About Cao Cao's reincarnation as the emperor's uncle

Chapter 15 Liu Fang's Three Stratagems to Lock Huangfu

Liu Fang has always respected heroes, especially those with integrity, and he admires them very much.

In terms of both emotion and justice, he approved of the Huangfu family.

After this setback, although he has changed his mind, this change of heart does not mean that he has completely submitted to him. It is more of a temporary conquest in the name of justice.

This has a huge drawback...

If justice no longer stands on Liu Fang's side, it will be difficult for him to hold on to the Huangfu family's command flag.

As the saying goes, those who are driven by justice will inevitably be burdened by justice.

In this case, Liu Fang must put three locks on Huangfu.

The first lock was quietly opened the moment he saw Huangfu Gui.

The first question he asked when they met was to the point: Was Huangfu a "Han minister"?
From reaction to answer, Huangfu Gui was under Liu Fang's guidance.

When Liu Fangyan said that he "came for the Han Dynasty", Huangfu Gui subconsciously thought that he was sent by Emperor Liu Hong, and that he wanted Huangfu to serve the emperor.

Then he began to have doubts, speculating that Liu Fang might be an envoy from some other force and had other intentions towards the Huangfu family.

At this time, the chaotic times had not yet begun, and the question of "Liu family" and "Han Dynasty" was like treason to anyone who claimed to be a Han minister.

This is exactly what Liu Fang did deliberately, in order to lead Huangfu Gui to think about the difference between the two.

The Han Dynasty has been passed down to this day, and the Liu family's orthodox status is unquestionable. However, most of the aristocratic families have one idea in mind.

This great Han is not the private property of the Liu family, nor is it the exclusive property of any emperor.

From then on, the topic shifted to the question of "protecting the emperor alone or protecting the Han people", which directly cuts to the core of the problem.

Immediately afterwards, Liu Fang used the threat of the Xianbei as an excuse to bring back the Qiang rebellion that had troubled Huangfu Gui for half his life, prompting him to truly begin to think deeply.

Then, Liu Fang explained his identity and experience, laying the groundwork for the next step of this first lock.

Outside the door, since Huangfu Song heard Huangfu Gui's angry inquiries, the Huangfu disciples had gathered one after another.

Liu Fang had noticed their movements long ago, and he knew that if he made even the slightest mistake, these people would rush over him.

Although it won't take his life, it will definitely cause him trouble.

Risks and opportunities coexist. This way, it saves the trouble of asking Huangfu Gui to relay the information later and can directly influence the core members of the Huangfu family.

It was not until Liu Fang, under the name of Liu Hong, said, "I do not ask the Huangfu family to protect me alone, but I ask the Huangfu family to guard the pass to resist the Hu and protect the Han people," that the first lock was truly put down.

The origin of the second lock has to start with the debate on the scriptures caused by the third question.

The so-called "name" and "righteousness" are ultimately not enough to be supported solely by moral principles.

Although Liu Fang's half-true and half-false identity as the emperor's uncle could be believed by the doctors, it was difficult for the scholars to be convinced.

In this world where knowledge of classics is valued, he also needs to earn a reputation among the Confucian scholars.

Huangfu Gui naturally saw through the trick. If it weren't for this discussion of scriptures and enlightenment, he would probably have only given him the title of a closed disciple, and there would have been no drama of him taking in a disciple on behalf of his master.

After all, Huangfu Gui is of a very high generation and can be regarded as the leading figure in the Confucian scholars of the time. The great Confucian scholars of the same generation who have been mentioned, such as Ma Rong, Wang Fu, and Cai Yong's teacher Hu Guang, have all passed away.

With such status and position, how could she be willing to marry someone easily?
To be honest, Liu Fang did not expect Huangfu Gui to go this far.

This move is tantamount to gambling with one's lifelong reputation and posthumous reputation. If Liu Fangde is unworthy of the position, the Confucian reputation that Huangfu Gui has worked hard to build for the Huangfu family for half his life will be wasted and he will become a laughing stock of the world.

So how did Liu Fang get Huangfu Gui to take this risk?
This story starts with the "Duke Zheng defeats Duke Duan in Yan" in Zuo Zhuan.

This chapter tells the story of Duke Zhuang of Zheng and his brother Gongshu Duan, who staged a fratricide in order to seize the throne.

Duke Zhuang of Zheng deliberately indulged his younger brother Gongshuduan and his mother Lady Wu Jiang, allowing Gongshuduan to become arrogant and domineering and plot to usurp the throne, waiting for Gongshuduan to become powerful before attacking him.

Why didn't he kill him earlier? Because he didn't dare to set a precedent of patriarchal murder in other countries.

But in the end, he allowed his younger brother to become more powerful, which caused countless troubles. It was too late for him to regret, and he still became a negative example that was criticized by later generations.

It is said that people become more cunning as they grow older, and this is compounded by what Liu Fang said earlier.

It seems to be talking about Duke Zhuang of Zheng and Gong Shuduan, but any discerning person can hear that it is alluding to the feud between the royal family and the aristocratic families.

Because Liu Fang's previous words were equivalent to saying that aristocratic families were a disaster to the current Han Dynasty, and this sentence slapped Huangfu Gui in the face.

He was the emperor for several generations, and he died a violent death. Who did it? A relative of the emperor's wife!

Although the "relatives by marriage" may sound like the product of imperial power, in reality, aren't they just a large family that holds the emperor hostage to control the court?
Why does the next emperor repeat the same pattern of power falling into the hands of others every time the emperor eliminates his relatives by marriage?

Because new aristocratic families have emerged, either becoming new in-laws or so-called powerful ministers.

Why is this happening? Isn't it because we have been indulging the aristocratic families, only treating the symptoms but not the root cause, and when they become too powerful to be eradicated, the drama of the king and his ministers fighting each other will be repeated.

What did Liu Fang convey to Huangfu Gui at the beginning? What did Emperor Liu Hong mean?

He was trying to find a way to get rid of this cancer of the aristocratic families. If it were someone else, I would definitely not tell the truth. I would just say that I wanted to clear the court and get rid of the eunuchs.

Although your Huangfu family is also a noble family, it is different in Liu Hong's eyes. You are good and they are bad, so he sent me, Liu Fang, to tell you some heartfelt words.

When Huangfu Gui heard this, he was shocked and felt that Liu Fang understood him and the Huangfu family.

Moreover, whether it is Huangfu Gui or the Huangfu family, although they have become members of aristocratic families after years of development in various aspects, their essence is still a family of generals. Although they are in the same boat, they are not corrupt.

Because of this, the words "degree" and "time" mentioned in the scriptures have become very important.

The word "degree" refers to the measure of one's actions.

When Duke Zhuang of Zheng dealt with his brother, if he killed him too early, he would be accused of parricide; if he killed him too late, he would end up nurturing a tiger that would become a threat. In the end, he failed to strike a good balance and undermined the etiquette and human relations.

The word "time" means opportunity.

When the Zhou royal family was in decline, the princes were ready to make moves. Duke Zhuang of Zheng chose the wrong time to take action, and was criticized for this throughout the ages.

What does that mean?

This means that in the past, the royal family dealt with the aristocratic families either with inappropriate measures or at the wrong time.

I, Liu Fang, must grasp the timing and degree, and am ready to take action against the aristocratic families on behalf of the royal family. What do you, Huangfu Gui, think about this?

At this point, Liu Fang specifically mentioned Huangfu Gui's strategy for dealing with the Qiang:

He was not in a hurry to kill them, but waited until the Qiang people were exhausted and then used farming as an inducement to surrender.

This statement seems to be a compliment but is actually meant to flatter Huangfu Gui.

You were a master at calculating "degree" and "time" back then. Isn't my idea now just learning from you?
Huangfu Gui knew it was flattery, but he still found it useful. But if you ask me what I think...

So he took out the Gongyang Chunqiu and asked Liu Fang questions.

The three commentaries on the Spring and Autumn Annals, "Zuo Zhuan", "Gongyang Zhuan" and "Guliang Zhuan", each have their own strengths. "Zuo Zhuan" focuses on historical events, while "Gongyang Zhuan" expounds on "subtle words and profound meanings".

The Gongyang Commentary and the Zuo Zhuan are the representatives of the Modern Text Confucianism and the Ancient Text Confucianism respectively.

Huangfu Gui specifically mentioned the "great unification" in Gongyang Zhuan and also talked about "the noble king's conduct", and his meaning could not be clearer.

That is to say, true unification relies on benevolence, virtue and ethics being deeply rooted in people's hearts, rather than on the use of force to suppress them.

After mentioning the differences between modern and ancient texts, Huangfu Gui added at the end that Liu Fang's idea was in line with the concept of adapting to the times and being flexible in the "Book of Changes".

What does Huangfu Gui mean?

He used the dispute between modern and ancient texts as an introduction to reflect the royal family's previous and current practices towards the aristocratic families.

But he changed the subject and said that no matter which approach is correct, I support your current flexible idea, but he left the question "How do you plan to do it" unsaid.

Liu Fang understood it as soon as he heard it, and continued to talk about the "great unification" proposed by Huangfu Gui.

He first expressed his approval, saying that people's hearts are indeed important. Taking Emperor Guangwu as an example, he also used both kindness and power, and first used power and then kindness.

What else to say?

Liu Fang brought out the remarks of Huangfu Gui's close friend Wang Fu in his book "Qianfu Lun".

What is "Qianfu Lun"?

Not only did he write excellent poetry and prose, but his writings also covered a wide range of subjects, encompassing more than ten fields, making him a "small encyclopedia of the Eastern Han Dynasty." What was Wang Fu's ideology?
To put it simply, it means putting people first, disregarding hierarchy, promoting production, prioritizing education, guarding borders, and opposing superstition.

What is the relationship between Huangfu Gui and Wang Fu?

When Huangfu Gui resigned from his official position and returned home, the prefect came to visit him, but he just lay in bed and ignored him.

When she heard that Wang Fu was coming, she ran out barefoot without even putting on her clothes, took Wang Fu's hand and returned home. They sat together and started chatting, which made him very happy.

Therefore, after Liu Fang brought up Wang Fu, he directly hit Huangfu Gui's sore spot.

Does Liu Fang really want to express the idea of ​​putting people first?
That is true, but more importantly, he wanted to express that great chaos requires great order.

Afterwards, Liu Fang took Wang Jing's river management as an example and once again expressed his attitude, "Don't worry, I will know how to control the situation."

When Huangfu Gui heard this, he agreed in his heart, but he felt that this was really too difficult.

Liu Fang made a metaphorical statement at the end. It was apparently about the issue of "changing the reign title", but in fact he was explaining the situation to Huangfu Gui.

It is also equivalent to making my intention clear, meaning that I am not pushing down the big man, but saving the big man.

What was Huangfu Gui thinking?
This aristocratic family has become as powerful as a dam. If we continue to indulge it, it will eventually burst its banks.

Even if everything is lost, we must fight for a turnaround for the Han Dynasty.

Therefore, Huangfu Gui made the final choice, which was to accompany Liu Fang in this gamble.

He was willing to gamble his entire life and even his future reputation, and was also willing to put the entire Huangfu family on the chessboard.

But for Liu Fang's suspicious character, this is not enough, so a third lock is needed.

People’s hearts are fickle, so the only way is to tie the ropes that connect shared interests and honor and disgrace tighter.

……

When Huangfu Gui closed his eyes to rest, Liu Fang and Huangfu Jie had already sat down at separate tables.

Huangfu Song and Xu Feng stood aside, each holding a pot to add tea, while the other disciples had already left.

Liu Fang chatted about some family matters, then changed the subject and asked casually:

"I've always wondered why Lord Duan Ming isn't among the 'Three Mings of Liangzhou'?"

The so-called Three Ming of Liangzhou are Huangfu Gui, whose courtesy name is Weiming, Zhang Huan, whose courtesy name is Ranming, and Duan Xing, whose courtesy name is Jiming. All three became famous for their rule over the Qiang people, and their courtesy names all contain the character "Ming", hence the name.

Huangfu Jie's courtesy name was Duanming, and even as a courtesy name, it implicitly means "Ming".

Before he finished speaking, Huangfu Song on the side could no longer hold back.

"Your words are well-meaning, Lord Yuan Yi. Duan Yu is just a short-sighted, servile villain. Why does he…"

"Stop talking nonsense."

Huangfu Jie knocked lightly on the table, and Huangfu Song immediately fell silent, lowered his hands and stepped back half a step.

Huangfu Jie turned to Liu Fang and said in a gentle tone:
"Your Excellency Yuan Yi, you may not know that although I was born in Anding, Liangzhou, I have served in Bingzhou since I entered the government. Later, I was stationed in Yanmen, where I spent all day dealing with the Xianbei. My approach to governing the Qiang is different from that of my brothers."

Liu Fang acted as if he was in a daze, then suddenly frowned and asked:

"I've often heard of Duan Jiming's illustrious military achievements, but from what Yizhen said, it seems there's something hidden?"

Huangfu Jie sighed deeply, recalling the past:
"This is a long story. I've known Duan Jiming for a long time..."

"When Weiming, Ranming, and Jiming first joined the army, they were all still young men. They were of similar age and had similar interests, so they often gathered together and became like brothers."

"Later, the three of them gradually accumulated military merits, established their own reputations in Liang Province, and began to lead their own armies."

"It was during this period that the name Liangzhou Sanming emerged, which was also the beginning of their split."

"Weiming believed that the Qiang people should be treated with both kindness and severity. Ranming believed that appeasement should be the primary approach, while Jiming..."

"This is also related to Ji Ming's experience. I believe that Lord Yuan Yi can also predict what happened. In short, his idea is to wipe out the enemy."

"Thus, arguments began to arise between the three of them. Later, Weiming and Ranming came to a consensus, but Jiming became even more determined..."

In fact, Feng Qian had already sorted out all these situations for Liu Fang, but Liu Fang turned a blind eye to them in order to "kill three birds with one stone".

"The 'pacification' of Weiming and Ranming was to first intimidate the people with military might, then move the surrendered Qiang into the interior of the Great Wall, teach them to farm, and gradually assimilate them."

"But Ji Ming's 'suppression' is to kill them all..."

Liu Fang pretended to be in deep thought for a moment and then took over the conversation:
"The Qiang Rebellion has always been a major concern for the Han Dynasty, costing it countless treasuries and grain. This period of discipline is also a good example..."

Huangfu Jie picked up the teacup and stroked the rim with his fingertips:

"That's wrong. Lord Yuan Yi, do you know how many disputes this Qiang Rebellion involves?"

"Behind the Qiang are the Xianbei, Xiongnu, and Wuhuan. These Hu tribes are constantly fighting among themselves, but they share a common hatred for the Han Dynasty."

"Especially the Xiongnu. They once took the Qiang people as vassal states, and during the reign of Emperor An, the Qiang people even established a nation. With such a complex network of forces, how can we simply wipe them out?"

Liu Fang interjected at the right time:

"If that's the case, will the court just sit back and do nothing?"

Huangfu Jie smiled bitterly and said:

"It is precisely because these three people each insisted on their own opinions and submitted memorials arguing with each other for years that the court was at a loss."

"Weiming and Ranming's methods were slow to take effect, and they were impeached by the civil officials. Jiming's methods were too harsh, and he was criticized by scholars all over the world."

"And the Huangfu family felt deeply about what Lord Yuan Yi said about the dangers of aristocratic families..."

Huangfu Jie put down his teacup and sighed:
"All three of them were frustrated by their thwarted ambitions, and this led to increasingly intense conflicts among them."

"Until all three of them were attacked, demoted, or dismissed from their posts. Although there was indeed persecution by the eunuchs, it was actually the aristocratic families who took action to secure the positions of these three provincial governors."

"Although they all returned to the imperial court to serve in the military, there have been significant differences between the three since then..."

"My brother has a temperament that makes him completely disregard the power of the aristocratic families and eunuchs. However, he also has the integrity of a scholar and despises the practices of the court."

"And Ji Ming, although he didn't compromise with the aristocratic families, he completely sided with the eunuchs."

"Brothers have become separated. Although my brother and Ranming are still friends, it is difficult for 'Sanming' to be united anymore."

Liu Fang nodded, looking regretful.

"It's a pity. After all, once..."

Huangfu Song couldn't help but stand up for Huangfu Gui after hearing Huangfu Jie's overly objective words.

"Did Lord Yuan Yi know that during the reign of Emperor Huan, Duan Xing used the power of the eunuchs to suppress his uncle and Lord Ran Ming? He pacified the Western Qiang and Eastern Qiang, seemingly a glorious military achievement, but he destroyed all the years of hard work of his uncle!"

"The surrendered Qiang were already loyal, but he slaughtered them on a large scale, forcing the Hu people outside the Great Wall to unite and hate the Han. He didn't have the ability to be like the Champion Marquis, and his indiscriminate killing only sowed hidden dangers."

"What's even more hateful is that he actually slandered my uncle by saying 'he had been recruited for years, but he surrendered and then rebelled', and accused my uncle of using the enemy as a pretext for gaining power!"

"My uncle has always been upright and ruthless towards officials who fail to act. He will impeach anyone who has a problem. But which of these officials is not a disciple of the officials in the court?"

"So, uncle, these years..."

Before he finished speaking, Huangfu Gui, who was lying on the couch, slowly opened his eyes and said in a deep voice:

"Alright Yizhen, I'll take Yizhen out."

Although Huangfu Jie is more of a warrior than Huangfu Gui, he is not a stupid person.

As soon as Huangfu Gui said this, he immediately understood.

Earlier, Liu Fang used the example of Duke Zhuang of Zheng and Gong Shuduan to allude to the royal family and aristocratic families, but there was another meaning...

Duan Xing's ancestor was Gong Shuduan. Mentioning these things at this moment clearly means that they want to target Duan Xing first.

Liu Fang stood up and nodded and smiled at Huangfu Gui.

After Huangfu Jie and his son left, Huangfu Gui stopped closing his eyes and spoke softly:
"Lord Yuan Yi, please speak frankly..."

(End of this chapter)