Chapter 188 Cao Bao pleads guilty
A few days later, Liu Bei received news from Cao Bao, requesting to come to Tancheng and report important things to Uncle Fang.
Cao Bao is currently the Prime Minister of Xiapi State. According to the Han system, he cannot leave Xiapi State without reason and needs Liu Bei's permission.
After discussing with people around him, Liu Bei agreed to Cao Bao's request, considering Cao Bao's status and sincerity.
Unexpectedly, Cao Bao came with such great fanfare this time that there were more than a dozen cars carrying money alone.
Cao Bao entered the state capital in a big way, and Liu Bei greeted him in the main hall.
As soon as he saw Liu Bei, Cao Bao trotted up to him and then bowed down.
"I'm going down to Pi Guo Prime Minister Cao Bao to pay my respects to Duke Ming."
Cao Bao touched his forehead to the back of his hand and said in a sad tone: "Ming Gong, Bao came here to plead guilty to Duke Ming. "
Cao Bao's words really confused Liu Bei.
"Why did Wen Wei say this? Let's talk about it when we have something to do."
Cao Bao, also named Wen Wei, was still serving as the Prime Minister of Xiapi at this time, and also served as the Zhonglang General of Jianwei.
You can call him Cao Wenwei, Cao Xiapi, or Cao Jianwei.
It’s just that there are subtly different meanings between different titles.
Liu Bei was not qualified for official position at this time, but the word he called Cao Bao obviously meant to be close to him and to appease Cao Bao.
However, Cao Bao remained motionless and sobbed softly: "Ming Gong, Bao Bao is guilty. I am willing to be punished by Ming Gong as a warning to others in the future."
Liu Bei became more and more confused, but he also knew that Cao Bao was He has set up a model by himself, and it has made great contributions to him and Xuzhou.
Although Cao Bao did not support him in the first place, and there were also contributions and transactions from his own family, Cao Bao's own contribution cannot be erased.
And since then, Liu Bei has always held Cao Bao up high and set an example for other forces.
Cao Bao’s current status can be said to be above that of Chen Deng and Mi Zhu.
Chen Deng was only one-third of Langya's governor, and Mi Zhu was the prime minister of Pengcheng. Only Cao Bao is the Prime Minister of Xiapi State, and the Xiapi State under his rule has always been one of the strongest counties in Xuzhou.
No one can say that Liu Bei would burn the bridge when he crossed the river.
"Wen Wei, you and I are called monarchs and ministers, but we are actually relatives by marriage. Why is this so."
Liu Bei personally stepped forward to help him up, but saw Cao Bao burst into tears.
“Ming Gong doesn’t know something, Leopard has already sinned so deeply that he doesn’t dare to ask Ming Gong for favoritism. He only asks Ming Gong to take care of Bao’s family for him.”
Cao Bao's actions not only made Liu Bei's mind sink, but Zhang Zhao, Zhang Hong, Xun You, Guo Jia and others behind him also exchanged glances with each other.
Although these people have only arrived in the state capital not long ago, they have naturally become close to each other.
Zhang Zhao and Zhang Hong are both famous people in Xuzhou and have known each other for a long time. After meeting again, they naturally moved around frequently. Although Xun You and Guo Jia have opposite temperaments, they are both fellow villagers and old friends, so they naturally became good friends.
Liu Bei went through the recent major events in his mind and found that there was nothing serious. Even if Cao Bao rebelled, he could tolerate it.
After gaining confidence, Liu Bei grabbed Cao Bao and asked: "What did Wen Wei commit?"
Cao Bao, a strong man, burst into tears and said: "Bao used to embezzle Mo's military expenses, and also withheld Cao Hong's family property when Cao Hong ransacked his house. The day before yesterday, when the county received the letter of farewell, he realized that he had made a big mistake and had committed a serious crime. , I hereby load all the stolen money into the car and come to the state capital to plead guilty.”
“Bao Bao is extremely ignorant and only relied on the favor of Tao Gong and Ming Gong to do something wrong.”
Cao Bao sincerely apologized and said: "Bao's life is not worth mentioning, lest it tarnish the reputation of Ming Gong. I sincerely ask Ming Gong to deal with it impartially. Bao is willing to admit his guilt and serve as a warning to those who come after him."
Liu Bei and others were shocked by Cao Bao's words.
Guo Jia came to Xun You's side and whispered: "This man must have guidance from an expert."
Xun You nodded slightly. This was too obvious. It was just that Cao Bao used too much force. I don't know if it was the intention of the person who pointed it out or if he made his own decision.
From Xun You's point of view, he believed it was the latter. After all, someone who could guide Cao Bao to surrender would not be allowed to act so exaggeratedly.
Don’t even think about it, if Liu Bei takes the opportunity to turn against you and really capture you, the drama you perform now will be the dust on your future grave.
Zhang Zhao took a step forward and said to Liu Bei: "Ming Gong, it is rare for Prime Minister Xiapi to be so open-minded. With Zhao's intention, he can remove Xiapi from his post as Prime Minister and confiscate the corrupt wealth. , Let him go home and think about his mistakes behind closed doors. "
When Cao Bao heard this, he suddenly became anxious and cursed in his heart.
Where did the old dog come from to be so vicious?
Ming Gong, you must not listen to him.
Fortunately, Liu Bei slowly shook his head and explained to Zhang Zhao: "Mr. Zhang did not know that Wen Wei had made great contributions to our Xuzhou. Before Cao Cao invaded our state, Wen Wei was bloody on the battlefield and refused to retreat until he died. , This prevented Tancheng from falling to the enemy. Later, he took the initiative to help the state rectify the county troops and improve the military system. If he is greedy for money, why is he so selfless? He must be deceived and deceived."
As soon as Liu Bei said these words, Cao Bao's heart finally fell to the ground. Sure enough, just like Qing'er said, Ming Gong has me in his heart.
However, after being frightened by Zhang Zhao, Cao Bao did not dare to act again. He thanked Liu Bei honestly and said that he had brought all the illegal income of nearly ten million to the state capital this time. , intending to hand it over to the state capital together.
In fact, Zhang Zhao is not a fool. He has a strong character, but he is not stupid. When he stood up just now, he couldn't stand that Cao Bao used too much force and looked like a clown.
With the wisdom of Zhang Zhao and Zhang Hong, we can naturally see the position and role of Cao Bao.
If you insist on forcing Liu Bei to deal with Cao Bao, then Liu Bei will doubt what you, Zhang Zhaoan, are thinking.
Seeing that Cao Bao became more honest, Zhang Zhao did not pursue him fiercely.
What's more, with just one line of writing, he frightened a state minister and a lieutenant general into trembling with fear and took the initiative to confess and plead guilty. This greatly improved Zhang Zhao's prestige in Xuzhou, so why wouldn't he do it.
Even Zhang Hong is the same beneficiary. As a Zhizhong, he is obviously Zhang Zhao's first deputy, so he will naturally benefit from this matter.
Finally, at Cao Bao's plea and to warn other bribe takers, the 10 million yuan brought by Cao Bao was transferred to the state capital. Cao Bao surrendered and returned the stolen money, and was fined half a year's salary personally. As a warning.
At the same time, the state government also issued a new announcement, taking the Cao Bao incident as an example, giving officials across the state a time to surrender.
Anyone who surrenders within fifteen days from the receipt of the official document will be given a lighter punishment, and those who will receive a full refund of the stolen money will be treated as Cao Bao.
It was night, Liu Bei held a banquet for all the ministers in the state capital, and at the same time to appease Cao Bao, the latter also expressed his gratitude and regret.
Suddenly, Xuzhou's determination to fight corruption spread throughout Xuzhou, even to surrounding counties and counties.
At this time, Liu Feng had brought a large number of key members of his direct lineage to Qu County.
This time, Liu Feng brought more than two thousand people.
Originally Liu Feng planned to transfer Xu Sheng and Pan Zhang, but then he thought about it. Qu County is near the sea, and the role of the navy is much greater than that of the army.
So, Liu Feng finally mobilized Pan Zhang's 500 soldiers, plus 50 cavalry from Tai Shici's personal commander, as well as 1,000 naval troops from Zhou Tai and Jiang Qin, and 5 from Gan Ning. Baibuqu, and more than 800 personal followers Dong Xi collected from his hometown.
They can start from Jiangdu, go directly upstream, and swim along the Huai River to Qu County, which is very convenient and fast.
These transfers and the entire action plan were approved by Liu Bei. Liu Feng did not dare to hide such a big thing from Liu Bei.
In addition, Liu Feng also brought Mi Zhu, Zhuge brothers, Chen Wan, Chen Ying brothers, Xu Xuan, Chen Jiao, and a group of military officials headed by Tai Shi Ci.
Guangling was all guarded by Zhao Yun and Xu Sheng.
After the secret deployment was completed, Liu Feng led everyone to Quxian with great fanfare, and at the same time delivered an official document to Quxian Magistrate Liu Gong.
Liu Gong was the nephew of Langya King Liu Rong, and he became the magistrate of Qu County because of Liu Rong's recommendation.
Liu Rong was on good terms with Cao Song. When Cao Cao raised troops in Chenliu, Cao Song did not dare to follow him, so he took his youngest son Cao De to Xuzhou to seek refuge with Langya King Liu Rong.
It was precisely because of Liu Rong's protection that Cao Song spent several years safely in Langya.
Even if Tao Qian was defeated miserably for Cao Cao in the future and wanted to arrest Cao Song to vent his hatred, Liu Rong resolutely blocked him.
Tao Qian claimed to be a loyal minister of the Han Dynasty and had nothing to do with Liu Rong.
As luck would have it, Cao Song got scared at this time and couldn't wait to go to Dongjun to defect to Cao Cao. Tao Qian found the opportunity and intercepted him on the way.
Although there are many doubts about this matter, there are also various theories.
But most of the evidence and historical records tend to be killed by Tao Qian. This is actually because Tao Qian's character and pattern were like this.
The Book of Wu records that Tao Qian sent Zhang Kai to escort him, and the latter, seeing his wealth, intercepted and killed Cao Song. The location was the two mountain valleys in the north of Langya, between Feiguo County and Hua County. location.
But a few months ago, Tao Qian wanted to arrest Cao Song to vent his resentment. Only a few months later, he sent someone to escort him. This change was so fast. Regardless of the fact that the princes and kings of the late Han Dynasty did not seem to have left any great reputations, they were not even as good as Liu Yan, Liu Yu and other clan members.
But in fact, the energy of these princes and kings in various places is not weak, and they have recommended many disciples and former officials as local officials.
There are only five counties in Xuzhou, among which Langya, Donghai, Pengcheng and Xiapi have princes and kings, and each one is bigger than the last.
The King of Donghai is the eldest son of Emperor Guangwu and the first prince of the Eastern Han Dynasty. He gave up the throne to Emperor Ming of the Han Dynasty.
King Langya, King Pengcheng and King Xiapi were all vassals of the sons of Emperor Ming of the Han Dynasty, and they were all serious princes.
King Xiapi was expelled from the country because he had no heir in the third year of Zhongping (186 AD).
But the other three kings are all alive, and they are all close to Cao Cao.
Let’s not talk about King Langya. His relationship with Cao Song is a mess. Otherwise, Cao Song would not have come to Langya to defect to Liu Rong, and Liu Rong would not have resisted Tao Qian’s pressure to protect Cao Song. Song.
In the future, Liu Rong's younger brother Liu Miao even praised Cao Cao fiercely in front of Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty, praising Cao Cao for being loyal to the Han Dynasty, governing the world for Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty, and conquering disloyal ministers. Cao Cao was very happy with this praise. Not only did he worship Liu Miao as the governor of Jiujiang, he was also granted the title of Marquis of Yangdu.
King Pengcheng was also a pro-Cao faction. When Que Xuan rebelled in Xiapi State, King Pengcheng Liu He quickly ran to Dong'a County, Dongjun, to take refuge. This was one of Cao Cao's base camps.
The last King of East China Sea, Liu Zhi, had great power in East China Sea and was always feared by Tao Qian.
The person standing behind Liu Gong is probably not Liu Rong alone, there may even be Liu Zhi standing at the same time.
However, Liu Feng didn't care. Each of these crowned kings counts. To be honest, for the sake of their surname, Liu Feng will continue to support him.
If they are really ignorant, they can be dealt with together, and the crime is Tongcao.
Liu Feng prepared for the worst and led a group of people to station in Qu County.
Liu Gong's side was also full of people, and the loudest among them was undoubtedly Wang Yu, the legitimate son of the Wang family who had a relationship with Liu Feng.
"County Lord, this is chaos in the state capital!"
Everyone in the hall was talking about it, but Wang Yu was the first to jump up and shouted at Liu Gong: " The county king should tell the state government about the importance of the salt industry. The person who issued this ridiculous decree must have a sneaky intention and want to destroy our Xuzhou foundation."
The reason why Wang Yu is so excited. , and even dared to slander the state capital, it was actually because of the latest decree from the state capital that seriously shook the foundation of the Wang family.
It turns out that a few days ago, a decree suddenly came from the state capital, ordering that after seven days, it is strictly forbidden to cut down trees on a large scale at will, and at the same time, it strengthens the management of coastal salt boiling, and sends state envoys to re-establish it in Qu County. It is under the management of the salt official, no approval is allowed, and cooking is strictly prohibited.
As salt tycoons, the Wang family and the Gan family, this is a life-threatening decree.
Trees are not allowed to be cut down, what do they use to boil the salt?
Not to mention that the state government also banned boiling salt in disguise.
This made Wang Yu very angry. With huge interests and anger, he actually fired directly at the state capital.
Liu Gong's heart skipped a beat. Although he had the support of the princes and kings, he was not from his own clan after all, and he was not very courageous.
Hearing Wang Yu's direct attack on the state capital, he became frightened at first.
But before he could open his mouth to persuade Wang Yu not to be so ignorant, another voice rang out.
“What Zu Yao said is very true!”
A middle-aged scholar beside Wang Yu stood up and agreed. This man was Gan Zhen, the patriarch of the Gan family, the leader of the powerful gentry in Quxian County.
Wang Yu, whose courtesy name is Zuyao, is a generation younger than Gan Zhen. The two families have been married to each other for many years, which can be regarded as a prosperous relationship.
After Gan Zhen stood up, he raised his hands towards Liu Gong: "County Lord, you must disobey the order of the state government."
"Disobey!?"
Liu Gong heard this , and suddenly became more panicked: "How can this happen?"
Gan Zhen snorted coldly and said: "County Lord, the salt industry in Qu County is the source of salty taste for the people of Xuzhou. Even Even the remaining three states of Yu, Jing, and Yan have to sell their own goods. But now the state government wants us to stop cooking salt. If so, where does the salty food in the people's mouth come from? ?"
Liu Gong wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and explained: "Gan Jun, the state government has also explained that the state has enough inventory to turn around for several months. Besides, it is not asking you to suspend business. I ask you to truthfully report the quantity and quality of each company's production. As long as the report is complete and passes the review, you can start business according to the number. ”
"Absolutely ridiculous."
Another man stood up. This man was tall and tall, and he was a warrior.
“I, Zheng Wang, have been in Xuzhou for so many years, and this is the first time I heard that there are such rules. How to report how much salt is boiled? It’s a hot day today, a strong wind tomorrow, and a drizzle the day after. The weather is different in the day, how can we report it? Everything in the state must be reported. Is it possible that we will have to apply to the county to cut firewood? "
Zheng Wang is also a powerful person in Qu County. It's just that unlike the Gan family and Wang family, the Zheng family has been completely strengthened. It is even said that they have contacts with pirates. There are even rumors that the Zheng family has long been cooperating with pirates.
Liu Gong felt like his head was about to explode.
When he just received the order from the state capital, he knew something was going to happen.
But Liu Gong still underestimated the temper and courage of these powerful nobles. He originally thought he could appease them and come up with a delaying strategy.
Only after we actually negotiated did we realize that this group of people had already given themselves, the county magistrate, face by not rebelling on the spot.
Liu Gong can also understand the other party's fierce reaction.
The salt industry is really making too much money.
Otherwise, why did the imperial court try to nationalize Yanyan several times, but never succeeded?
And as an insider, Liu Gong knew very well that there were many people standing behind the Gan family, the Wang family, and the Zheng family, including Liu Gong's backstage princes and kings.
The huge profits of the salt industry belong not only to these families, but the people behind them are the ones who share the most.
It is precisely for this reason that the attitudes of the Gan family, Wang family, and Zheng family are so arrogant, and they even dare to directly denounce the state government's decree as chaos.
Although some other Yanhao families were not as arrogant and domineering as Gan, Wang, and Zheng, they could not accept the decree. They either begged, begged for mercy, or resented Liu Gong in various attitudes. Apply pressure.
The meeting that Liu Gong wanted to appease the salt tycoons turned into a boycott meeting by the salt tycoons, which Liu Gong regretted.
In the end, under the pressure of the Gan family, Wang family, Zheng family and other salt tycoons, Liu Gong was forced to agree to explain to the state government and request the state government to revoke the order.
Before the state government responds, the salt tycoons in Qu County are not affected by this state order and can continue to cook salt.
This is summer, the peak season for salt production, and salt tycoons are reluctant to waste even one day.
As for the state capital, they believe that the people behind the scenes will successfully convince Liu Shijun.
"Uncle, why didn't I see anyone from the Mi family this time?"
When leaving the county government, Wang Yu and Gan Zhen walked together.
After hearing Wang Yu's words, Gan Zhen snorted coldly: "The Mi family has embraced the envoy's lap now, and they no longer recognize their former family friends. Did Mi Zifang see you when he left? ?"
"No."
Wang Yu shook his head honestly, with a look of jealousy in his eyes: "Mi Zifang is very proud now. I heard that he was worshiped by Liu Shijun. For the sake of the Prime Minister of Langya, that is the position of a county prince with two thousand stones.”
Gan Zhen nodded with an ugly face: "You are a villain. After all, merchants are merchants. Once they become powerful, they ignore the friendship accumulated over generations."
Wang Yu didn't understand: "Uncle, what are you talking about? "What do you mean?"
Gan Zhen sneered: "I sent someone to see the Mi family the day before yesterday, but the other party turned away and said he was not feeling well. He really made us all fools. . The Mi family is obviously no longer friends. Remember to tell your father this news when you go back."
Wang Yu was shocked when he heard this and couldn't believe it: "Uncle, you mean that the Mi family is completely different. Are you on Liu Xuande's boat?"
Gan Zhen nodded with an ugly expression: "I don't know where that old man Mi Zeng got his confidence. Isn't he afraid of losing the bet?"
For families like Gan, Wang, and Mi, the rule of survival is not to bet all.
When Tao Qian was here, Mi Zhu also supported a lot of money. After Liu Bei came, Mi Zhu could also support him with money and food.
But this is completely different from completely boarding the ship.
For the former, after Tao Qian's defeat, the Mi family was still the most powerful in Qu County.
But if Liu Bei loses power now, the Mi family will face the siege of Gan, Wang, Zheng and other small families. If there is no other turning point, the Mi family's final fate will only be torn to pieces and completely devoured by them.
(End of this chapter)