0p0 Chapter 230: Lu Zhi's Death
Chapter 230: Lu Zhi's Death
Chapter 230: Lu Zhi's Death
Liu Bian listened to Huangfu Song's words with a normal expression, but he knew in his heart that things would not be so smooth.
Liu Yan was ambitious. Even if Liu Bian detained Liu Zhang and refused to let him return to Yizhou, Liu Yan would not return Yizhou to the court.
"The Han Dynasty will end" is the consensus of countless people, and various ambitious people emerge one after another. Even if Liu Bian temporarily stabilizes the situation, the situation is difficult to reverse, and the ambitious people are still immersed in the dream of "achieving great things".
"Qingjia, this matter,"
Just as Liu Bian was about to speak, hurried footsteps were heard outside the door.
Soon, Pan Yin walked in quickly, not caring about anything else, and said with surprise and joy on his face: "Your Majesty, General Cao wants to see you."
"Cao Cao?"
Liu Bian looked at Pan Yin with some confusion and said, "What's the matter? Let him in."
Pan Yin responded, turned sideways,
Cao Cao looked cautious, lowered his head, held a letter in both hands, and approached Liu Bian, saying, "Your Majesty, Xu You, the military advisor of the rebellious Yuan Shu, has sent me a letter."
Liu Bian knew Xu You and looked at him strangely. He took the letter and asked, "Is it to persuade you to surrender?"
Cao Cao said nothing, but bowed and waited.
Huangfu Song glanced at Cao Cao, and seeing that he didn't say anything, he turned to look at the letter in Liu Bian's hand.
Liu Bian became more and more curious. He took out the letter and glanced at it. His eyebrows raised immediately. His expression remained unchanged, but his eyes were cold and flashing like lightning.
Liu Bian said nothing and slowly handed the letter to Huangfu Song.
Huangfu Song took it and examined it carefully. After a moment, he said in surprise, "Yuan Shu, you want to surrender?"
Liu Bian picked up the teacup, took a sip of tea, and said, "Sit down and tell me what you think."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
After Cao Cao saluted, he sat down next to Huangfu Song and said with a sullen face, "Your Majesty, I think that Yuan Shu's letter is more of a bid for time than a request for surrender."
Huangfu Song looked at the letter that Yuan Shu had entrusted to Xu You, and his expression became increasingly cold.
Seeing that Liu Bian did not speak, Cao Cao continued, "Your Majesty, since last summer, Yuan Shu has been fighting on many fronts. His soldiers are tired and food is scarce. He can no longer fight. This letter of surrender is probably to delay the battle until after the summer harvest."
Liu Bian seemed to be thinking about something, and asked, "What do you think?"
Cao Cao immediately raised his hand, his eyes piercing as he said, "Your Majesty, I think we cannot give Yuan Shu this much time. We should order all the troops to attack with all our might!"
Huangfu Song frowned and said, "The imperial army is also exhausted and short of money and food. Moreover, people are not united and everyone is pretending to obey but actually disobeying."
Cao Cao already understood something, and his face became more gloomy. He said in a cold voice: "Your Majesty, it might be a good thing to take this opportunity to distinguish between loyalty and treachery!"
Liu Bian kept pondering in his mind and asked, "What does the Grand Marshal say?"
Huangfu Song hesitated for a moment and said, "That's fine, but I'm worried that some people will take advantage of this opportunity to become powerful and turn against the court."
Cao Cao's eyes turned cold, and he said, "Then let's take this opportunity to wipe them out together!"
Seeing that Huangfu Song was about to refute, Liu Bian raised his hand and said with a smile: "This letter will be handed over to the Shangshutai for disposal. Cao Qing's words have some truth, and I also want to see the true skin and bones of some people. This matter will be handed over to Cao Qing's family to arrange."
Cao Cao was greatly encouraged and raised his hand, saying, "Your Majesty, I obey your order!"
Like Lu Zhi, Huangfu Song was certain that Liu Bian wanted to train Cao Cao and appoint a general to take charge of the Grand Marshal's Office.
This inference is not without basis. The current emperor's preference for Cao Cao is well known. Lu Zhi saw that he was not capable of success, and Cao Cao succeeded him, and in the future, Huangfu Song. It was a natural thing, without any obstacles.
Therefore, Huangfu Song did not refute and also wanted to see Cao Cao's true ability.
"Let's stop here today." Liu Bian stood up.
Liu Yu started coughing again, and it looked like the little guy was dying.
"We will take our leave." Huangfu Song and Cao Cao greeted each other, followed Liu Bian out of the back hall, and then left in the north and south.
When Liu Bian arrived at Yong'an Palace, Tang Ji was carefully feeding Liu Yu medicine.
"Let me do it." Liu Bian sighed in his heart and stepped forward to take the medicine bowl.
Tang Ji pursed her lips, looking a little tired. She stood aside quietly, still looking at Liu Yu with a worried look in her eyes.
The little guy's face was pale, the double-sided tape was tightly wrapped around his neck, and he groaned from time to time, appearing to be in great pain.
Liu Bian sat down and gently fed him the medicine.
The little guy could eat it, but he vomited out even more.
Liu Bian wiped him and fed him at the same time, feeling depressed and uncomfortable.
The survival rate of newborn babies is too low nowadays. Liu Yu has been very thin since he was born, as if all the nutrition had been given to his sister. He has been sickly all the time, which is worrying.
After a while, the little guy's brows slowly relaxed and he smacked his lips, as if he had fallen asleep.
Liu Bian wiped it carefully, breathed a sigh of relief, took Tang Ji a few steps, and whispered, "What did the doctor say?"
Tang Ji's eyes were red as she said, "The doctor said we can only take it one step at a time."
Liu Bian nodded silently and said, "Take good care of her."
Tang Ji bit her lip and responded softly.
Liu Bian left Yong'an Palace, feeling very upset. He said to Pan Yin, "Send a message to the Ministry of Rites. The Hongdu Gate Academy and the Imperial Academy should open medical departments. Treating illnesses and saving lives is a great merit. We should increase support for doctors in all aspects."
"I obey your order." Pan Yin knew that Liu Bian was in a bad mood and responded in a low voice.
On the other side, Xu You's letter arrived at the Secretariat.
Yang Biao was happy at first, but then he was surprised and at a loss, so he recruited Er Xun into the Shangshu Tai.
"What do you think?" Yang Biao asked straight to the point.
Xun You had never expected that Yuan Shu would write such a letter. After a moment, he said, "It's probably a delaying tactic. We can't be fooled."
Xun Yu nodded and said, "Shi Xie dealt a heavy blow to Yuan Shu in Nanhai County, Zhang He was beaten back by Yuan Shao, Sun Jian launched a fierce attack in Wu County, Liu Biao has firmly occupied Jingzhou, Yuan Shu's situation is extremely unfavorable, and it is expected that he wants to delay time."
Yang Biao stared at the two men and said, "I am asking you, what countermeasures should the court take?"
Xun You and Xun Yu looked at each other, and Xun You said, "Prime Minister, I want to order everyone to intensify the pursuit and not give Yuan Shu a chance to catch his breath."
Yang Biao's fat face was as hard as iron. He asked, "How do we pursue them? Do you have any strategy?"
Xun You said directly: "Prime Minister, we have just seen this letter. This matter is of great importance and we should consider it carefully."
"There is no time left, you must come up with a plan now!" Yang Biao said in a deep voice. He has been under a lot of pressure recently, and he wants to retreat calmly and not follow Wang Yun's footsteps, so he must do something.
Xun Yu's mature face showed a thoughtful look, and he said, "The simplest strategy is to focus on the attack, with Jingzhou Liu Biao or Wujun Sun Jian as the main force, and attack vigorously to force Yuan Shu to raise troops to meet them. At the same time, we must be on guard everywhere and not have a break."
Yang Biao knew nothing about military affairs, but he superficially thought that it made sense, and looked at Xun You with a questioning look.
Xun You paused for a moment and said, "I remember that Jingzhou has a navy that can attack unexpectedly and penetrate deep into the heart of Jiangdong to disrupt Yuan Shu's military morale and make him restless."
Yang Biao was somewhat noncommittal about their countermeasures, knowing that they were thousands of miles away and could not come up with any useful ideas. After thinking it over, he said, "Okay, follow me to the Grand Marshal's Mansion."
Erxun raised his hand and followed Yang Biao to the Grand Marshal's Mansion.
Cao Cao was discussing with Huangfu Song. With the addition of Yang Biao and the two Xuns, the five of them integrated intelligence from various sources and discussed until late at night.
When it arrived on Liu Bian's desk the next day, it was an unprecedentedly comprehensive, massive, and ten-year-long plan of conquest, which not only targeted Yuan Shu, but also Dong Zhuo, Lu Bu, the Yellow Turban Army, and even the Black Mountain Army as well as the Xianbei, Wuhuan, Xiongnu, and so on.
Liu Bian spent a full hour looking at the plan, stunned and extremely surprised.
"Good plan!"
Liu Bian closed the document and couldn't help but exclaimed.
"It's just that there are too many conflicts with my plan."
Liu Bian stood up by supporting himself on the table, went outside, stood under the eaves, and looked towards the south.
The plan proposed by Cao Cao and others was too large and complicated. It took ten years and required countless efforts and money.
Liu Bian's national policy was to "strengthen the foundation" rather than wasting national strength and constantly waging wars, which would only drag the Han Dynasty into the abyss and cause no recovery.
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty,"
Not far away, Xu Yan came running over and said, "Mr. Lu, Mr. Lu is dying..."
Liu Bian's face suddenly changed, and he said urgently: "Dian Wei, leave the palace and go to Lu's house!"
The imperial palace was suddenly alarmed, and Liu Bian brought his men, and all the staff from the Secretariat, the Grand Marshal's Mansion, and the Censorate were also dispatched.
The six ministries outside the palace, the Supreme Court, and so on, all rushed to the Lu Mansion.
When Liu Bian arrived, Lu Zhi, who had been bedridden for many days, was already exhausted.
His eyes were dull and had lost focus, but he held Lu Yu's hand and whispered, "...after death...don't hold a big ceremony...no...coffin, just...bury directly..."
Lu Yu hugged Lu Zhi and cried incessantly.
Lu Zhi didn't finish his words and slowly closed his eyes.
Liu Bian stood not far away, silent for a long time, and then stepped out.
Outside the door stood a large group of people including Yang Biao, Huangfu Song, Xun You, Xun Yu, Zhong Yao, Sima Jun, etc.
Liu Bian glanced at them and walked out with a heavy heart.
Lu Zhi was probably the purest person in the Han Dynasty. Liu Bian respected him very much and hoped that they could continue to be together for a long time.
But human power cannot overcome nature, and Lu Zhi eventually died of old age.
In fact, if Lu Zhi hadn't been so desperate and had taken good care of himself, he could have lived a few more years without any problems.
For the sake of the imperial court and the Han Dynasty, Lu Zhi toiled day and night, and finally this day had arrived.
Liu Bian felt upset. He walked a few steps, then suddenly stopped and said calmly, "According to Lord Lu's last wish, there will be no funeral, and the relatives and friends of the Lu family will see him off. When it's over, all the nobles, please find time to go and pay your respects."
After saying this, Liu Bian let out a long breath and strode away.
Everyone watched Liu Bian speak in silence.
Although Lu Zhi was not good at socializing, he was harmless and kind to others, and everyone was grateful to him.
Yang Biao stood at the front and sighed softly, "Everyone, go back."
Everyone was stunned for a moment, then they reacted and went into the house to take a look. They talked to Lu Yu for a few words before leaving.
A large group of people came, but they walked very slowly. After noon, only Cao Cao was left.
The Lu family was already making preparations. Lu Yu's eyes were red from crying as she followed the family members coming and going.
He is only ten years old, but he already understands things.
Cao Cao took the initiative to take over the task of "managing the funeral" because He Xian had handled it before, so he was able to do it easily this time, and the Lu family had no objection to it.
Lu Zhi's funeral was very simple. He declined all condolences and the funeral was extremely simple. He was buried on the third day.
Wrapped only in coarse cloth, he was carried out of the house by the Lu family to be buried outside the city.
Before he was completely out of the door, Pan Yin came hurriedly and whispered to Cao Cao: "Your Majesty, a tomb has been reserved for Lu Gong to the north of Mangshan Mountain."
Cao Cao was startled and asked, "Mangshan?"
The mausoleum of the Emperor of the Han Dynasty was built near Mount Mang. Liu Bian left a tomb for Lu Zhi in the north of Mount Mang, apparently intending to have his future mausoleum there. Lu Zhi's goal was to be next to the emperor's mausoleum!
This is a great honor!
Cao Cao was startled, then suddenly came to his senses and raised his hand and said, "Cao Cao understands."
Pan Yin didn't have much to say and left quietly.
Cao Cao turned around and found Lu Yu and whispered a few words to him.
Lu Yu cried even louder and raised his hands to bow again and again in the direction of the imperial palace.
Cao Cao led a group of people out of the city and headed straight for Mangshan.
When they arrived north of Mangshan, Xu Yan was already waiting there.
With a look of sorrow on his face, he raised his hand to Lu Yu and said, "Your Majesty said that according to Lord Lu's last wish, he should be buried in plain clothes. This tombstone was carved by your Majesty himself, and the epitaph was written by Minister of Rites Bian Rang. Lord Lu will live forever."
Lu Yu turned his head and looked at the stone tablet standing nearby, on which was engraved: The tomb of Lu Huizhi, General of Chariots and Cavalry of the Han Dynasty and Marquis Wende.
The signature is: Emperor Liu Bianli of the Han Dynasty.
This kind of monument erection was against etiquette, but Lu Yu still knelt down and cried loudly, "I thank God for his father's grace!"
Cao Cao and a group of Lu family members were of course grateful. Such a favor had never been seen since the Han Dynasty!
"I, Cao Cao, will do the same when I come!"
Cao Cao had a blank expression on his face, thinking to himself.
After a series of ceremonies, Lu Zhi, wrapped in plain clothes, was buried, filled with soil, and a monument was erected.
The Lu family members cried so hard that Lu Yu even fainted.
Cao Cao took care of the aftermath and did not lead his men back to the capital until the evening.
And in the Chongde Hall.
Liu Bian sat on the chair, looking a little dazed, looking at the last memorial from Lu Zhi in his hand.
This is a memorial written more than ten years ago, which has been improved. It mainly contains ten strategies: employing the good, easing prohibitions, preventing invasion, preparing for invaders, improving the body, honoring Emperor Yao, controlling subordinates, distributing benefits, demonstrating virtue, and having complete strategies.
Pan Yin came in with a bowl of soup, quietly walked to Liu Bian's side, and said softly: "Your Majesty, you haven't eaten for a day, eat something."
Liu Bian hummed, opened his eyes, glanced out the window, and said, "From now on, Lu Yu should live in the palace. Take good care of him and don't let anyone bully him."
"Yes." Pan Yin said.
Liu Bian picked up the soup bowl, but before he even ate it, he said, "Tell the Grand Marshal's Office to select some wise men to come to the Grand Marshal's Office, and tell Huangfu Song to take good care of himself and not to work too hard."
Liu Bian remembered very clearly that Huangfu Song also died three or four years later.
"Yes." Pan Yin responded.
Liu Bian took a bite but felt he couldn't eat any more. He put it down and said, "Let's order Guo Jia to work as a historian in the Grand Marshal's Office. Let's order Chen Qun in the Court of the Imperial Censor to work as a historian in the Secretariat."
Pan Yin knew these two people, but this sudden arrangement surprised him a little. He didn't dare to say anything more and said, "Yes, I'll pass on the message right away."