dognovel Chapter 236 Zhang Ji passed away, leaving behind his fiancée, Zou Shi?
Chapter 236 Zhang Ji passed away, leaving behind his fiancée, Zou Shi?
Shouchuncheng
In the original Yuan Mansion
The news of Cao Ren and Chen Deng's great victory over Sun Ce was also delivered by the intelligence corps an hour earlier.
Upon learning of this, Cao Cao immediately wrote a report, intending to present it to Liu Xie after returning to Xuchang, to promote Cao Ren and Chen Deng to higher ranks and titles.
Although both of them are typical examples of people who got in through connections.
However, even those with connections have to go through some procedures, not to mention that with meritorious service, promotions and titles will only be faster!
"Sun Ce of Jiangdong is nothing special."
Cao Cao held Sun Ce in utter contempt.
It seems that the defeated warlords of Jiangdong were just a motley crew, which allowed Sun Ce to gain an advantage.
But Su Yu knew that Sun Ce wasn't actually that bad.
The main problem is that this time Sun Ce didn't bring any real strategists with him, but instead brought Sun Quan as his military advisor.
So, is Sun Quan even capable of fighting?
If he had listened to Sun Quan, it would have been strange if he hadn't suffered a crushing defeat at Guangling!
but.
With Cao Cao about to face Yuan Shao in full-scale conflict, he simply cannot spare the resources to attack Sun Ce.
It would be essential to build a new city at Hefei, south of Shouchun, and implement a scorched-earth policy to defend against the Jiangdong army.
As for who the commander should be, Su Yu already had the most suitable candidate in mind.
When he recommended the candidate to Cao Cao, Cao Cao immediately agreed.
a quarter of an hour later
Zhang Liao was summoned to the city lord's mansion.
Upon learning that it was Cao Cao and Su Yu who had summoned him, Zhang Liao had a vague idea in his mind.
"Wen Yuan, I, Cao, wish to petition the court to appoint you as the Prefect of Shouchun and General Who Subdues Rebels!"
"From now on, I will have you stationed at Hefei, how about that?"
Cao Cao asked Zhang Liao in a consultative tone.
After all, he knew Zhang Liao's abilities.
If Zhang Liao was unwilling to serve as the garrison commander of Hefei, even if he took office, he wouldn't be able to unleash his full potential.
But Zhang Liao was also a shrewd person.
How could he not know that the reason he was nominated as the Prefect of Shouchun and the General Who Punishes Rebels was all because of Su Yu's merits!
Zhang Liao slightly cupped his hands and immediately clasped his fists towards Cao Cao, saying:
"Thank you for your kindness, my lord. I am willing to defend our territory and will never allow the Jiangdong troops to invade my Huainan land!"
Cao Cao nodded with satisfaction.
Although the title of "General Who Punishes Rebels" is not a major general title, it is almost at the top level among miscellaneous general titles.
Cao Cao's camp currently has no generals with high ranks.
Zhang Liao received a meteoric rise in his career.
Moreover, just because Zhang Liao was appointed as the garrison commander of Hefei did not mean that he had to stay in Hefei indefinitely.
When there were important battles at the front, Cao Cao would also transfer Zhang Liao there.
This has always been the case in history.
After defeating Sun Quan at Xiaoyao Ford, Zhang Liao followed Cao Cao to Liangzhou to quell a rebellion the following year.
Even during the Battle of Hanzhong, when Cao Cao and Liu Bei were locked in a fierce battle, Zhang Liao was almost transferred there.
However, the order was temporarily lifted because of the precaution against Sun Quan taking the opportunity to move north.
The methods of employing people are completely different in a chaotic world of division and a peaceful world of unification.
In times of peace, the generals guarding the borders, especially those guarding the frontiers, might spend most of their lives there, unable to return to the capital for the New Year.
But in chaotic times, those with ability rise to the top.
A capable general may hold multiple positions concurrently.
After thanking Cao Cao, Zhang Liao bowed to Su Yu, who was standing to the side, to express his gratitude.
Ability is one thing, but sometimes finding the right mentor is the most important thing.
……
After Zhang Liao left, Cao Cao and Su Yu summoned Liu Ye.
As a native of Huainan, Liu Ye was quite familiar with the local customs and the various local powers and factions in Huainan.
Considering that the position of Prefect of Shouchun had already been given to Zhang Liao.
Cao Cao eventually appointed Liu Ye as the "Chancellor of Huainan".
Huainan was not a separate prefecture, but a directly administered prefecture that combined several counties, including Shouchun, Lujiang, and Jiujiang.
In such directly administered counties, the highest-ranking administrative official is a minister.
For example, Kong Rong served as the Prefect of Beihai, and Bao Xin served as the Prefect of Jibei.
But it's worth mentioning.
Although Liu Ye was the Chancellor of Huainan, he only had the power to govern domestic affairs.
Military power was in the hands of Zhang Liao.
When faced with important matters, it is necessary for the two of them to work together and discuss the matter.
This is also a typical means of checks and balances.
Regardless, both Liu Ye and Zhang Liao received meteoric promotions.
In a few days, Cao Cao would return to the capital and go back to Xuchang.
With the death of Yuan Shu, the capture of Yuan Yao, and the complete annihilation of the Zhong Dynasty, the news spread like wildfire, quickly reaching all the provinces of the Han Dynasty.
……
Wancheng
Thirty thousand Xiliang soldiers were dressed in white mourning clothes.
Even those without white mourning clothes wear white items on their wrists to signify their attendance at the funeral.
City Lord's Mansion
Zhang Xiu was dressed in white robes and armor, his brows furrowed with sorrow.
Just three days ago, his uncle Zhang Ji died from injuries sustained while hunting.
Since Zhang Ji had no sons, his army naturally passed on to his nephew Zhang Xiu.
Thus, Zhang Xiu became the successor to the 30,000-strong Xiliang army.
However, Uncle Zhang Ji left behind a major problem that had to be solved.
A week before Zhang Ji's death, he took a liking to the eldest daughter of the Zou family in Wancheng and sent someone to arrange a marriage between them.
This was because Zhang Ji's first wife had already passed away.
Zhang Ji generously reserved the position of principal wife for the eldest daughter of the Zou family.
But before he could marry the eldest daughter of the Zou family, he was injured while hunting and tragically passed away.
What should we do about this?
The Zou family was considered one of the most prominent families in Wancheng.
Zhang Ji's decision to marry the eldest daughter of the Zou family was not a simple whim.
He wanted to establish long-term rule in Wancheng.
But now, Zhang Jiren is dead.
How can he marry the eldest daughter of the Zou family?
If they don't marry, the Zou family will definitely have objections to Zhang Ji and Zhang Xiu, uncle and nephew.
Don't underestimate the rumors and gossip of this era.
Cai Yan and Wei Zhongdao were not married when Wei Zhongdao passed away.
From then on, Cai Yan was known as a woman who brought misfortune to her husbands.
Cai Yong was so worried about getting Cai Yan married that his hair turned white.
And now.
Although Zhang Ji is dead.
Zhang Xiu needed to continue stationing himself in Wancheng, so he naturally needed to maintain good relations with powerful families like the Zou family.
If the issue of the eldest daughter of the Zou family is not handled properly, it will be like planting a time bomb for oneself!
but.
Zhang Xiu already had a wife, who was also from a prominent family in Wancheng.
We can't just divorce the original wife for the sake of the eldest daughter of the Zou family, can we?
However, if the position of concubine were reserved for the Zou family, the Zou family would certainly not be happy.
Zhang Xiu was distressed and at a loss.
"My lord, Mr. Jia Xu has arrived."
Hu Che'er jogged into the city lord's mansion and reported to Zhang Xiu.
"Mr. Wenhe has arrived?"
Zhang Xiu quickly went outside to greet him.
At this moment, the city lord's mansion was filled with people who came to mourn Zhang Ji.
Of course, most of them were subordinates of Zhang Ji and Zhang Xiu, but there were also a few representatives sent by Liu Biao.
Jia Xu entered the city lord's mansion, wearing the white mourning clothes he had worn for Zhang Ji's funeral.
After scanning his surroundings, Jia Xu gave Zhang Xiu a slight bow and said in a low voice:
"My lord, there are too many people outside. Let's discuss matters inside."
Zhang Xiu nodded frantically, like a chick pecking at rice.
With Mr. Wenhe's arrival, we have a pillar of support!
……