Chapter 49: Court Game, Candidate for Governor of Jizhou?
Three days later, Xindu, the capital of Jizhou, was captured, and Han Fu's life or death was unknown.

The entire Jizhou fell except Zhongshan County.

Cheng Zhiyuan, the commander of Youzhou, who had just captured Yi County and was preparing to march to Zhuo County, also received news of the defeat of Deng Mao and Gao Sheng.

He originally wanted to lead his troops to Zhongshan, but when he heard that there was a powerful general at the level of a heavenly general in Zhongshan, his enthusiasm instantly cooled.

"When the Yellow Turban warriors sent by the Great Sage arrive, even the Heavenly General will die in our hands."

"The blood of our brothers will not be shed in vain. When the time comes, let the Ye family and the Zhen family pay for their blood debt with blood."

Cheng Zhiyuan spoke to his leader in a timid tone.

The other leaders also breathed a sigh of relief and agreed one after another.

They were not the lowest-level Yellow Turban soldiers, and they did not blindly believe in the great sage Zhang Jue.

At least after conquering several counties in succession, they had good food and drink, and had women to play with. They were unwilling to go to Zhongshan, where General Tian was in charge, and die in vain.

At the same time, Emperor Liu Hong of Luoyang also received urgent reports from various places. The news that all the letters had been broken made him even more furious.

"waste!"

"waste!!"

In Chongde Hall, Emperor Liu Hong cursed angrily: "Jizhou is the richest of the thirteen states of the Han Dynasty, and it is also the transportation center of grain and grass for the northern land to fight against Wuhuan."

"Such an important place was breached within five days."

"What's the use of Han Fu?"

"Find him for me, no matter if he's dead or alive, cut him into pieces!!!"

Among the servants and ministers, those who were on good terms with Han Fu were all silent and did not dare to talk back to the emperor at this time. Otherwise, even if they could save their heads, they would surely be beaten.

The emperor has been moody lately and no one wants to offend him.

"Start your Majesty!"

The sudden report made Yuan Huai, who was one of the three ministers, have a gleam of light in his eyes. He glanced behind and saw that it was Cai Mao who came out. Recalling the news from Jizhou, he immediately understood.

But Cai Mao stepped forward and bowed: "Although Xindu has been destroyed, Jizhou has not been lost."

"Zhongshan Governor Ye Zhang and his son Ye Feng, with the help of the Zhen Family Chamber of Commerce's guards, gathered the able-bodied men recruited from all over the county, and have repelled 30,000 Yellow Turban bandits and stabilized their position."

"We only need to wait for General Lu Zhi to lead his troops north to fight the rebels. Then we can attack them from both inside and outside, destroy the Yellow Turban rebels, and kill their leader Zhang Jue."

The emperor Liu Hong naturally knew the news as well. He stroked his beard and nodded frequently, "A few days ago, the evil Taoist Zhang Jiao tried to damage the foundation of our Han Dynasty. Thanks to the auspicious divine stone sent by Ye Zhang, the evil magic was blocked."

"I originally wanted to reward him, but I didn't expect that among all the places where the Yellow Turban rebels were rampant, only Zhongshan fought the most beautiful battle."

"I have always rewarded those who have made contributions and punished those who have made mistakes!"

"My dear ministers, what should I do to reward you?"

"We must not let the meritorious officials down no matter what, especially those who spread rumors that the five-colored dragon was not a traitor to the Han Dynasty's destiny."

"Don't let me find out where these messages came from, or I will show no mercy."

His gloomy eyes swept over the people present.

Even some ministers who had disagreed with Cai Yong's political views in the past did not dare to say much at this moment.

Seeing the complete silence in the hall, Liu Hong looked at Cai Yong and said, "Lord Cai, what do you think should be the reward?"

Cai Yong straightened his back and bowed, saying, "The life and death of Jizhou Governor Han Fu is uncertain, and the rest of the counties are in disarray. Even if there are fish that slip through the net, the loyal and righteous people can only fight on their own. How can they pose a threat to the traitors?"

"Why not let Ye Zhang take over as the governor of Jizhou? As long as we raise the banner, loyal and righteous people will surely come to us. Then, with the support of both inside and outside forces, it will be a piece of cake to destroy the Yellow Turban rebels?"

"As for Ye Feng, although he is young, he is extremely brave and once rescued me from a group of over a hundred bandits. At this time of national crisis, you can give him the position of captain, so that all heroes in the world will know your majesty's determination to reward those who have made contributions."

After a brief silence, several ministers who were on good terms with Cai Yong bowed and said, "I second the motion!"

"Master Cai is absolutely right!!"

"No!"

"Your Majesty, you must not do this!"

Before the words of agreement were finished, Grand Tutor Yuan Huai stepped forward to express his opposition.

Liu Hong frowned slightly. Although he was unhappy, the Yuan family had three dukes in four generations, and their influence in the court was not small. He could only patiently ask, "What's wrong with that?"

Yuan Huai bowed and said, "Jizhou is the richest province in the world, and its location is extremely important. If something unexpected happens, Youzhou will be cut off immediately, and the area north of the Yellow River will be controlled by the rebels."

"For such an important place, we should choose someone who is both civil and military as the governor."

"Zhongshan Governor Ye Zhang has been in office for more than ten years, but has not made many achievements. He is also keen on discussions. However, the Ye Family Chamber of Commerce has been booming in the past six months."

"It shows that this person either abuses his power for personal gain or is selfish and only cares about his own interests."

"How can such a person be the head of a state, the governor of Jizhou?"

"His son Ye Feng is young and somewhat brave, but his qualifications are not enough to support Jizhou, so we need to find other talents, otherwise Jizhou will be in danger!"

"Your Majesty, please think again!"

As soon as Yuan Huai finished speaking, the general He Jin, who was headed by the military officers, bowed and clasped his fists, saying, "What the Grand Master said is very true."

"I have specially checked Ye Zhang's political achievements. They have always been mediocre, and none of them have been excellent. It is obvious that he is not a man of great talent and determination."

Once the heads of civil and military affairs expressed their intentions, the other officials naturally followed suit.

Even the few people who had just stood up to speak for Cai Yong remained silent, and even showed a hint of fear on their faces.

Cai Yong frowned slightly, glanced at Yuan Huai and He Jin, sighed lightly, and said no more.

However, Emperor Liu Hong, who was still considering it, saw that the civil and military officials had the same opinion, and the gloom in his eyes became even darker.

"Who do you think can be the governor of Jizhou?"

He Jin stepped forward impatiently: "Yuan Shao, the commander of the Si Li army."

"This person is both civil and military, and his family is reliable. He should take on this important task!"

Yuan Huai's mouth curled up slightly, and after a moment he hurried forward, clasped his fists, and shook his head: "General, no!"

"Benchu ​​is still young and has never served as a local official. How could he rise to the top of a state in one step?"

“No, no!!”

He Jin said: "The Grand Master is of high character and integrity, which makes people admire him."

"It's just that we promote the best regardless of our relationship. The Yuan family is loyal and dedicated, and everyone in the world knows it."

"The country is in crisis right now. We should step forward and wipe out the rebels to restore the peace and prosperity of the country. You can't refuse."

The other officials also echoed: "Taifu is too modest!"

"I have also heard that Yuan Benchu ​​is a wise man, both civil and military, and a rare talent. If he is sent to Jizhou, he will surely be able to cooperate with General Lu to defeat the traitor Zhang Jiao."

"Wei Chen seconded the proposal!"

"Seconded!!"

While they were speaking in support of the motion, they all followed General He Jin and knelt on the ground.

Except for Yuan Huai, Cai Mao and a few others, all the others in Chongde Hall recommended Yuan Shao, which can be described as "all of them are of one mind and all the court agrees".
(End of this chapter)