Chapter 187 Anti-Corruption in Xuzhou
Zhuge Jin’s face turned red, and he ducked out of the way at a loss.
Zhuge Liang took a step forward and walked to Zhang Zhao's side and whispered: "Zibu Gong, Liu Shijun sent his eldest son Liu Feng to visit Mr. Liu this time, and we are accompanying him. People are not state officials."
Zhang Zhao suddenly realized this and glanced at Zhuge Liang with gratitude, while the latter looked at Liu Feng silently.
Zhang Zhao felt even more grateful, but this was not the time to say thank you. He could only endure his embarrassment, turned around and bowed to Liu Feng.
Liu Feng didn't want Zhang Zhao to bow down, so he directly stepped forward and stopped him: "Zibu Gong, Feng was ordered by his father to come here as a farewell guest to Mr. Zhengpi. I beg you not to refuse. My father is waiting for you day and night in Tancheng." , Like a withered seedling looking at the rain."
Zhang Zhao felt guilty and said: "How can Zhao be so virtuous? I have called you three times. This time I went to Tancheng. I will apologize to you."
Liu Feng comforted him and said, "My father has high hopes for his son Bu Gong. How could he accuse him of his crime? Please don't say anything."
Then Liu Feng curiously looked behind Zhang Zhao and asked He said: "Zibu Gong, are these all your nephews? From Feng's perspective, they all seem to be well-educated scholars. Zibu Gong should recommend him to the state government."
After hearing this, Zhang Zhao said, Zhengse introduced: "Sir, these two people are famous scholars in Guangling, Xuzhou, Xu Xuan, Xu Baojian, Chen Jiao and Chen Jibi."
After Xu Xuan and Chen Jiao were introduced, they each saluted Liu Feng.
"It turned out to be Xu Baojian from Haixi and Chen Jibi from Dongyang."
Liu Feng blurted out in shock and clearly reported the birthplaces of Xu Xuan and Chen Jiao.
This also shocked Zhang Zhao and the others.
It is a coincidence that Liu Feng is actually more impressed by Chen Jiao, but he is not very familiar with Xu Xuan. But Chen Jiao has been criticized by Xu Xuan all his life. The latter even went to Cao Cao to complain, which almost prevented Chen Jiao from being dismissed. This made Liu Feng look at Xu Xuan when he was looking at Chen Jiao's information.
In fact, Xu Xuan was also a great man, with an upright and honest nature. Not only was he very frugal and honest, he even asked his family to bury him in coarse clothes when he died.
Hearing that it was Chen Jiao and Xu Xuan, Liu Feng was very happy. After he stepped forward to salute the two, he invited them: "My father has heard about the names of Xu Baojian and Chen Jibi for a long time. They just escaped from the war. , went to Jiangdong, so he regrets not being able to see them. He will be very happy if he learns that the two gentlemen are back in Xuzhou. "
"If you have nothing important to do, I would like to invite you. The two gentlemen returned to Tancheng with us to quench my father's thirst for talents."
Now Xu Xuan and Chen Jiao were sure that the other party had recognized the wrong person.
This name, place of origin and even whereabouts match.
Xu Xuan and Chen Jiao were both happy and nervous. They felt that Liu Bei was worthy of being a wise master and that he loved talents so much. At the same time, they were also happy that their talents and reputation could be recognized by Liu Bei.
Now Liu Bei is no longer the unknown border warrior before. Even Kong Rong helped him become famous. Yuan Shao regarded him as an ally. Even Xu Xuan and Chen Jiao who were far away in Jiangdong also listened. It tells the story of how the Xuzhou Army recaptured Guangling in one go.
Subsequently, Liu Feng introduced the Zhuge brothers, Dong Xi, and Gan Ning, who also introduced Zhang Cheng.
For Zhang Cheng, Liu Feng took a few more glances. Historically, this was an operator with a good reputation and average talent. It was a pity that his father was Zhang Zhao. As a result, he was a scribe and was forced to transfer. Military position.
Although many literati in Soochow have transferred to military positions, judging from the performance of Lu Xun and others, as well as official historical records, after they transferred to military positions, they indeed regarded themselves as military personnel and could not easily participate in politics. of.
Historically, after Lu Yi was liquidated, Sun Quan blamed Zhuge Jin, Lu Xun, Bu Zhi and others. Their explanation was that the minister was a military minister.
It shows that in the Soochow Dynasty, civil servants and military ministers were divided and not interoperable, at least not like the Western Han Dynasty where they could freely switch between generals and ministers.
Suddenly, Liu Feng thought of something and couldn't help but look at Zhuge Jin.
Even though Zhuge Jinnian is only twenty, he is only four years older than Zhang Cheng.
But in the future, Zhang Cheng’s wife will be Zhuge Jin’s daughter.
In the history of the original time and space, the relationship between the two was a real son-in-law, and Zhang Zhao had to call Zhuge Jin his father-in-law.
Think about how Zhang Cheng and Zhuge Jin met when they were young, but ended up marrying their friend’s daughter when they were middle-aged. It’s really so heartbreaking and despising.
After the introduction of the group, Liu Feng personally presented gifts and sent a conquest to Zhang Zhao.
This time, Zhang Zhao did not refuse, but respectfully accepted and expressed his gratitude and loyalty to Liu Bei.
Later, Zhang Zhao hosted a banquet at his residence to entertain Liu Feng.
At the banquet, Xu Xuan asked somewhat rashly: "Xuan is in Jiangdong. I heard that the little overlord Sun Bofu once competed with our state for Guangling and lost in the night battle in Guangling County. What is the inside story?"
Liu Feng answered with a smile. He said: "How did Mr. Xu remember to ask about this?"
Xu Xuan replied seriously: "A month ago, when Xuan Shang was in Jiangdong, Sun Bofu came to conquer the land and wanted to appoint me as the magistrate of Piling County. At that time, he once asked me about Xuzhou's true and false situation, especially the Xuzhou Army, so I was able to trick him out of this matter."
Liu Feng suddenly understood and explained: "At that time, Liu Ye and Liu Ziyang were single in the state government. Sneaking into Guangling, he persuaded the local powerful Li brothers to rebel that night and captured Guangling. However, the south gate was captured by Sun Ce, and the Sun family rushed into the city and gained the upper hand."
"Afterwards, luckily. Our troops arrived in time and fought fiercely, successfully repelling the Sun family and retaking Guangling.”
"During this battle, my bow and horse mentor, Taishi Ci, also fought with Sun Ce and Sun Bofu in front of the battle formation. The two sides fought fiercely for hundreds of rounds, with no winner or loser, and finally tied."
Chen Jiao heard this, He was also surprised and blurted out: "Tai Shi Ci is actually the master's bow and horse mentor."
Liu Feng asked curiously: "Mr. Chen also knows the name of my mentor?"
Chen Jiao Nodding: "When Sun Bofu hired me as the magistrate of Qu'a County, he also asked me if I had heard of the names of Taishi Ci and Liu Ye."
"Lujiang Liu Ye and Liu Ziyang, even if I haven't, I have seen it and heard of its name.”
Chen Jiao explained: "It's just Taishi Ci's name. I have never heard of it."
"My teacher Taishi Ziyi is as his name suggests, and his actions are unparalleled in loyalty and justice."
Liu Feng saw the opportunity. , took advantage of the situation to make Taishi Ci famous, and recounted in detail his loyalty and resourcefulness in destroying documents and protecting the Lord.
Xu Xuan was very impressed and praised: "He is really a loyal and righteous man."
"He is loyal to his people, loyal to his emperor's trust, and does not care about his own life. This is a righteous man."< br>
Chen Jiao also praised it, but compared to Xu Xuan's sentimental remarks, it seemed a bit casual.
Zhang Zhao also nodded: "Tai Shizi is a righteous person as his name suggests. He lives up to the trust of his lord and is a loyal and righteous man."
Don't look at Zhang Zhao and the others, and each of them praised him. , these words of praise spread, which greatly improved Taishi Ci's reputation and status.
Because Zhang Zhao is a famous scholar, the top scribe in Xuzhou.
Xu Xuan and Chen Jiao are also famous people in Guangling, and this is their status.
Two days later, Zhang Zhao, who was well prepared, returned north with Liu Feng, passing through Qu County and then to Tancheng.
When Zhang Zhao arrived, Liu Bei went out of the city three miles to greet him.
As soon as they met, Zhang Zhao was about to apologize to Liu Bei.
Why did Liu Bei let Zhang Zhao do this? It was naturally a comfort.
Subsequently, Zhang Zhao took over the post of Xuzhou Biejia and was entrusted with important tasks by Liu Bei, responsible for evaluating many officials in the state.
Originally, the meritorious officer should be responsible for this matter. The meritorious officer's duty is to arrange promotions and demotions based on the merits and demerits of officials. But in fact, the meritorious officers cannot check the merits and demerits of officials, because that is the power of the county and the subordinate counties to supervise the postal service.
Therefore, it is very necessary for Zhang Zhao to take charge of the matter personally and clean up the entire Xuzhou officialdom in a special position. Moreover, Zhang Zhao has a strong character and hates evil as much as he hates evil. He hates corruption and bribery the most, and people who live without food.
Zhang Zhao is very senior in Xuzhou and has a great reputation. He was even imprisoned for refusing Tao Qian's recommendation of Maocai and refused to give in. He is very famous in Xuzhou.
The officials who were dismissed by Zhang Zhao would just get out and did not dare to argue with him.
After Zhang Zhao took office, Liu Feng took action again and went to Jiangdu to invite Zhang Hong back to serve as governor.
When Zhang Hong was invited, Zhang Zhao's useless rhetoric came into use here.
In the name of Zhao Yu, he persuaded Zhang Hong, and Sun Ce has been trapped in half of Wu County since he crossed the river. He still has not been able to capture Wu County.
Coupled with Zhao Yu's affection and Liu Bei's sincerity, Zhang Hong was finally moved and allowed him to go north to Tancheng and take office as Zhongzhong.
By the way, Chen Duan and Qin Song were also kidnapped and headed north together.
If Zhang Zhao succeeds in purging Xuzhou officialdom, he will definitely lack many county-level talents.
Although people like Xu Xuan, Chen Jiao, Chen Duan, and Qin Song began to train as officials at the central government or county level after entering the officialdom, they were then decentralized to the posts of county magistrates and county magistrates.
But it must be considered that both Cao Wei and Jiangdong's Sun family had already grown big at that time.
Especially for Cao Cao, when Xu Xuan and Chen Jiao entered Guangling and Chen Deng, it was already the third year of Jian'an. At that time, Cao Cao already controlled Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty and the center of the court, and owned four or five states. .
In front of the huge Henan faction of scholars, what do Xu Xuan and Chen Jiao count?
Not to mention that their native place in Xuzhou will also bring side effects. But Liu Bei's current situation is completely different. Liu Bei made his fortune in Xuzhou, and it was the powerful Xuzhou nobles who took the initiative to welcome Liu Bei into the state, and then fully supported Liu Bei. Therefore, the Xuzhou scholars were a bonus under Liu Bei.
In today's world, their direct appointment as Bailihou will not arouse the slightest doubt or opposition.
Even if there is any noise, it will be suppressed by the powerful group of local scholars in Xuzhou.
But for Xu Xuan, Chen Jiao and others, this can still be regarded as an exception for Liu Bei to reuse them.
In this regard, Xu Xuan and others are also very grateful to Liu Bei for his favor.
*********
A week later, at Xiapi Junior High School, at Cao Bao’s house.
Looking at the 9.4 million yuan sent by Liu Feng from Tancheng, Cao Bao didn’t come back to his senses for a while.
Not to mention Cao Bao, Cao Qing, who had just arrived at the main hall, couldn't help but cover Yan Hong's little mouth.
The Cao family's father and daughter had previously thought that the frosting sugar and snow salt must be quite valuable, but they never expected that in just half a year, nearly ten million yuan would be sent to them.
"Father."
Cao Qing suddenly said: "What are you going to do with the money?"
Cao Qing's words woke up Cao Bao, and he realized that he had been in a daze for a long time. Even Cao Qing I don’t know when it came.
Cao Bao grinned and replied: "What should I do? This money is my son-in-law's filial piety. It is clean. What's the problem?"
"Oh, by the way. .”
Cao Bao seemed to have remembered something and slapped his forehead: "Qing'er, don't worry, half of this is your dowry, you can keep it."
"When you get married, for Father will give you extra."
As he spoke, Cao Bao couldn't help but lick his lips. He was so excited that his mouth went dry.
At this time, Cao Bao felt only ecstasy and happiness. Fortunately, he had chosen to trust the young master. Now he wants an official position, seniority and seniority, and backstage. Even money seems to be inexhaustible. .
Think about Cao Hong, who was particularly valued by Mr. Tao. He took bribes and embezzled state property. In the end, he only made a few million yuan of family property.
But he just made a decision, and now the young master has sent nearly tens of millions of wealth to his family.
That’s it, it’s still half a year’s dividend, and there will be another one in the second half of the year.
This made Cao Bao smile from ear to ear.
But Cao Qing's brows wrinkled inadvertently.
"Father, Qing'er has something to discuss with you."
Cao Bao opened the boxes one by one and looked at the five baht coins strung together inside. These treasures reflecting the dazzling light attracted most of his attention.
Finally, he still remembered that he had another treasure, so he used a small part of his mind to respond: "Huh? What's the matter?"
"Father, you can take out half of the money in front of you. Send it to the state capital."
Cao Qing's words made Cao Bao jump up.
"Qing'er, are you crazy? The young master gave this to me. Do you want me to hand it over to the state capital?"
Cao Bao looked at Cao Qing in disbelief: "Why is this?"
Cao Qing explained calmly: "Father, I only asked you to take out half of it and send it to the state capital, not all of it. "
Cao Bao said angrily: "Half of it is only five million yuan! Remember, my family's wealth is only this amount."
In fact, I have to thank Cao Hong for committing suicide. , without the one or two million assets allocated from Cao Hong, he would still not be able to raise five million.
Facing Cao Bao's anger, Cao Qing was not afraid at all. Instead, he reminded: "Father, have you forgotten the official document sent by the state government a few days ago?"
"What official document?"
Cao Bao was stunned for a moment, then realized: "You mean Zhang Biejia's Chonglian Theory?"
In a few days, Xiapi where Cao Bao was located The state received an official document from Tancheng, which was issued by Zhang Zhao and endorsed by Liu Bei.
It shows Xuzhou’s determination to fight corruption and promote integrity.
This is not a slogan that only comes from later generations. There were already similar slogans and programs as early as the Western Han Dynasty.
In Zhang Zhao's Theory of Integrity, he quoted Yang Fu, a famous anti-corruption fighter in the Eastern Han Dynasty, who said that counties and cities invaded fishing, lacked discipline, bribed people from above to below, and governance declined.
Therefore, Xuzhou officialdom must be rectified, those who are greedy will be punished, those who bribe will be warned, those who are incompetent will be demoted, and those who are talented will be promoted.
As the Prime Minister of Xiapi, Cao Bao naturally had to deliver this official document to him.
He somewhat understood what Cao Qing meant, and immediately explained: "Since my father took over as the Prime Minister of Xiapi, he has never received a bribe. Everything in the state is also handled by Chen Qian, the chief secretary. "Father, have you forgotten what happened in Tancheng?"
Cao Qing couldn't help but remind him: "Have you really forgotten what you did when Cao Hong died?"
Cao Bao suddenly woke up and found out that his daughter was talking about his affair with Xu Dan. Regarding the matter of Cao Hong's family property, he explained in a low voice: "Xu Dan and I also sent a generous gift to Duke Ming at that time. Duke Ming should know about this."
After hearing Cao Bao's explanation, Cao Qing reluctantly He couldn't help but reach out and press his fair and smooth forehead. His father was really an honest man.
"Father, Cao Hong's people's wealth is the property of the state capital. You and Xu Dan took most of it and then gave a small part to Duke Ming. Is it possible that he still wants to thank you?"
"This..."
When Cao Bao heard this, he felt that what his daughter said made sense.
According to logic, if Cao Hong is executed, his property will naturally be confiscated.
The reason why he and Xu Dan dared to divide Cao Hong's property privately was because they followed the rules of Tao Gong's time.
If Liu Bei does not recognize this rule and wants to punish them, then there seems to be no problem.
After thinking about this, Cao Bao grasped another important point: "Then... my father only allocated less than two million yuan. Giving away two million is enough, so why do we need five A million dollars.”
Cao Qing had to remind him again: "Father, don't you have anything else to do except Cao Hong?"
When Cao Qing asked this question, Cao Bao also felt guilty and sweat broke out on his forehead. Qiqi Ai Ai said: "Then, is it enough to send five million?"
Cao Qing said angrily: "Of course my daughter wants you to send them all to the state capital, but are you willing?"
< br>Cao Bao smiled awkwardly and said: "How can this mean that there is half of Qing'er's dowry inside after all."
Cao Qing sighed: "Father, if you want to give away, you must give away enough. Otherwise, it is better not to give it away. In Qing'er's opinion, the anti-corruption and bribery campaign in the state is obviously serious. Zhang Gong is a famous person in Xuzhou. He has a fiery nature and is strong-willed. He hates corrupt and incompetent people the most. The leader is responsible for this matter, and the public is secretly promoting it. I expect this matter will be successful.”
"My father is already worth two thousand dan. If I can take the initiative to hand over the stolen money at this time, I can rush to Tancheng in person to plead guilty."
"What!?"
As soon as Cao Qing asked him to surrender, Cao Bao's head immediately He shook it like a rattle: "No, no, this is not okay. Qing'er, you have already said that Ming Gong wants to fight corruption. If my father goes to plead guilty at this time, wouldn't he be on the edge of a knife?"
< br>Cao Qing hurriedly tried to persuade him: "Father, the crime of corruption can be big or small. Given your official position, you will only be dismissed from office in the end. If you don't go to Tancheng to plead guilty at this time, this will most likely be the result."
Cao Bao can't stand this anymore. He handed over all the military power in exchange for these two thousand stones. He's not even getting hot yet, so he's going to be dismissed from office?
Seeing that Cao Bao was anxious, Cao Qing took the opportunity to persuade him: "But if you take the initiative to go to Tancheng to plead guilty and hand over the stolen money. Even if it is for the sake of a thousand gold coins, Duke Ming will comfort you. In this way, the position of the country's prime minister will be enough Save it.”
Cao Bao has always trusted his daughter’s wisdom, and Cao Qing has never deceived him.
When Cao Qing said that he could keep his official position by asking for forgiveness, Cao Bao immediately believed him.
Seeing that Cao Bao was a little moved, Cao Qing added to his anger: "Besides, there will still be dividends from the young master in the second half of the year. By then, it will really be your father." But if my father is dismissed by Ming Gong due to corruption, it is hard to say whether the dividend will be paid."
Cao Qing was embarrassed to talk about the marriage directly. But Cao Bao could understand what she meant.
When he thought that the huge dividend of 20 million a year would disappear, Cao Bao immediately made up his mind: "Okay, as a father, I will go to Tancheng to plead guilty to Duke Ming. This time, I will take all the dividends with me!"
(End of this chapter)