens of heavily armed sergeants standing outside the door, seemingly part of a team.
The leader of the team was respectful and only said: "According to the emperor's edict, please donate money and reward from the kings."
Sima Yan's expression changed for a long time before he swallowed his breath.
This is not 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 ministers and officials in the city also contributed.
But after Sima Yue came to power, he did the same things, but even worse.
Sima Yue himself went out of the town to feudal vassal, and his generals He Lun and Wang Bing robbed the officials again and again to obtain money.
Everyone was frightened by Sima Yue's power and dared not speak out in anger.
Coupled with the increasingly deteriorating situation, 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 sense of success is very obvious and gives people a bad impression - Princess Lingshou was offended and insulted by He Lun. , actually touched her face in public and 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 in my thirties, my eyesight is so bad that I almost have to press my eyes against a book to see clearly.
Perhaps, this is the main reason why Sima Yue chose Sima Chi instead of him when he was appointed as the heir apparent - among Emperor Wu's disciples, only Wu Wang Yan and Yu Zhang Wang Chi could be the heir at that time. He had poor eyesight and was "not as talented as the average person and 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 was really outrageous.
"Can I still eat meat after paying money and going out?" After hearing his son's report, Sima Yan was stunned for a moment and then asked.
The servants all lowered their heads, not daring to listen or see more.
Sima Yan explained with all his heart: "Master, don't worry. In two months, the money and food for the fiefdom will be delivered, and you will be able to eat meat."
Don't look at Sima Yan as blind and stupid, but He is one of the two remaining sons of Emperor Wu Sima Yan. To put it harshly, if Sima Chi, the current boss, dies, King Wu's chances are not small.
In the tenth 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 get one-third of the fiefdom of the three counties every year. The rent of one - now it is impossible to get it in full.
The King of Wu also had staff. Ge Hong, Danyang, who just left Beijing and returned to his hometown a while ago, his father Ge Ti once served as the lieutenant of the King of Wu and later became the prefect of Shaoling.
The royal family members are all in Danyang. If Sima Yue and Jin Shang did not allow 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 squinted his eyes and said, "How much do you want?"
"Qian Guan, two thousand pieces of silk, and five carts with drivers. , and draft animals together," 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 tax for many years, and he does not have an official position. He can only do it in the name of taking care of his father. getting old.
How could it not be heartbreaking to allocate so much money to "support military supplies" this time?
But someone asked 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 the money to her." Sima Yan closed his eyes and said.
"Okay." Sima Yan bowed and went to report to his mother Xun first. Then he took five 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 constantly coming and going.
As the most wealthy imperial palace in Luoyang, Dongyang Gate was home to dignitaries and dignitaries. The sergeants emboldened themselves to go door to door asking for money, and then sent the collected money to Jinyong City, where it was piled high.
Under heavy reward, 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 to herd horses.
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 sighed as he walked in the grass that reached his knees.
"Quan Zhong, you are 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 where you are today, all thanks to the support of Luoyang Gongqing and the Yingchuan gentry, right or wrong?"
"Yes, and no." Shao Xun smiled and said: "A little money was obtained by the King of Changsha and the King of Donghai. , I can’t get it?”
“Five horses were taken away from my house,” Wang Yan said.
"Haha." Shao Xun leaned over and whispered: "Taiwei, what difference do you and I have between you? In the future, when we fight against the Huns, Jinguyuan will give you a gift, how about that?"
Wang Yan shook his head and laughed.
He didn't really care about 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 fierce.
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 nothing big could happen. After Sima Yue's death, Shao Xun was already the largest military leader around Luoyang, and he was still 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 kinds of honors added to him, he could naturally get whatever he asked for.
“What do I need from Jingu Garden?” Wang Yan replied angrily: “As long as you know what you are doing.”
“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 Jinguyuan can be tidied up a little. In the future, Wang Mi will be driven out, and Jinguyuan can even recruit people to farm and restore its former glory. Do you really want it?"
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, dismissed the topic, and said: "The Xiongnu are attacking fiercely in Guanzhong, so the imperial court doesn't think of a way?"
"Today is different from the past. The imperial court sent someone there, and they may not be able to do it. I will." Wang Yan said.
This is the result of the loss of central authority. The local princes no longer recognize you.
Of course, this is only part of the reason.
Hongnong was in the hands of the Xiongnu, and when he ordered Guanzhong to contact Luoyang, 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 everything is scattered and no one is convinced.
A powerful enemy is present, and our friendly forces are in trouble and remain motionless 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 Zong's death, was defeated repeatedly. Yin Suofei of Jingzhao, Liang Zong, the governor of Chang'an, and others sat back and watched.
This look 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. If the battle still ended like this, all the princes in Guanzhong were responsible.
"We still have to find a way to mediate." Shao Xun suggested: "It's just a fight for 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 for a different purpose!
"What are you going to do about the war in Hebei?" Wang Yan asked.
“It won’t work if you say it.” Shao Xun smiled and said: “The Taiwei might as well help me find out the inside story of the Huns.”
"Why don't you find Pei Zhongyu?" Wang Yan asked.
"The Taiwei is better informed."
Wang Yan sneered and said: "That's all, that's all, I'll ask Hui Feng to come over now. She used to sort out these things."
"That's good." Shao Xun smiled and said, "In this case, I can go to Heyang with peace of mind."
Wang Yan was startled.
(End of this chapter)