August, Luoyang.

Surrounded by Cao Wei's high-ranking officials, Cao Pi ascended the throne in Luoyang and succeeded to the throne of the Son of Heaven.

After Cao Pi ascended the throne, Zhen was appointed as the queen and Guo was the noble concubine. In order to celebrate Cao Pi's accession to the throne, Liu Xie, the Duke of Shanyang, followed the example of Empress E's daughter Ying, and entered the palace with the second daughter under his knees.

Immediately afterwards, Shang Shufu shot Chen Qun's nine-grade official law, and the central government was sparse. In Cao Pi, in order to win over the scholars, he agreed to the edict. Under the edict of the world, in the county built-in Zhongzheng, with the level of talents.

Although the Nine Grades of Officials Law was created by Chen Qun, its fundamental idea came from the policy of selecting officials based on merit in the middle and late stages of Cao Cao's reign.

Cao Cao's selection of talents is divided into two stages, in the early days of Cao Cao due to the lack of talents, coupled with Yuan Shao in Hebei, so he repeatedly ordered to seek talents, not to be superior to morality, to attract the world's corporals to work.

Especially after welcoming the Han Emperor Liu Xie, Cao Cao, with the blessing of the Han Emperor, the Central Plains scholars flocked to him. Since it was a period of power expansion, the official position was sufficient, and there was no such thing as deliberately suppressing the nobles.

and defeated Yuan Shao, Cao Cao occupied the four states of Hebei and You, and entered the middle and late stages. In order to absorb Hebei scholars, Cao Cao ordered the promotion of the policy of selecting talents, that is, the county guard concurrently served as the function of promoting talents and recommended talents to Cao Cao.

This election talent system is not much different from the filial piety and honesty promoted by the Eastern Han Dynasty from the perspective of the operation process. It is only that the assessment of talents has been changed from Shangshutai to Cao Cao's overlordship.

However, Cao Cao referred to the way of selecting talents in the Eastern Han Dynasty and the disadvantages of the filial piety system, and made changes to the content of election and assessment of talents. That is, the "reference form" of the Eastern Han Dynasty was changed to "the theory of the hometown".

The Eastern Han Dynasty reference form is a specific description of people's moral ability, emphasizing virtue and weak ability.

Cao Wei's theory of the township, the comments of the weak examination and the heavy township party. According to the comments of the villagers, the county guard is divided into different grades of talents, and talents are recommended to the center.

At the beginning of the day, the local county guards needed to rely on the scholars to govern the people and collect taxes from the local people, especially Cao Cao in order to appease the locality, so the county guards were mostly appointed by celebrities and village sages.

Therefore, Cao Wei's implementation of the Nine-Rank Official Law was actually only a patch to the filial piety system, rather than a major replacement. Therefore, the adverse effects are almost the same as those of filial piety.

Under this selection system, if you are too virtuous, most of the recommended talents are meritocracy. And because the right to speak is at the local grassroots, with the passage of time, it is gradually controlled by the local scholars.

This is also why, Huo Jun and Lu Su often said that if they surrender to Cao Cao, with their status, they can only engage in the official position of Cao Cao in the county. If they are lucky and their qualifications can be improved, they can be tired into the state and county as officials. It is almost impossible to expect to become a central member and compete with the Central Plains clan.

As mentioned above, the implementation of the Jiupin Official Law has actually strengthened the voice of the local scholars.

As for the nine-product Zhongzheng system implemented by Cao Cao's father and son, why can it derive the gate valve clan in the Wei and Jin dynasties?

This is related to the Jiupin Zhongzheng System 2.0 launched by Sima Yi.

Historically, when Cao Rong died, Sima Yi had already realized that the local clans had too much discourse power, which was very unfavorable to the selection of talents, and had a tendency to weaken the authority of the center. It is necessary to transfer the right to select talents to the center, that is, to set up a state center.

In the early days, Cao Shuang advocated the old policy and vetoed Sima Yi's policy. However, after the Luoshui Change, Sima Yi took charge of the court, and because he had personal thoughts, he continued to implement the Jiupin Zhongzheng System 2.0.

The right to speak in the selection of talents is controlled by the center, and where the imperial power is weak, it is easy to form an enduring gate valve family.

Now Cao Pi is impatient to implement the Nine Grades Official Law, not because he does not know the disadvantages of its system, but because he knows that his qualifications and prestige are not as good as Cao Cao, in order to take power and stabilize the local counties, he needs to implement policies in exchange for the support of the grassroots and enhance the affinity between the local nobles and the center.

Outside, there are clans that hold military power, and there are scholars who choose their own talents. Coupled with Cao Cao's legacy of Yu En, and Cao Pi's prestige for many years. Even if Cao Cao died of illness, the impact on Cao Wei was not so great.

Therefore, Ma Chao, who gradually became rebellious, did not dare not go to Luoyang to participate in Cao Pi's succession ceremony.

However, there was something unforeseeable, Ma Chao was one step late due to illness, did not catch up with Cao Pi's ceremony, and even pulled down the banquet, which made Ma Chao very frightened.

In the Luoyang Palace, Cao Pi attacked the Xuanhuang crown clothes, embroidered with gold silk dragon patterns, and gradually had the demeanor of a king's majesty.

Browsing through the letters played by the Taishou in various places, Cao Pi's expression was more natural.

The attendant walked into the hall and said, "Your Majesty, the former general Ma Chao is already waiting outside the hall!" ”

"Ma Mengqi?"

Cao Pi's eyes narrowed slightly, and his expression showed displeasure.

"The former general Yan fell ill on the way and had to stay in Chang'an for a few days to rest, so he didn't catch up with His Majesty's succession ceremony." The squire said truthfully.

Cao Pi raised his eyebrows slightly, and said lightly: "Since you are late in Luoyang, let Ma Chao wait outside the palace for a while!" ”

"No!"

At the table, Sima Yi bent down and arched his hand, and said: "Your Majesty, Ma Chao got sick on the way, and he had to stay as a last resort, which is understandable. Now that His Majesty has succeeded to the throne, it is advisable to win the hearts of the people, and not to make Ma Chao resentful. ”

Sima Yi worked in Jingzhou for less than two years, and because of his deep relationship with Cao Pi, Sima Yi was transferred back to the court as a waiter, and he was forbidden to enter and leave without restraint.

Cao Pi put down the song and said: "In the past, Ma Chao and Zang Ba divided the east and west, and the military and politics came out by themselves, and they didn't know the center, nor did they know the Son of Heaven. Now the first emperor died, Qingzhou soldiers and horses clamored, Ma Chao came late to see it, if he didn't accept his soldiers and horses, how could he say that the country was unified? ”

After Cao Cao's death, Taishan County guarded Lu Qian, and there were military families fleeing in Yanqingxu, or there was a commotion in the garrison.

Cao Pi had no one on his side, so he could only order Lu Qian as a messenger to thoroughly investigate the escape of the Qingxu military household, and ordered Zang Ba not to leave the garrison without permission.

Now that Ma Chao was late for the ceremony due to illness, Cao Pi has stripped the two of them off their military power, and made them stay in Luoyang with the intention of being a high-ranking official. Of course, the intention is intentional, Cao Pi does not dare to operate like this for the time being, so he can only express his thoughts to his cronies on the left and right.

Sima Yi's eyebrows furrowed slightly, and he said, "Your Majesty has a detailed strategy?" ”

Cao Pi smiled and said, "I want to seize the military power of Zang and Ma in the name of the Western Expedition and the Southern Expedition, and then treat them with honor." Under the army, how dare the two of them make a move, but surrender to me! ”

Sima Yi stroked his beard and said, "Although Ma Chao is superior in martial arts, he is a man of many times. In the past, the first emperor was forced by the situation, but now the first emperor collapsed, and Yi was afraid that Ma Chao gradually felt uneasy. Since Your Majesty wants to reduce his military power, it is advisable to comfort and comfort him in order to show His Majesty's benevolence. ”

"And the early peace of the government, Your Majesty can conquer Hanzhong in the name of Zhaoma Chao to Guanzhong. Then he cut his military power and gave him an honorary official position. ”

Cao Pi thought for a little and said: "Ma Chao's wives and children are all in Yecheng, or they may have rebellious thoughts, but they should not have the heart of rebellion. What Zhong Da said is the best policy, and I must accept it. ”

"Someone is coming, the former general Ma Chao has entered the palace."

"No!"

After a while, Ma Chao took off his sword, and with a nervous mood, he entered the palace to meet Cao Pi.

Seeing Cao Pi on the steps, Ma Chao knelt down and saluted, and said: "The former general Chao pays a visit to Your Majesty, and may Your Majesty enjoy eternal blessings and help the world." ”

Cao Pi looked at Ma Chao in the hall, a flash of dissatisfaction flashed in his eyes, and he said intimidatingly: "The princes of the Xiyu Society will be slaughtered in Tushan because of the wind. Today, the whole world celebrates, why is Qing late to Luoyang, neither can participate in the ceremony, nor can he go to the banquet, why is this? ”

As soon as these words came out, Ma Chao's expression changed greatly, and he peeked around at the attendants who were staring at him, and his heart was full of panic.

Although Ma Chao is a takeo in Kansai, it does not mean that Ma Chao is not a person who learns poetry and books, on the contrary, he is familiar with "Spring and Autumn".

Xi Yu was in Huiji Mountain to meet the princes of the alliance, and the wind was delayed because of saving the people, and finally arrived late in Huiji Mountain, and was executed by Yu.

Yu mastered the customs and customs of Kyushu in China because of water control, and gradually became the overlord of the world. At that time, Yu often went to Huiji Mountain to verify the household registration of the princes, and the princes all went.

Although the Fengfeng clan was the primary contributor to the Yu water control period, he was also a prince. Therefore, Yu was guilty of killing him because of the late arrival of the Feng clan, which was actually emphasizing his authority and making the princes awe and submit.

Today, Cao Pi asked Ma Chao with this, but he was actually threatening Ma Chao with a change of direction, and asked Ma Chao if he had any different intentions.

These words not only frightened Ma Chao, but Sima Yi also changed color.

Sima Yi didn't expect Cao Pishang to promise him not to scare Ma Chao at all times, and when he saw Ma Chao at the beginning of this day, he gave Ma Wei a dismount.

Fortunately, Ma Chao had a little knowledge, calmed down, and said in that humble tone: "Your Majesty, the minister heard that Yu was patrolling south and killed the minister, because his virtue was declining, so he began to use his actions to threaten the princes. Today, when the minister was born in the world of Zhou Xing, he knew the virtue of King Wen and heard the power of King Wu, and he was expected to be able to avoid the punishment of the wind. ”

"Haha"

Hearing this, Cao Pi raised his head and smiled, he was very satisfied with Ma Chao's answer. It seems that this is the only way to declare that he is Ma Chao's monarch, and Ma Chao does not dare to rebel.

"Be exempt!"

Cao Pi helped Ma Chao out of thin air, and praised: "Qing is a person from Kansai, but I didn't expect to have such knowledge, which should be impressive." ”

Listening to these obvious words of regional discrimination, although Ma Chao was disgusted in his heart, he didn't dare to refute it, and said respectfully: "When the ministers govern the army, they don't dare to forget the scriptures, and they often study when they go in and out. ”

"Hmm!"

Cao Pi smiled and said: "Qing Xialu defeated Zhang Fei and captured more than 10,000 people, which is the strategy of the general. Now Xian knows the scriptures, and he should have the ability to be a good minister. ”

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your praise!"

Ma Chao arched his hand and said: "Since the ministers ruled the military capital, many generals have broken the enemy to repay the emperor's kindness. Unfortunately, the first emperor died, and the ministers were saddened when they heard it. Fortunately, His Majesty succeeded to the throne, and the ministers are willing to do their best to be loyal and live up to the trust of His Majesty. ”

Cao Pi bowed slightly, and deliberately asked: "Qing's loyalty, I already know everything." However, the water thieves rebelled in the south, I have the intention of cutting down Shu, and now Qing has ruled the southwest for a long time, I don't know if there is a good way to teach me? ”

Ma Chao pondered for a while and said: "Your Majesty, Hanzhong, is the barrier of Bashu, and Your Majesty wants to lower your Chin Shu, for Hanzhong." In the meantime, the mountains are lofty, like hell, and it is difficult to enter and exit, and it is difficult to cut down quickly. Lu Xun, the governor of the old Han Dynasty, moved to the Bashu military, and the current person is He Qi. He Qi is a general, and he is slightly proficient, and he is not enough to attack but be prepared. ”

"In the opinion of the ministers, Your Majesty wants to lower the Bashu, in order to order the army to attack Hanzhong, and lead the people of Bashu to the north. When Bashu was empty and unprepared, the minister was willing to lead the elite cavalry to attack the Baishui Trail, first plundered the Bashu city, blocked the water thieves and horses from advancing westward, and then sent the army to the north, and attacked Hanzhong on the back of the abdomen to help His Majesty support Bashu. ”

In order to win Cao Pi's trust, Ma Chao presented his plan for Bashu for many years.

The rule of the Southern Han in Bashu is not very stable, and in Ma Chao's conception, if he can sit in the northwest. will feint to attack Hanzhong, attract the attention of the Shu soldiers, and actually sneak into Bashu by taking the White Water Road.

Based on his observation for many years, once he is allowed to enter Bashu, there will be no one in Bashu to fight to the death. As long as he takes Jiangzhou in advance and locks the road to the west of the Yangtze River, Bashu will be owned by him. At that time, Hanzhong was lonely outside the territory, and he could easily be taken down by him.

As Ma Chao thought, Cao Pi heard about the strategy of taking Shu, regardless of its feasibility, and his interest increased greatly.

"Longren Yanqing has the ability to believe and cloth, and now I see it, and it is as he said!"

Cao Pi smiled and said: "The affairs of the southwest today are handled by Qingduo. And the center is stable, I led the army to Guanzhong, and Qing led the strong army south to Bashu. ”

"No!"

Ma Chao looked excited, and arched his hand and said: "Your Majesty, the minister is a general, far away from the frontier, and there is often a feeling of outsiders separating the minister and the king. The minister will return to Wudu in the near future, and in the future, can the letter from His Majesty be recorded in the letter. If there is no number on the back of the letter, it is not the letter of the minister, nor is it the edict of His Majesty. ”

As he spoke, Ma Chao kowtowed a few times and said sincerely: "The minister has the grace of the first emperor, and the family is all in Ye, so he is only loyal to His Majesty." However, Lu Xun and his people have many bad schemes. The minister was afraid that Lu Xun's false ministers would send a letter, so he sent it to Guanzhong to make His Majesty suspicious. When His Majesty is suspicious, then Lu Xun's treacherous plan is also! ”

Now Ma Chao is becoming more and more scheming, he knows that he has been in contact with Lu Xun for a long time, and he has too many hands in Lu Xun's hands. If Lu Xun forced himself to rebel, he would inevitably forge a surrender letter, and he would not be able to speak clearly at that time.

If there is a mark on the back of the letter, explain in advance the conspiracy that Lu Xun may use, not only can prevent Lu Xun from forcing himself to rebel. can also be prepared for Cao Wei, so as not to be booby-trapped by others.

Cao Pi pondered for a while, and said with a smile: "Qing's words are very good, now you and I can use three points as the number, if you don't believe in three points, it is not the letter of you and my monarchs." Lu Xun is treacherous, I must be on guard, please rest assured. ”

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Ma Chao bowed his head and thanked him.

After Ma Chao left the hall, Sima Yi frowned slightly and said: "Ma Chao's words are deceitful, and today's words are not pertinent. And now he is asking His Majesty for a note, which shows how treacherous his actions are, and His Majesty must not be gullible. ”

"Zhongda rest assured!"

Cao Pi was full of confidence and said: "Ma Chao went to Luoyang to pay homage, which shows that he has no intention of rebellion. If you want to capture him now, just a few people can do it. If you don't kill him now, you will be promised to believe in grace, and you should temporarily settle Ma Chao, so as not to rebel against his old department. When the time comes, I am in the pass, and Ma Chao must surrender by offering troops. ”

As he spoke, Cao Pi looked at Sima Yi and said, "Yanling has military power, and it is advisable to be prepared for an expedition to Liaodong. Qing is a servant, and I am wary of this matter. Where Liaodong Ke, Qing does not need to inform me, autobiography edict and army, Xuan Yan Linggong returned to Beijing, so as not to change. ”

Listening to Cao Pi's words, Ma Chao did not rebel for the time being, and Sima Yi didn't say much, so he could only respond.

(End of chapter)