Chapter 356 How to choose the successor?

The tenth year of Jian'an (205).

The Black Mountain Army rose again, the Taihang Mountains were in turmoil, and countless people left their homes.

The cause turned out to be the great peace in Hebei. Seeing that the time for reckoning was approaching, the bandits wanted to surrender and seek an official position. However, Jin Mao would not reward even good officials at will, let alone a group of bandits.

The Han envoy directly told Zhang Fang, the leader of the Black Mountain Army, that he could surrender, but he had no chance of getting an official position! Everyone had to start from the bottom.

Zhang Fang is the son of the former leader Zhang Yan. He has low prestige in the Black Mountain Army and is unable to control the various generals under him. This is also the root cause of the problem left after Zhang Yan was killed by Yuan Shao.

In fact, Zhang Fang was willing to obey the arrangements, but the Black Mountain Army today was no longer the same as before. It was called an army, but in fact it was just a mob of bandits and robbers.

Therefore, when the other dozen or so commanders disagreed, Zhang Fang could only openly raise the banner of rebellion and secretly communicate with the Han envoys in the hope of being treated leniently.

In fact, Zhang Fang’s little plan could not escape Jia Xu’s sharp eyes and was seen through immediately.

It's just a disguised form of Zhao'an, who knows if it's just an act.

But times have changed.

In the past, the Black Mountain Army was able to roam the Taihang Mountains. That was a product of the times born under the background of the constraints of various princes. Now that the country is unified, not to mention domestic forces, even foreign forces are unable to help.

Therefore, Jia Xu drafted the edict, Jin Mao stamped it, and the edict was sent to the Northeast Army and Youzhou Tuqi.

Within ten days, the Black Mountain Army's outer defenses were lost, and in just one month, the Taihang Mountains were plowed, leaving only two or three kittens.

The leader of the Black Mountain Army, Zhang Fang, was captured before he had the chance to surrender and had to start from the very bottom.

Other generals were not so lucky. The Han army was not best at fighting, but at subjugating the three tribes. They were extremely skilled at that.

Not only that, Jia Xu also took advantage of this incident and publicized it widely, making it known to everyone in the country. In just three months, the Construction Bureau had an additional 300,000 free laborers.

Some of these people became bandits, some roamed the water, and some roamed the mountains and forests. None of them were good people.

Normally, if it was just a robbery on the road, as long as the matter was not serious, Jin Mao would not bother to pay attention to it. But now that Jia Xu has revealed this trick, who dares to disobey?
If you don’t obey, you will have to go into the mountains and forests and become a savage.

That’s how the previous scene happened.

When Jin Mao heard the news, he was very happy and rewarded Jia Xu lavishly, making him the Marquis of Ting, and rewarding him with 10,000 taels of silver, as well as a number of fertile fields and silks.

This scared Jia Xu so much that he wanted to resign for several days.

"Wenhe, if you are dissatisfied with anything, just tell me directly. I will try my best to satisfy you."

Jia Xu sighed and said, "Your Highness is going to put me on the fire. From now on, I, Jia Xu, will probably become a thorn in the eyes and flesh of my colleagues."

Jin Mao suddenly realized that it was no wonder that Jia Xu insisted that Jia Mu resign last time. It turned out that the reason was here.

Jin Mao's expression froze when he heard this, then he smiled and said, "Wenhe, you worry too much. I know you are very smart and you understand people's hearts, but this reward is really what you deserve. If your talent is buried in the countryside, it will be a great misfortune for the country. As for the gossip among colleagues, you don't have to take it to heart. I, Jin Mao, only employ people based on their talents, not their backgrounds, and I am not afraid of what others say. If you are really worried, I will give you the power of 'holding the seal', so that you can act according to your own circumstances without having to ask for instructions on everything, so as to reduce unnecessary disputes."

Jia Xu was moved when he heard this, but still had a worried look on his face: "Your Highness, I am grateful for your kindness. However, the greater the power, the greater the responsibility. I am afraid that I am not up to the task and will make a mistake for Your Highness's important task."

Jin Mao took a few steps forward and personally helped Jia Xu, who was about to kneel, up. His eyes were firm: "Wenhe, you and I have known each other for many years, and I have always believed in your ability. Moreover, with a think tank like you by my side, I can stand firm in this chaotic world and plan for great achievements. You just need to assist me wholeheartedly, and I will clear the obstacles for you for the rest."

After saying this, Jin Mao turned around and told the guards standing beside him, "Pass the order down. From now on, the seal held by Lord Jia Xu is the same as my presence in person. Anyone who dares to obstruct or neglect it will be severely punished!"

"Your Highness, you can't do that!" Jia Xu suggested, "Your Highness, I appreciate your kindness. This matter doesn't need to be done this way. An imperial edict will do it."

Jin Mao said with great interest: "Tell me about it."

Jia Xu bowed and said, "Your Highness is clear about rewards and punishments, and governs the world with benevolence and justice. However, the situation today is different from the past. Without a detailed reward and punishment system, the ministers cannot estimate their own contributions."

Jin Mao suddenly realized that it was true. Today, everyone's status and position are no longer the same as before. There are ten generals now. However, Jin Mao has the final say on everyone's appointment and dismissal.

In the short term, this is very convenient, but over time, people lose their standards and norms in their hearts, and their behavior will naturally become distorted.

"It makes sense!"

Jin Mao seemed to have returned to the past, and humbly asked: "Does Wenhe have any plan?"

Jia Xu hesitated for a moment before saying, "I have not yet made a plan. Xun Wenruo is in charge of this matter."

"Xun Yu?" Jin Mao frowned subconsciously. No matter how beautiful Bai Yueguang was, he would feel annoyed if she went against him every day. He couldn't bear to kill her, but he didn't dare to let her go. He felt really annoyed.

"Wenhe should know Wenruo's temper. He still doesn't want to do anything for me."

Jia Xu bowed and said, "Don't worry, Your Highness. Xun Wenruo will do his best to serve you on this matter."

"Oh?" Jin Mao said happily, "Let Wen He handle this matter. If Xun Wen is not in the court, all the credit will go to you!"

"Thank you, Your Highness." Jia Xu did not refuse this time. As long as there were rules, everything he got was justified and he would no longer be envied.

It has to be said that Jia Xu is indeed capable and Xun Yu was really convinced.

Ten days later, Jia Xu presented a thick document in his hand. Jin Mao opened it and saw that the first few pages were all about restricting the king's rights. A strong sense of resentment came over him.

"That won't do!" Jin Mao refused, "I want a reward and punishment system. What is this?"

Jia Xu naturally knew the content, and bowed his head and said, "Your Highness, please be patient, the main text starts from page 13."

Jin Mao patiently flipped through the pages, and sure enough, it was different from page 13 onwards. Xun Yu was indeed a great talent, and wrote very carefully, but he could not escape the rules that restricted the king's power. "Wenhe, this version is not good, it needs more revisions!"

Jia Xu was prepared. He immediately took out a much thinner booklet from his sleeve and handed it to him, saying, "Your Highness, please take a look."

When Jinmao opened it, he felt much happier. This version completely eliminated the restrictions of royal power, but without losing the details.

"Then we'll use this version." Jin Mao made the decision, "Wenhe, take it down, make a few copies, and ask the wise men in the Military Affairs Office to deduce it in detail."

"Yes." Jia Xu took the order and went down.

The next day, Jin Mao unexpectedly met the angry Xun Yu.

As soon as they met, Xun Yu criticized him head on: "Your Highness! I heard that the lights in the Military Affairs Office were on last night because you suddenly changed the draft of the national policy. This is too hasty! The new policy concerns the foundation of the country. How can it be changed overnight? Although the newly revised version has removed the shackles of royal power, it is too idealistic and ignores the complexity of reality and the changeability of people's sentiments. I am afraid it will not be sustainable!"

Jin Mao's expression did not change when he heard this. He just stood up slowly, walked to the window, looked at the busy market outside the window, and said softly: "Wen Ruo, you and I both know that the times can make heroes, but also destroy heroes. The evils of our dynasty in the past were all due to conservatism and sticking to the old ways. Today's reform is not for the benefit of the moment, but to create eternal peace for future generations. Although the new law is dangerous, it is the key to breaking the deadlock. If you don't try it, how can you know it won't work?"

Xun Yu's anger subsided a little after hearing this, but he still frowned: "Your Highness has lofty ambitions, and I admire them. However, the law is important when it is implemented, and implementation is important when people are in power. If the new law does not win the support of the people and scholars, it will eventually become empty talk. I ask Your Highness to think twice about whether you should open up the channels for public opinion and gather the wisdom of all parties before making a decision."

Jin Mao turned around, his eyes were sharp, "What Wen Ruo said is very true, I also have this idea. Since you are here today, please join me in setting up a council hall and inviting talents from all over the world to discuss national affairs. The new law is not my policy, but the policy of all people in the world. Only when we are united can we overcome difficulties and move forward."

Xun Yu's eyes showed a struggle when he heard this. If he refused, then his trip today would have been in vain. If he accepted, he would not be able to get over the hurdle in his heart.

"When will Your Highness return power to Your Majesty?" Xun Yu decided to fight to the end: "Luoyang has been blockaded for five years now, how long will Your Highness continue the blockade?"

"Do you really want the world to only know the King of Wu and not the Emperor?"

"This doesn't make sense!"

Jin Mao's expression did not waver when he heard this. He walked slowly to the window and stared at the distant Luoyang City half covered by clouds. His tone was firm and profound: "Xun Qing, you are right. People in the world should know that there is an emperor. However, the current situation is difficult and cannot be reversed by one person. I blockaded Luoyang not for power struggle, but for the purpose of protecting the country. When the time is right, I will return power to Your Majesty and bring peace and prosperity to the world."

"You know that I am committed to world peace, not personal honor and disgrace. The implementation of the new law is precisely to break the shackles of the old system, so that the people can recuperate and the country can become strong. Such a major event cannot be accomplished overnight, and it requires the wisdom of all and the opening of avenues for talent. The establishment of the Council of State is precisely for this purpose. I invite you to join me in this great cause because I value your talent and loyalty. I hope you can lend me a helping hand and work together for the well-being of the people of this world."

This was the last time Jin Mao tried to recruit Xun Yu, and both of them knew what the consequences of refusing would be.

The scene was once in an awkward situation.

After a long while, Xun Yu sighed deeply and asked, "Will Your Highness usurp the throne in the future?"

Jin Mao did not turn around, and said dully: "Whether it is usurpation or not, what is the point?"

"It makes sense!" Xun Yu suddenly said excitedly: "Your Highness, even if you don't care about His Majesty, you should also think about your descendants!"

"The eldest prince, Jin Lin, is fourteen now. He will be a young man next year. The second, third, and fourth princes are all young. But as long as Your Highness does not appoint a legitimate heir, the position of crown prince will remain vacant!"

"Does Your Highness want all your descendants to be born in the midst of fratricide?"

This question was earth-shattering. Jin Mao suddenly realized that he seemed to have never thought about this issue.

If the legitimate son is enthroned instead of the eldest son, then what is the difference from the feudal dynasty?
Jinmao would be unwilling to accept the situation if he imitated the virtuous people of later generations. Would all his efforts over the years be in vain for others?

But no matter what kind of system it is, no one can be perfect. Even the Qing Dynasty, when centralization reached its peak, could lead to humiliation for the country due to the stupidity of those in power.

If that’s the case, does it really matter whether it’s established or not?

In other words, Jinmao can establish itself however it wants.

How about trying raising Gu?

Which prince is capable and virtuous should be appointed as the heir?
Since infighting is inevitable, just choose the strongest one. But this also has a problem. If the emperor is young, power will be given up.

In this case, power needs to be divided, but dividing the imperial power is tantamount to bowing to Xun Yu.

It took Jin Mao a moment to come back to his senses.

It turns out that Xun Yu said so much because he still wanted to implement his policies.

"I am still in my prime, so there is no rush to establish an heir."

Jin Mao thought of a compromise and said, "It won't be too late to consider it when you or the first three sons are young adults."

At this point, Xun Yu knew what Jin Mao wanted to do. It was still raising Gu, but the scope was changed from all the offspring to a certain part.

In other words, the older son has more advantages, but other sons are not without opportunities.

Xun Yu shook his head and sighed, "Your Highness, this move will surely lead to cholera!"

"Why do you say that, Lord Xun?" Jin Mao frowned slightly, his tone was a bit puzzled and firm, "I don't mean to create disputes, but I hope that all the disciples can show their strengths in a fair environment, and eventually the throne will be inherited by those who are both virtuous and talented. This will not only encourage them to study hard, but also provide a more solid guarantee for the future of the country. Moreover, if there is a risk of cholera, I have my own means to calm it down, and I will never let the family or even the country fall into turmoil."

"Your Highness, what you said makes sense, but people's hearts are complicated and the world is unpredictable." Xun Yu said earnestly, "Among the sons, there may be talented and intelligent ones, some are diligent and down-to-earth, and some are scheming. Once they know that there is a dispute over the succession, there is no guarantee that some people will not be greedy and do unethical things. By then, not only will the family be in turmoil, I am afraid it will become an opportunity for foreign enemies to spy on us, which is not a blessing for the country."

"Wen Ruo is right, but I also have a countermeasure." Jin Mao pondered for a moment and said slowly, "I want to set up an impartial and selfless evaluation organization, composed of important officials in the court, respected people and wise people in the society, responsible for supervising the evaluation of the sons' conduct, knowledge and ability to govern the country. Regular evaluations will be conducted every year, and the results will be open and transparent, which will serve as an important basis for the future succession. In this way, the sons can be convinced, and private fights and conspiracies can be reduced, ensuring the harmony and stability of the family and the country."

Xun Yu's eyes flashed with admiration when he heard this, but he still reminded: "Your Highness's plan is brilliant, but it needs to be implemented with caution to ensure that the judging process is not interfered with by any forces, so that it can really play its role. In addition, Your Highness also needs to strengthen self-cultivation, set an example, and become a role model for others to follow, so that you can lead the family and the country to a more glorious future."

"Wen Ruo is absolutely right." Jin Mao said, "Then let's do it. The princes competing for the throne must not kill each other. Once discovered, they will be demoted to commoners and lose their qualifications forever! Anyone who falsely accuses them will be punished as well!"

(End of this chapter)