The Sixteen Kingdoms of the Eastern Jin Dynasty: The Competition in the Central Plains

Duan Pixi was not afraid at all. He was wearing the imperial uniform of the former dynasty and holding the scepter of the former dynasty in his hand. He was led out by several soldiers. Shi Hu said to Shao Xu again:"Master Shao Xu, it's not that I want to kill you, it's that you are restless and ready to take action. After you loyal ministers of the Jin Dynasty die, Sima Rui will definitely give rewards and gifts to your descendants!"

"Someone come! Pull Shao Xu, Shao Ji, and Shao Zhu out and behead them directly!"Shi Hu shouted again. Shao Xu hugged Shao Ji and Shao Zhu tightly to his chest and asked:"Ji'er, Zhu'er, you have followed me for more than ten years and you are about to leave this world. You two are afraid. ?"

"Don't be afraid, father! Shao Ji said firmly. Shao Zhu then said,"Uncle, I'm not afraid of anything." I have no regrets about being able to accompany my uncle and serve our country faithfully!"

A few soldiers came up and wanted to pull Shao Xu and others out. Shao Xu shouted:"I miss you, Shao Xu. I fought alone in Yanci County and Fuping City, and was finally captured. I am very satisfied to have achieved this result today. It is my final honor to be able to die wearing the imperial uniform of the Jin Dynasty!"

After Shao Xu finished speaking, the soldiers took the three people away.

Duan Wenyang was the only one left in the dungeon. Shi Hu patted Duan Wenyang's strong shoulder and said,"Brother, our brother Duan left first. I'll let you have more time." Lived for a while. You are the first warrior of Xianbei. After you die, not only the people of the Central Plains will remember you, but the people of Xianbei will also miss you. In order to alleviate your pain, I have prepared fine wine and food for you."

After Shi Hu finished speaking, he ordered someone to untie Duan Wenyang. Two soldiers carried the food box and placed four dishes and a bottle of wine on the dungeon table. Duan Wenyang sighed and said:"Miss me Duan Wenyang, Xianbei The unrivaled warrior leads the Xianbei cavalry across the northern land, how majestic it is! How unwilling I am to leave this world now!"

After Duan Wenyang finished speaking, tears fell like rain. Shi Hu said to Duan Wenyang:"Brother, let's go on the road!"

After Shi Hu finished speaking, he led a few soldiers out, and then closed the door of the dungeon.

Duan Wenyang sighed, took the poisonous wine and drank it in one gulp.

A few days later, Shao Xu, Duan Pixi and others were killed by Shi Hu The news of his death reached Jiankang. Sima Rui in the court was helpless, and the civil and military ministers were also in tears.

"Dear dear friends, I am heartbroken that Shao Xu, Duan Pixi, Duan Wenyang and others died unexpectedly. Shao Xu was loyal to the public, sincere and generous, and he was worried about the country's death. The meritorious service was not successful, but unfortunately I was trapped. I regret it with my heart."Sima Rui said

"Your Majesty, Shao Xu's eldest son, Shao Yi, was killed by Shi Le several years ago. Now Shao Xu is in trouble, and his other son Shao Ji and nephew Shao Zhu are also in trouble. In addition, Shao Cun, another son of brother Shao Xu, was robbed and killed by thieves on his way to Jiankang after escaping from Fuping. The Shao family can be called a loyal family. Please ask Your Majesty to rename Fuping City, the seat of Yanci County, to Shao City, and build an ancestral hall for Shao Xu to facilitate future generations' commemoration."Director Wang said.

Hearing this, Sima Rui shed a few tears. Sima Rui nodded with tears in his eyes first, and then said:"What Mr. Wang said is true, I am very relieved, and it is accurate."

There was silence in the court. The eyes of the civil and military ministers were red and swollen with tears. Sima Rui said:"Zu Ti, Shao Xu, Duan Pizhen and others left me one by one. Tomorrow morning, all my dear friends will accompany me to the southern suburbs to pay homage to our ancestors. Ti, Shao Xu, Duan Pizhen and others"

"I obey the decree! I am willing to go!"The civil and military ministers said in unison.

Shi Le was discussing with the ministers in the Jiande Hall when Shi Hu came in. Shi Hu bowed his hands and saluted and said:"The King of Zhao is a thousand years old, and I have put the rebels Shao Xu, Duan Pixi and others to justice.!"

"Ah, you killed all these people? Gu also plans to let Shao Xu, Duan Pixi, Duan Wenyang and others win over the hearts and minds of the people in Youzhou, Jizhou and Jizhou for Gu!"Shi Le said with some surprise. Shi Hu smiled slightly and said:"If they sincerely serve our country, Great Zhao, they would have taken off their Jin Dynasty uniforms and cared about our country from the bottom of their hearts. If they are allowed to collude with the Xianbei Duan tribe and other tribes to cause rebellion, it will be too late to regret it!"

"Just kill! Anyway, I can handle them. Although Gu has sealed their official positions, it is impossible for them to make plans for Gu, let alone charge into battle. It would be even more dangerous if they were allowed to go to the states and counties where they were officials to win over people's hearts. Shi Le said

"A capable person who cannot be used by me may well be our enemy."Shi Hu said. Zhang Bin said:"King Zhao is a thousand years old. Zu Ti has been very effective in governing Yuzhou in the past few years. In addition to some other reasons, we and Zu Ti have actually formed a boundary with the Yellow River. Zu Ti was unable to attack north of the Yellow River, and we were unwilling to take the risk of a decisive battle with Zu Ti and attack Yuzhou. It would be beneficial to both of us to live in peace and harmony. It's different now. Zu Ti has passed away, and Zu Yue, who succeeded Zu Ti, is very different from Zu Ti in terms of his courage in commanding the soldiers and his ability to govern Yuzhou. I propose to attack Yuzhou and expand the territory of Zhao State."

"What Youhou said coincides with Gu Gu!"Shi Le laughed and said. Shi Hu said with a smile:"Now we should go south to capture Yuzhou where our ancestors made a promise, and then Xu Gong in Mount Tai and Cao Yi in Qingzhou. After he becomes stronger, he will have a showdown with Liu Yao!"

"Ji Long, you have been actively preparing to attack Yuzhou these days. Regarding grain, armor, weapons, and baggage, we discussed with Youhou and others. Shi Le said. Shi Hu said:"Please rest assured, King Zhao Qiansui, this time we must work hard to completely wipe out Yuzhou!" Shi

Le suddenly remembered something and said to Zhang Bin:"Youhou, when Zu Ti was alive, he summoned the squires and celebrities from some counties in Yuzhou several times to have banquets at Yongqiu where he was guarding. These elders are very grateful to Zu Ti. Is this true?"

"Back to King Zhao, this is what happened. This method is very effective and can shorten the distance with local people. It is a good way to win people's hearts."Zhang Bin said

"Gu Ye planned to follow Zu Ti's example and summon the respected elders from his hometown of Wuxiang County to Xiang State. How about having a feast with Gu and other ministers?"Shi Le asked Zhang Bin for his opinion. Zhang Bin said:"I completely agree with King Zhao's idea!"

"Then please ask Youhou to send someone to Wuxiang County to contact these elders in advance." Shi Le said. Zhang Bin said:"I will send someone to Wuxiang County tomorrow to determine the date of the banquet."

"Okay, that’s it! Shi Le said happily.

A few days later, Zhang Bin came to Shi Le's study. Zhang Bin first saluted Shi Le, and Shi Le said:"Youhou is the person I value most. From now on, there is no need to salute except in the court.""

"Thank you, King Zhao, for your thoughtfulness!"Zhang Bin said. Shi Le motioned to Zhang Bin to sit down. A maid came in, poured tea, and went out. Shi Le asked,"Has the matter in Wuxiang County been settled?"