Farmers of Shu Han

Chapter 1333 Choice ([-])

The Han army recaptured Luoyang, forcing the Wei monarchs and ministers to move their capital again, ah no, it should be to patrol farther east again.

This incident not only set off a storm in the Wei court, but the aftershocks of the news also affected most of Guandong.

It is even foreseeable that the aftershocks will continue to spread until they reach Wu State.

A person as sharp as Cao Zhi knows that the situation is irreversible and immediately seeks a way out.

And even if they are not as good as Cao Zhi, the Cao family has already fallen into confusion and doubt - Wei, is there really hope?

The loss of Luoyang would be a huge blow to the entire Wei State.

But the bigger blow was that the Wei Dynasty was forced to move its capital twice in a row, and its fear of thieves was clearly revealed.

One has to wonder how much courage the soldiers of the Wei Dynasty still have to face the rebel army.

As for General Cao's incompetence in pulling his hips this time, it further highlighted the ability and excellence of Taifu Sima.

Although Taifu Sima failed to capture Taiyuan, he at least captured Shangdang.

Although Luoyang was lost, at least they defeated the elite cavalry of the Han army, which was said to be invincible in the world, in Youzhou and killed five thousand thieves.

At the same time, a large number of horses and livestock were captured, which was a great victory.

Instead of pinning their hopes on Sima Yi, more and more people are turning their attention to Chang'an in the west.

Could it be that the Han Dynasty is really trying to revive itself?
Anyone who knows the importance of Luoyang knows what kind of situation Guandong will face next.

This cannot be said to be exactly the same as the eve of Qiang Qin's unification of the six countries, but it can only be said that there is not much difference.

Even to the south of Wei State, there was also a Wu State similar to Qi State.

No, Qi State just stayed out of the matter, but Wu State wanted to coordinate with Han State at any time.

Yang Hu, who had been studying behind closed doors for some time, was also shocked and speechless after receiving the news.

At the same time, I couldn't help but feel deep admiration for my sister.

After returning from Han, he originally thought about traveling to Hebei and taking the opportunity to observe Taifu Sima.

Let's see if Taifu Sima is really as rumored, he is a pillar of the Wei Dynasty.

I just didn't expect that my sister's scolding would actually scold me very badly.

Now it seems that what my sister said to me was indeed far-sighted.

So, he went to find Yang Huiyu again and said:

"Luoyang has been lost, and the general trend of the world is, as my sister said, irreversible."

Yang Huiyu knew her brother well. When she saw Yang Hu say this, she asked:
"What do you want to do?"

"It's better that my sister knows me." Yang Hu first flattered Yang Huiyu, and then said:
"In my opinion, if the Han Kingdom captures Luoyang, it is equivalent to capturing the world's chess eye."

"I want to see the chess players and then see the players."

Yang Huiyu's originally peaceful face was slightly disturbed: "Have you made a decision?"

Yang Hu nodded first, then shook his head:
"Last time I went back to Chang'an, I was unsettled. I was in a hurry and didn't get to know the Han Dynasty carefully. This time, I want to go there and have a good look."

"Just traveling?"

Yang Huiyu knew Yang Hu, but Yang Hu didn't know his sister.

At this time, I heard something was wrong with her tone, so I couldn't help but asked weirdly:

"Sister, it sounds like you have something to say?"

Yang Huiyu's face looked a little unnatural:
"What nonsense are you talking about? I'm just a woman. Most of what I said to you before was brought up by my aunt (Xin Xianying) when she was chatting with me in private."

"You went to Han Dynasty last time and visited your aunt's ancestral land. If you really want to go this time, you'd better go see your aunt and see what advice she has."

Yang Hu nodded: "Even if sister doesn't say anything, I will go. Let's see if my aunt wants me to deliver the letter."

Although the Xin family in Longxi has declined, it is still under the rule of the Han Dynasty.

And some of his children have already participated in the imperial examinations of the Han Dynasty.

And what will happen to the Xin family in Yingchuan of Wei State in the end is still unknown.

Having made his decision, Yang Hu no longer hesitated.

Shandong Yang family is also very concerned about the affairs of Luoyang and Qiao County.

More importantly, compared to the last hidden temptation.

This time, Shandong Yangshi's attitude has changed, and they need to urgently open up the channel to the west.

Yang Hu, who had been to Chang'an once and even dealt with Feng, was naturally the best choice.

Therefore, it is only natural for Yang Hu to travel westward again.

However, when Yang Hu went to see his aunt Xin Xianying, Xin Xianying reminded Yang Huiyu:
"Last time, you escorted the Xiahou clan to Chang'an. It was out of friendship, so you will naturally get preferential treatment."

"But this time is different from that time. You went here this time because you wanted something. In addition, you rejected Feng Mingwen's solicitation."

"With this person's current status, even if he doesn't care, there will be people below who don't like you. If you go on this trip, the treatment you receive will be much worse than before."

Yang Hu nodded and said with a wry smile:

"Thank you, aunt, for reminding me. My nephew is already mentally prepared."

As he spoke, he pretended to smile lightly:
"Actually, the last time my nephew went there, he wanted to enter the Royal Academy in Chang'an to study."

"I heard that there are many great Confucian scholars there, and even Feng Mingwen brought the arithmetic and investigation of things from the mountain gate."

"This trip, in addition to traveling, is also a chance to see if I can fulfill my wish."

After the development of the Royal College over the years, the teaching staff of the college has changed from what it used to be.

In addition, the Han Dynasty continued to regain lost ground, and the momentum was soaring.

When the emperor moved the capital to Chang'an, he must have the world in mind.

Therefore, the Royal Academy naturally needs to keep pace with the times, and has released limited quotas to allow non-academic students to pass the academic assessment and enter the academy to audit.

Of course, most of the auditors came to listen to the classics explained by great Confucian scholars.

After all, without a certain foundation in arithmetic and studying things, it is basically impossible to understand them.

"Oh? So you already have an idea?"

Xin Xianying was a little surprised, and then asked doubtfully:
"I have heard the name of the Royal Academy a long time ago. It is probably similar to the Imperial Academy, right? You are coming from Wei State, can you go in?"

After thinking about it for a while, it suddenly dawned on me:
"Maybe you want to ask your uncle for help?"

Although the academy can pass additional assessments to audit, in fact, the number of places is limited, and even if you are an auditor, you must have a recommendation.

The Xiahou family is considered a descendant of the Han Dynasty.

If they are willing to help, it shouldn't be a problem.

Who would have expected that Yang Hu hesitated for a moment and then said:

"If it doesn't work in the end, I'll naturally ask my uncle if he has any connections."

It’s different from what outsiders think.

Yang Hu also went there and found out that his uncle had not served as an official in the Han Dynasty in these years.

He even had a rather bad relationship with Feng Mingwen.

Anyway, Yang Hu himself knew that whenever Feng Mingwen was mentioned, his uncle's face would look very ugly.

Therefore, in Yang Hu's mind, Xiahou's family was not his first choice - of course it was possible to go to Xiahou Mao, but Xiahou Mao had just gone to the Han Dynasty and his foothold was not stable, so looking for him might not be of much use.

Seeing Yang Hu's appearance, Xin Xianying couldn't help but feel a little strange:
"Besides your uncle, do you have a better way?"

Yang Hu hesitated a little, not knowing what he was worried about. After thinking for a while, he decided to confess to his aunt:
"My aunt also knows that my nephew once visited the Prince's Mansion in Jibei after returning from Chang'an."

"Actually, my nephew was on that trip to deliver a message for Feng Mingwen. My nephew had heard with his own ears that the King of Jibei called Feng Mingwen his uncle." Xin Xianying's face suddenly showed surprise, and it could even be said to be a look of horror. :

"Uncle? The King of Jibei called Uncle Feng Mingwen?"

"Exactly."

Xin Xianying still didn't believe it: "Did you hear wrongly?"

"No." Yang Hu shook his head, "He said it in front of me, and he said it more than once, so he can't be wrong."

After Xin Xianying received the affirmative answer, she couldn't help but think deeply:
"There are rumors in the world that King Chen (i.e. Cao Zhi) personally admitted that Feng Mingwen was far superior to him and had eight points of talent in the world. It seems that this matter is indeed true."

"If the friendship between the two had not reached this point, how could the King of Jibei call Uncle Feng Mingwen?"

Then she looked at Yang Hu and finally understood:
"Do you want to ask the King of Jibei?"

Yang Hu nodded: "My aunt's words are exactly what my nephew wants."

The princes and kings of the Wei Dynasty were so severely restricted that they could even be said to be in captivity. Even relatives and in-laws did not dare to ask each other.

If the King of Jibei wanted to reply to Feng Mingwen, it would not be very convenient.

When the time comes, I can come to the door and help out by the way.

"This method is very good." Xin Xianying praised, "Even if there is no reply, you can still take the opportunity to ask him to write a letter of recommendation."

If you want to become an official, it would be embarrassing to ask for recommendation.

But studying is not shabby.

As a scholar, no matter how much you ask, you will not be embarrassed.

Otherwise, how can we call it studying?
Before Mr. Feng established Nanxiang College, among the children from poor families who wanted to acquire knowledge, who wouldn’t be able to ask for it?

As for Cangtou Guizhou, he didn't even have the chance to ask for help.

Xin Xianying nodded slowly after hearing Yang Hu's explanation:

"In that case, I don't have to worry about you."

The friendship between Feng Mingwen and King Chen is a good story in the literary world.

As long as the King of Jibei is willing to recommend him, Feng Mingwen will not embarrass his nephew, whether it is because of King Chen's reputation or the "uncle".

After the discussion was completed, Yang Hu no longer hesitated and asked people to pack their luggage and get ready.

He went to the neighboring Kingdom of Jibei again to visit the King of Jibei.

Cao Zhi was very happy to learn about Yang Hu's coming:

"I have a letter that I want to send to Chang'an. My uncle came just in time!"

As for the recommendation letter, although Cao Zhi did not know the situation of the Royal Academy, it was still okay to write a letter to praise Yang Hu.

Anyway, this is also true.

Because Uncle Yang is indeed quite famous in Guandong.

Yang Hu got the letter he wanted and couldn't help but secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He quickly thanked Cao Zhi and promised:

"Your Highness, please rest assured that Hu will do his best to get this matter done for Your Highness."

Cao Zhi looked grateful: "Then Uncle Lao will be here."

Yang Hu didn't know that the letter on his body was actually a cover.

The real secret message belongs to Cao Miao.

Moreover, Cao Miao was already in the caravan in disguise.

With Uncle Yang as cover along the way, the King of Jibei believed that his brother's safety would be more secure.

After all, the heritage of the Shandong Yang Family is many times richer than that of the Prince of Jibei.

A few days later, a small caravan met up with Uncle Yang's team and headed west together.

As Cao Zhi expected, with the loss of Luoyang, the Han army threatened Guandong, and General Cao took the emperor and fled to Qiao County overnight.

The Central Plains area suddenly fell into turmoil and chaos.

Yang Hu and his party headed west along the river, and all the counties they passed were filled with panic.

Even the county soldiers close to Luoyang County have been dispersed.

Especially in Chenliu, which is adjacent to Luoyang, not only the defenders, but also the common people fled with very little left because they were afraid of the disaster of war.

Looking at the lifeless Suanzao County, Yang Hu couldn't help but sigh with sadness:
"In the past Emperor Wu raised his troops in Chenliu and met with the princes at Suanzao to attack Dong Zhuo."

"After decades of hard fighting, the foundation of the Wei Dynasty was laid."

"In just over twenty years, Wei Dynasty has become like this."

"This can be said that future generations do not know the difficulties of their ancestors in founding the country, and abandon the country like grass and grass."

And the Han Dynasty's move to capture Luoyang was truly ruthless.

Not only did it completely open the gate to Kanto, it was also stuck on the edge of the river, in the transition zone between the spheres of influence of Taifu Sima and General Cao.

Moreover, Chenliu County was originally considered an inner county of the Wei Dynasty and had not had many troops stationed there for many years.

As soon as they arrived in Luoyang, General Cao was so preoccupied with escaping that he never thought of sending troops to Chenliu?

And suddenly, he couldn't muster enough troops.

Whether it is Nanyang or Yangzhou, it is impossible to easily deploy garrison troops.

Unless General Cao sends all [-] imperial troops from Xuchang - this is of course impossible.

Otherwise, he would not have ordered Wang Ling to send troops and horses to Qiao County to protect him.

As a result, before the Han army arrived, there were almost no people left in Jujube.

Thinking of this, Yang Hu couldn't help but let out a long sigh: "It's really difficult to rise or die!"

Cao Miao, who was standing not far away, disguised as a caravan manager, couldn't help but have a sad look on his face.

After passing Suanzao, we arrived at Guandu.

If Chenliu is where Cao Cao raised his troops, then Guandu is where Cao Cao established his northern hegemony.

Guandu at this time is no longer the same Guandu as before - just as the Wei Dynasty at this time is no longer the Wei Dynasty in the past.

With an increasingly sad mood, he continued to the west, with Xingyang and Chenggao in sight.

At that time, Emperor Gaozu was defeated repeatedly in battles. Finally, he withstood Xiang Yu in the areas of Xingyang and Chenggao, and was able to turn defeat into victory.

Chenggao, in particular, can be said to be the most important city east of Luoyang, and it is also a fortress.

The name Cheng Gao may not be familiar to some people.

But if you talk about Hulao Pass, you should know it.

Xingyang and Chenggao actually belong to the same defense system.

Not far to the west of Xingyang City is the Songshan Mountains.

Chenggao is located at the intersection of Si River and Yellow River.

It faces the Sishui River in the front, the Yellow River in the north, and Songshan Mountain in the south. It is the most dangerous place.

Xingyang and Chenggao are integrated into each other, forming an echoing horn.

If you want to capture Luoyang from the east, both must be captured.

Yang Hu and his party originally thought that all the officials in Suanzao and other places had fled, and probably not even a single person could be seen in Xingyang, which was the closest place to Luoyang.

Who would have expected that when they just arrived at the foot of Xingyang City, they would be stunned by the scene in front of them.

(End of this chapter)