Volume 3: The Land of Jingchu Chapter 273 Busyness in the Rear
Bai Tu was in a good mood after reading the battle report, but he also frowned slightly in annoyance.
After the Central Army broke through Echeng, the Northern Army broke through three passes and the East and West joined forces in Fuyang, the Southern Army finally achieved strategic results - Zhang Liao and Gao Shun had led their troops to break through the Five Ridges and arrived at Wuling County in southern Jing!
Although looking at the map, this cannot be considered a "battle result", it is just a "march" to Jingnan, but... being able to pass through the Wuling area has already proved that Chen Gong's plan was successful.
But... what made Bai Tu a little uneasy was that the Shanyue were worried that the General's Mansion would "destroy the bridge after crossing the river", and they would need the help of the Shanyue people to transport supplies from the Five Ridges, so Chen Gong still remained in the Shanyue tribe as a "hostage".
Judging from the news sent back by Chen Gong, the three major leaders of the Shanyue people and one of them, Wang Kong, are planning something. Moreover, the Wuxi barbarians started the "White Tiger Festival" or "White Tiger Trial" not long ago. Now all the tribes are in the Wuling area, fighting bravely with the Shanyue people!
The reason why Zhang Liao and Gao Shun were able to lead their men through was because Mohuken took the initiative to let them pass, and the other tribes in Wuxi had no interest in the Han army - the target of the White Tiger Festival was the Shanyue people, so why bother to mess with the tough Han army?
This was also what the General's Mansion and the Shanyue people had agreed on before. They were responsible for providing food and fodder, and the Shanyue people were responsible for opening up a road in the Wuling Mountains...
The Shanyue people also felt relieved about the departure of Zhang Liao and Gao Shun.
However, Chen Gong did not report it in too much detail. For example... the time when he guided Gao Shun to launch a surprise attack on the Wuxi people after they "robbed food", it was actually an important catalyst that led to the current situation.
It was that battle that made Mohuken realize that the Han army might have discovered his collusion with Wangkong. However, judging from the situation of the Shanyue Alliance, the Han army was indeed expecting them to fight each other and did not share this information with the Shanyue people. He also learned about the strength of the Han army from the survivors of this battle.
Therefore, Mohuken chose to blackmail Liu Pan, who was guarding Jingnan, one last time, and then let the Han people "eat each other".
The right thing to do is to prepare yourself to concentrate on becoming the biggest winner of the White Tiger Festival and the true leader of the Wuxi people, while at the same time weakening the strength of the Shanyue people!
Unfortunately, Chen Gong's battle report was very brief. Although he had heard of the so-called "first warrior" of the Wuxi people, he did not mention it in the battle report. Otherwise, Bai Tu might have remembered something from the name "Shamoke"...
Now Bai Tu was pleased that the southern army entered southern Jing, but he was also worried about Chen Gong's safety.
Bai Tu also understood that with Chen Gong's ability, the reason why he stayed in the Shanyue tribe was probably more to pave the way for the General's Mansion to "integrate the Five Ridges" in the future.
Otherwise, if they wanted hostages, would Chen Gong go obediently?
Chen Gong was just a hostage? Even if they were always wary of Chen Gong, they would be "sold out" by him sooner or later...
Recently, the busiest departments in the General's Office are the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Rites, because a large number of departments under the Six Ministries and affiliated to the General's Office have begun to be established one after another.
Many of these government offices may not be used by the “General’s Mansion”, but they can be used by the future “Chu Hou State”!
In order to avoid standing out, Bai Tu, although he has been awarded the Nine Gifts, still calls himself the Great General of Han. He also always emphasizes the "General's Mansion" to the outside world, while downplaying the title of "Marquis of Chu".
After all, a marquis who is nominally granted the Nine Gifts can found a country, but now is not the time for him to go around shouting that he wants to found a country!
However, the time will come sooner or later, not only for vanity, but also to further get rid of the involvement with the court - when "supporting the Han Dynasty" has reached this point, it is natural to get rid of the Han Dynasty!
Otherwise, after Cao Cao and Yuan Shao decide the winner, they will use the name of the court to control me?
Bai Tu and Lu Su's expectation now is that after occupying Jingzhou and combining Jingzhou with Yangzhou to form Western Chu, they can officially raise the banner of "Chu State". By then, no matter who is stronger or weaker in the north, the outcome should not be completely decided, and they will be able to gain a firm foothold.
Government offices, both large and small, have already started to raise funds. Not only the front lines, but also the rear are busy...
There were the Grand Historian who was in charge of observing the stars and setting the calendar, the Grand Master of Rites who was in charge of presiding over sacrifices, the Junior Official who was in charge of managing the private property of the royal family, and the Chief Censor who was in charge of criticizing and impeaching his subordinates...
Although these are court officials, or even nine ministers, the Prime Minister's Office now has the Prime Minister's Junior Household. It doesn't make sense that the Prime Minister can touch it but the Marquis of Chu cannot.
For example, the Grand Historian was of utmost importance - his main duty was to observe the stars.
The Grand Historian from the Eastern Han Dynasty had been epically enhanced and then nerfed twice.
In the pre-Qin period, some feudal states established Grand Historians, who had the power to compile history and observe the stars. After the publication of "the masterpiece of historians, the Li Sao without rhyme" in the Western Han Dynasty, Sima Qian became "Grand Historian". In theory, his position was above that of the prime minister, and official documents from all parts of the country had to first go to the Grand Historian and then to the prime minister's office.
However, after Sima Qian, the position of the Grand Historian was greatly reduced, but he still had the function of compiling history. In the late Western Han Dynasty, the Grand Historian only had the power of observing the stars, and there were no special historians for compiling history. There were "daily officials" in the palace who were responsible for recording. As for the specific writing of history books, it was a "part-time job", sometimes done by the Grand Historian and sometimes by other officials.
This is also why in the Three Kingdoms period of later generations, Shu Han did not have a dedicated historian - it was considered to be adhering to the tradition of the Eastern Han Dynasty.
The purpose of the Grand Historian's stargazing was not only for divination, but also for observing the solar terms.
The concept of the 24 solar terms already existed in the Western Han Dynasty and was an important supplement to the "Ganzhi calendar".
The 24 solar terms are a measurement of the cycle of the solar year, and can better represent the climate changes throughout the four seasons. This is why the 24 solar terms can correspond standardly to the dates of the foreign "solar calendar" but not to the local "lunar calendar".
For example, the winter solstice is usually on December 22 in the Gregorian calendar...
Without the 24 solar terms, the Ganzhi calendar is a pure lunar calendar. It is precisely because of the combination of the 24 solar terms and the setting of the leap month in the Ganzhi calendar that it is a complete "lunar calendar" combining yin and yang.
The 24 solar terms were observed in ancient times. Although not as accurate to the second as in later times, the difference was not too great.
From now on, the historian of the Chuhou Mansion will announce the dates of the solar terms and provide guidance on farming every year, which can subtly enhance the sense of belonging of the people under its rule.
In addition, when the time is ripe, the history-compiling function of the Taishiling Office can be secretly restored. This is a truly important tool for the country!
A large number of new government offices were established, and not only the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Rites were busy, but Lu Kang also worked very hard.
Although the status of the General's Mansion in Jiangdong is becoming more and more popular.
Especially after the acquisition of Huainan, the dependence on Jiangdong has also decreased, so Lu Kang's role as a "family hub" has been weakened, but the Jiangdong families have become accustomed to looking for Lu Kang to form a group.
As Lu Kang's affairs increased, Zhang Chunhua, as a secretary, also gained more and more experience. The most important thing was... with Lu Kang's help, Zhang Chunhua usually represented Lu Kang in contact with people from other families. Others also gave her more face, and she became more and more skilled in dealing with people.
After all, Lu Kang is old and we cannot trouble him for everything. Sometimes, Zhang Chunhua receives people who we don't need to meet or don't want to meet in person.
But on this day, the troublesome Lu Jun, Lu Xun's uncle and Lu Kang's unsuccessful eldest son, came to trouble his father again.
When Lu Kang saw his son, he was furious.
This is the saying that people will die if they are compared to others, and goods will be thrown away if they are compared to others. Compared with his nephew Lu Xun and grandson Lu Ji, Lu Jun is simply incompetent. Even with this big tree , Lu Kang did not dare to entrust him with important tasks. He only gave him an idle position to prevent this prodigal son from causing trouble after his death.
"Dad, Shang'er is now of marriageable age..." Seeing his father's impatient expression, Lu Jun quickly talked about "business".
When Lu Kang heard that it was about his grandson Lu Shang, his expression calmed down a little. After all, they were a generation apart. Regardless of whether his grandson was capable or not, he would be treated better than his son.
"Well, which family are you going to look for?" Lu Kang asked.
Because he was not the eldest grandson, Lu Kang had not planned these things personally before.
"My son thinks that Xu Kun's eldest daughter Xu Hui is both beautiful and virtuous, and will be a good match for Shang'er." Lu Jun said quickly.
"Xu Kun... Well, the Xu family is indeed good." Lu Kang didn't know any of the younger generations like Xu Hui, but he had an impression of Xu Kun.
The Xu family was also a prominent family in Wu County and was related to the Sun family by marriage. So Xu Kun was still Sun Jian's nephew, but he was already nearly forty years old.
The "good" Lu Kang said was naturally referring to the Xu family. As for Xu Hui, he didn't know...
In history without the white rabbit effect, Xu Kun's eldest daughter did marry Zhou Shang, but Zhou Shang died of illness not long after. After that, Xu Kun's daughter remarried Sun Quan and became the adoptive mother of Crown Prince Sun Deng. Even though Sun Quan later loved Empress Bu very much, because Concubine Xu, the adoptive mother of the crown prince, was still around, Empress Bu was not officially named "Queen" during her lifetime.
Xu Kun's second daughter also married Sun Quan's third brother Sun Yi, which shows the closeness between the Xu and Sun families.
Of course, now Sun Ce is a general who has set up a separate unit under Bai Tu. Even the Sun family doesn't want to be too close to him to avoid suspicion, so Xu family will naturally not make things difficult for him...
Therefore, the current Xu family is not as prominent as in history.
Lu Jun hesitated to speak, "Actually...Xu Kun has a second daughter, Xu Rong, who is known for her intelligence. She is good at astrology at a young age, and is said to be a man of strategy and courage..."
It’s not that Lu Jun is greedy, but who wouldn’t want to choose the best of the best when he is choosing a daughter-in-law for himself?
Especially now that Lu Kang is still around, the Lu family has the qualifications to be a little greedy. As long as Lu Kang is willing to put aside his pride and ask for marriage, the more outstanding second daughter Xu Rong will also have a chance...
"Huh? What did you just say?" Lu Kang remembered something and his eyes lit up when he heard it.
"Xu Kun also has a second daughter, Xu Rong, who is very..."
"Next sentence!" Lu Kang urged.
"He is good at astrology, and his temperament is..."
"Okay!" Lu Kang slapped his thigh.
"Dad, you mean I can go..."
"That's right. We can recommend Xu...Xu Rong, to be the Grand Historian... No, for the Chu Marquis' Mansion, it's better not to call him Grand Historian, but...Grand Historian Assistant!" Lu Kang said, stroking his beard.
Lu Jun: ???
Is this really okay for you? Xu Rong is only 28 years old, and she is already the Grand Historian? Although I don't know her rank, it seems to be equivalent to the Grand Historian, right? Your grandson Lu Shangke is still a county official...
"This... Dad, Shang'er just stood out from the examination for selecting talents last year, and now he is just a county official..." Lu Jun said somewhat awkwardly.
This is also because Old Lu has a high level of thinking. He intentionally raised Bai Tu's test of selecting talents and specially allowed many Lu family members to enter the officialdom through the channel of the test of selecting talents. Anyway, the protection of the Lu family will not disappear because of the channel of entering the officialdom. They can be promoted back from the grassroots level by delaying for one or two more years. In the eyes of Bai Tu, it will also greatly increase their favorability!
"Huh? Who told you about Shang'er! I think Xu Hui is a good one!" Lu Kang said.
Lu Jun: ...
"It's settled. I'll go to the Xu residence in a bit and have a good chat with Xu Rong... ahem, talk about Xu Hui and Shang'er's marriage." Lu Kang said with a smile, and his mood seemed to improve all of a sudden.
Lu Jun didn't understand whether he was asking the old man to find a marriage for his grandson or recommending talents to the old man.
Little did they know that this actually solved a problem for Lu Kang.
Previously, Lu Kang had been looking for a "remarkable woman" from a Jiangdong aristocratic family who could recommend a female official. However... Although the Han Dynasty was far less patriarchal than the Ming and Qing Dynasties, women from aristocratic families must have read books, but... generally they tended to be good at playing the piano, chess, calligraphy and painting. They had read the classics at most, and usually did not touch on strategies, military tactics, and mental strategies.
To recommend a female official, she must be outstanding, otherwise it would be embarrassing enough!
But it is not easy to find a second Zhang Chunhua. Lu Kang understands Zhang Chunhua's abilities and growth best.
As for the second Huang Yueying? Forget it. This kind of talent is hard to come by. The Ministry of Industry has been eager to recruit talents for a long time, but there is only one Huang Yueying.
However, the sudden appearance of Xu Rong gave Lu Kang confidence all of a sudden - it didn't matter whether "being resourceful and decisive" was true or false, but being "good at astrology"... was in line with Tai Shi Cheng's profession.
To measure the laws of motion of celestial bodies, in modern times, any enthusiast who is willing to invest in equipment can learn to "keep the universe in mind" by himself, but in the past... this was a top-secret forbidden technique in all dynasties. Especially after the emergence of the theory of the correspondence between heaven and man, the knowledge of astronomy was strictly prohibited among the people, and the control was stricter than that of military tactics.
Some of the traditions of the Jiangdong gentry are older than the Han Dynasty, so naturally there are related traditions in private, but they are definitely not common.
Therefore, it is somewhat similar to Huang Yueying's situation. Whether their personality and ability are suitable for being an official is secondary. As long as they have strong "professional skills", they can be recommended.
Even though Xu Rong's astrology is not as "supernatural" as Huang Yueying's mechanical engineering, but... Xu Rong has the support of the Jiangdong nobles. If in the future... as Old Lu thought, Xu Rong can marry the lord, then Xu Rong will be the focus of the Jiangdong nobles after his death!
After Lao Lu felt his health was getting worse, he always thought about what would happen after his death...
Old Lu, who had always been conscientious and responsible, gave Zhang Chunhua a few instructions after his son left, then left his post early and prepared the car to go to Xu's house.
