Three Kingdoms

"Is Ji Gui here?" 』

Cao Cao frowned.

Cao Cao was not surprised that Cui Yan could find Cao Cao.

These days, the energy of the gentry children cannot be underestimated, not to mention that wherever Cao Cao goes, he is escorted by a large group of soldiers. It is impossible to leave no trace at all.

"Come here alone?" 』

Cao Cao asked again.

The subordinates said yes.

Cao Cao hummed, and after roving his eyes for a few times, he gave an invitation, and immediately pulled his robe loosely, pretending that he had just woken up and came out before he could fully dress up, and hung it up. With a smile on his face, he hurriedly drove away. When he saw Cui Yan's figure, he burst into laughter, "Aha!" Being warmed up in winter, I don’t know how many years have passed! Ji Gui came, but couldn't welcome him from far away! Hahaha……"

Cui Yan hurriedly stepped forward and said hello.

Before Cui Yan could bow to the ground, Cao Cao stretched out his hand and held him tightly, "Ji Gui, there is no need to be polite. Although there is a difference in position between you and me, we are like brothers. This is not the place of the court, so why use this false courtesy?" Meet? Come on, come on, it's cold outside and the tent is shabby, but you can still warm yourself up, please, please! 』

Cui Yan took a breath.

What Cao Cao said is really...

"In this case, Prime Minister, please forgive me for being rude. Instead of being respectful, it is better to obey my orders." Cui Yan said in a steady tone.

Cao Cao squinted his eyes, moved his eyebrows, laughed, and then invited Cui Yan to the tent, where the guests and hosts sat down.

The tent is not big.

Strictly speaking, this is not the prime minister's large military tent, nor is it the kind of large tent in the military that can accommodate dozens of people for discussion and place tables, but an ordinary small tent that comes with him.

The tent is divided into two areas, the inside and outside, by a screen. Behind the screen is naturally the sleeping area, and outside the screen is a table for entertaining guests.

Whether it is a tent, a screen, or a table for entertaining guests, they are all of extremely ordinary style. They are not consistent with the prime minister's status, and can even be said to be extremely crude.

As soon as Cui Yan's eyes fell, he said: "Russian folklore says that the prime minister is extravagant and that all he uses is either gold or silver. But now that I have seen it, it is all lies." The Lord occupies the position of Prime Minister and is unparalleled in wealth and honor, but the things he uses are all as usual! You can be a model of integrity for the world! 』

Cao Cao laughed hahaha, "There are tens of millions of delicious food, but how much can you eat?" There are thousands of houses, but how many can you live in? Seven feet is enough for a sleeping couch, so what's the use of more? 』

"I admire the Prime Minister's noble character and integrity. ” Cui Yan bowed his hands.

The two people seemed to be talking nonsense, but in fact they were not talking nonsense.

Cao Cao needs to manage officials, so can he take the lead in wearing a mink coat, hanging a jade pendant worth tens of millions of dollars around his waist, and living in a tent painted with gold and silver?

Obviously not.

Cao Cao also used this method to warn other officials, including Cui Yan, that people should not be too greedy.

But at the same time, Cui Yanneng said that Cao Cao, you are being too pretentious, so stop pretending. Do you think that just because you live in a tent like this, it means that the Tongque Terrace you built in Yecheng was all made of cheap stuff?

Obviously it can't.

Cui Yan could only do it himself, saying that Cao Cao was a good and honest comrade and a good example.

So we all are good friends, unless we tell the truth.

Having said that, it was not easy for Cao Cao to do this.

There were not a few people in the Han Dynasty who could eat, drink, and think about nothing, and did nothing as long as they felt happy.

"I heard that my lord governs the officials and makes them honest. This is a policy that benefits the country. Although Yan is not talented, he still knows how to travel around the fields and write down the warnings. Lu Yin watches the fish and ridicules the principles of the Spring and Autumn Period." If you only seek to enjoy the luxury of wandering around, then the sound of righteousness will not be heard, and even if there are strong men like bears, they will fall into the trap of being devoured. Therefore, if you have millions in vain, there will be no room for them. Nowadays, the country is exhausted, the welfare and health are not harmonious, the scholars and women are on their heels, and those who think about virtue are virtuous. "My lord is a man who controls the army, he is diligent, frugal and simple, and he follows his subordinates at all levels," Cui Yan said slowly, "Now there are some low-ranking officials who are not aware of their loyalty, and they run into danger without caring about the country. They are violating the will of the emperor and harming the people." The lord punished you out of concern for the country and the people, so it was actually a well-intentioned act. With the Lord like this, the world is very lucky and the people are very lucky. 』

Cao Cao laughed loudly, "Ji Gui still understands me!" 』

The two looked at each other and smiled for a moment, but Cao Cao said: "Since ancient times, there has never been a virtuous and gentleman who can rule the world with the emperor who has been appointed to Zhongxing!" Even if he has found a wise man, he has never left the alley. How lucky is he to meet him? Those above me don’t ask for an ear. Today's world has not yet been decided, and this is the time when we are in urgent need of talents. There are many talented people in Jizhou, is there anyone Ji Gui can recommend? 』

Cui Yan nodded and said, "Since my lord has what you need, I will do whatever you want." It's just that this honest man often hides in the countryside. He can't be forced to come, for fear of doing the opposite. He will wait until Yan comes to invite him personally and then report to the lord. 』

Cao Cao squinted his eyes, stroked his beard, and nodded, "In this case, I will just wait for Ji Gui's good news!" 』

The two laughed and chatted, and the atmosphere was extremely harmonious.

"Ji, Daye, is the king of the four directions, so it is called Zhongtu." Jizhou is the middle state in the world. Since the Tang, Yu and Xia and Yin Dynasties, Jizhou has been the permanent residence of the emperor. ” Cao Cao said slowly, “Since Ji Gui is a famous scholar in Jizhou and grew up here, he should give it to the countryside. This kind of land is peaceful and the army is strong, and heroes can benefit from it. The gain or loss of Hebei is related to the rise and fall of the country. This is the collision between the north and the south, the battlefield of armies and horses, and a critical place. There is also the meaning that when there is chaos, there is hope for governance; when there is weakness, there is hope for strength; when there is desolation, there is hope for prosperity. It is the hope of the world and the hope of the people. Is it possible for Ji Gui to do this? 』

Cui Yan understood what Cao Cao meant and bowed deeply.

Cao Cao smiled and stepped forward to help.

The two looked at each other and smiled.

Soon after, Cao Cao sent an order from the Prime Minister, saying that Cui Yan "has the style of Boyi, the uprightness of history, greedy men admire the reputation, and is clear, and the strong man is famous and powerful. This is the one who can lead the times." Then he worshiped Cui Yan as the Prime Minister's Mansion East. Cao, immediately resigned from his post.

……ヾ(^▽^ヾ)……

Generally speaking, in some dramas of later generations, restaurants and the like must be a must-have place for home travel. Watching the protagonist go to a restaurant with nothing to do, and then some kind of villain will inevitably appear, and there will even be a lady dressed as a woman, either a hero saving the beauty, or some noble talk will be heard by some high-ranking person in the elegant room, and then There are people who are crying and shouting to prostrate themselves under the protagonist's crotch. From then on, the situation is changing and the world is restless.

In fact, this is very unrealistic...

Even in later generations, even if it is a restaurant that ordinary people can enter and exit at will, there must be some places that they cannot go to whenever they want, not to mention some villa clubs whose names may not even be revealed to ordinary people, let alone without invitations. Han didn't even know which way to open the door.

The same was true in the Han Dynasty.

Generally speaking, cultural gatherings and the like will not be held in restaurants, especially "literary gatherings" where something is to be discussed. We hope to have a relatively safe place, and how can we go there where there are so many people coming and going? A controlled restaurant, and the walls have ears so that others can hear?

Therefore, even though there are many restaurants and bars in Xu County, those who have some status in Yingchuan will still choose their own manor if they want to take advantage of the cultural conference.

After all, if you are a family with a little bit of background, the furnishings and food in your own manor will not be any worse than those in restaurants outside.

The main restaurant is not spacious, and there are many people coming and going. The serving ladies and the serving girls are not as satisfactory as those who have been trained in the family for many years. Not to mention how many rare ingredients these restaurants may not be able to prepare.

Unless there is some special purpose, or if it doesn't matter who is participating, they will choose a restaurant to hide from the eyes of others, or they will gather privately under the cover of the crowd.

In the vicinity of Xu County and in Yingchuan, these Yingchuan nobles naturally do not need to do such unnecessary actions. Anyway, they will hold some literary gatherings from time to time, regardless of spring, autumn, winter and summer, as long as they have some reputation.

Just like this cultural gathering held in Chen's manor.

Although the Wenhui banquet was held in a manor and the weather was cold, thick curtains were opened all around, and although it was difficult to install a dragon hot pot outside the house, there were still large and small charcoal stoves around. There is an unlimited supply of replacement hand-warming incense burners, which can make winter gatherings as warm as spring.

Not to mention that the maids and servants waiting on the side are very discerning. Whether it is changing and adding wine and food, or taking care of adding silver charcoal, it is a technical job. Take the charcoal fire as an example. If you don't know how to light it, you may not only fail to light it, but also produce a lot of smoke. If it is normal, that's fine. But now if you smoke the distinguished guests, wouldn't you lose the host's face?

The curtain is usually surrounded on three sides, with one side open, and the open side faces a pond in the back garden. Although the pond is not very big, it has been decorated with great care by skilled craftsmen. The surrounding pavilions and trees , all are ingenious and unique, and can be used as scenery. It's cold now and the water is slightly frost-covered. Although spring is beautiful, the snow and frost in autumn and winter also create a strange scene on the eaves of trees.

Since the curtain is open, some wind will inevitably come in, so during the banquet, more maids will be arranged around some special guests to use gorgeous feather fans to protect the guests from the wind. When the wind direction changes slightly, these maids will obediently turn the feather caps in their hands at an angle without anyone having to say a word to remind them. The feather cover was very heavy, but the two timid maids could only hold it on from beginning to end, and they had to wear a delicate and gentle smile on their faces at all times. If they yawned and showed any impatience, they were afraid that If not, he would be dragged down and beaten to death.

Coupled with the rare and exquisite ingredients and the gold and silver tableware at the banquet, I really don’t know how much money it will cost to organize this so-called ordinary cultural gathering banquet!

Chen Qun was in Yecheng, and of course it was impossible for the Chen family to say that Chen Qun was away, thus cutting off all the friendships.

Chen Guang sat in the main seat. As Chen Qun's uncle, he naturally took on the responsibility of greeting the guests and connecting with them emotionally. Although Chen Guang looked a little older, his body was still strong and tall. Perhaps it was because he was hot from drinking, but he just sat wrapped in a light fur coat. He raised his glass and gestured around, "I live on a humble mat, with coarse tea and light wine. I hope you won’t blame me for the poor reception! 』

Everyone at the table was smiling and toasting together.

After a sip of victory, even the shallower one took a big sip before putting down the cup.

Naturally, a maid came over silently, took away the remaining wine and poured it out. A new wine baron was presented, and then new warm wine was poured.

When drinking wine in winter, it is natural to drink it warm. If everyone at the table talks for a little longer and forgets to drink, these maids will quietly remove the cold wine, and then pour a glass of warm wine again. From the beginning to the end, they will keep the wine in their hands while the distinguished guests raise their glasses. Still warm, suitable for entry.

I don’t know how many generations it will take to build up the atmosphere of an aristocratic family!

If you are really simple and honest, how can you maintain such a face? !

After three rounds of drinking, everyone praised each other, saying that today's banquet was indeed extraordinary and that the Chen family was respectful and virtuous...

Chen Guang's eyes seemed to be closed, and he slightly stroked his long beard. He listened to the flattery around him, neither agreeing nor refuting. After everyone paused for a while, he slowly said: "What you said, there are some It's quite a bit too much... In Yingchuan, the Xun family is still the leader... The Chen family's strengths are just four words: "loyalty, diligence and uprightness", and there is nothing else to talk about... 』

Although Chen Guang said that the Chen family was inferior to the Xun family, he implicitly placed the Chen family in the second position to the Xun family. Chen Guang said it with confidence, and everyone took it for granted.

There were originally several families in Yingchuan, but now only the Xun family and the Chen family can be said to be prosperous. The rest, such as the Guo family and the Xin family, are somewhat inferior to the Xun family and the Chen family. Mr. Chen said that he was the second child in Yingchuan, but there was really no one to compete with him.

While singing and laughing, a servant came in a hurry. He first found the steward and cooed in the steward's ear for a while. Then the steward's eyes wandered for a few times, then he was silent for a while, waved his hand to drive away the servant, and then looked around. Look, a plate of dishes was picked up from the maid on the side and delivered to Chen Guang's table in person.

Chen Guang's eyes moved slightly.

This kind of thing doesn't need to be done by a steward.

Chen Guang laughed and drank a glass of wine as if nothing had happened. Then he stood up, nodded slightly to both sides, as if he had drunk too much and was going to change clothes. After slowly walking to the side, he faced the people already waiting at the side. The steward said: "What's the matter?" 』

The steward approached Chen Guang and muttered again.

As the steward narrated, Chen Guang's eyebrows raised higher and higher...

Chen Guang grabbed the silk handkerchief in the hand of the maid beside him, wiped the oil on his mouth, and used it to hide his expression, and then whispered: "Go and invite Xun Langjun, Xin Langjun..."

Xun Langjun is naturally not Xun Yu.

Xun Chang's son, Xun Chang.

Xin Langjun is also a member of the Xin clan, named Xin Man.

These two people are just like Chen Guang. They may not be the ones in charge, but they can more or less have contact with the outside world and then handle some affairs within their respective clans on their behalf.

Not long after, both of them arrived, and when they saw Chen Guang's expression, they couldn't help but be slightly startled.

Chen Guang asked the two of them to sit down, and then did not go around in circles, because as long as the two of them left the Chen Manor, they would naturally receive this news, "Prime Minister... The Prime Minister issued an edict to move Cui Jigui to the east post of the Prime Minister's Mansion!" 』

"What? ! ” Both Xun and Xin were shocked.

Cui Yan was the governor of the county before, with a salary of two thousand shi. Now he has moved to Dongcao, the Prime Minister's Palace, and his salary has even dropped, becoming a thousand shi, but the power of his position is completely different. Originally, Cui Yan's county governor was just an unrighteous county in Yanzhou, neither up nor down. Just like Cui Yan, the county governor, there were at least a dozen people called envoys, and Dong Cao of the Prime Minister's Mansion was just one of them. Such a one!

Dongcao of the Prime Minister's Mansion is in charge of "removing two thousand stone chief officials and military officials"!

That's right, even though Cui Yan's salary has dropped, he has become the "father" of an ordinary county governor!

When the news reached here, it was naturally impossible for the three of them not to understand the mystery.

Xun Chang murmured: "This...how is this possible?" 』

Xun Chang is relatively young and still doesn't believe this.

Chen Guang glanced at Xun Chang, but didn't say anything, let alone explain the possibilities to Xun Chang.

This matter cannot be faked anyway, and there is no need to fake it. Since there is a direct edict, rather than being promulgated through the Shangshu Desk of Xu County, it also illustrates some problems.

Of course, from a certain perspective, there is no need for affairs within the Prime Minister's Palace to go through the Chancery.

Although the Shangshutai is said to manage documents and handle affairs on behalf of the emperor, it is the hub of all officials, but don't forget the position of prime minister, which is the head of all officials!

Therefore, there is nothing wrong in terms of rules for Cao Cao to directly appoint Dong Cao in the Prime Minister's Palace without going through the Chancery.

But from an emotional or other perspective, it is very problematic!

"Jizhou scholar..." Xin Man whispered for half a sentence, but paused. Then when his eyes met the other two, their hearts beat fiercely and their faces turned ugly.

In the courtyard, the laughter and laughter of people attending the banquet could still be vaguely heard, but the three people in the back hall had no intention of drinking and having fun.

The three of them can be said to be representatives of the Yingchuan gentry.

How could they, and all the descendants of the Yingchuan gentry in Chen's Manor today, still have such a pomp and ceremony when Cao Cao said he wanted to be simple, thrifty, put an end to extravagance and waste, and wanted to be clean and honest? Such an extravagant banquet?

Is it because these people in Yingchuan are rich?

Well, that's not wrong.

The nobles of Yingchuan are indeed very wealthy, but where does this money come from?

Of course, most of the gentry children, including Chen Guang, would not think there was any problem with this. Even after Cao Cao dealt with Xun Wang, there were still many Yingchuan children who felt that they had made great contributions and deserved it. Enjoy better treatment.

Because Cao Cao was raised by the children of Yingchuan!

When classmate Lao Cao was in dire straits, it was the Yingchuan folks who supported Su Liang, and it was the Yingchuan scholars who took out their money bags!

When Lao Cao was beaten to the point where he couldn't even protect his old nest in Yanzhou, it was the children of the Yingchuan gentry who never left him, and it was the soldiers of Yingchuan who fought with blood and sweat to conquer Yanzhou again!

then……

It’s all Yingchuan, it’s all the contributions of Yingchuan people!

And now Cao Cao actually chose Cui Yan as Dong Cao!

What does this mean?

Because the minds of several big families were no longer on the banquet, the banquet naturally broke up unhappy, but even though the banquet had just dispersed, the hustle and bustle did not stop...