Chapter 28: Like father, like son
(PS: The new book chart is just a fleeting cloud! Today, I'll continue to update two chapters. As long as old and new friends enjoy reading it, let's purely indulge in the story until we reach 200,000 characters before dropping off the charts!)
The brothers Mi Zhu refused Tao Qian's personal proposal to marry his son, and naturally they were prepared to turn against the Tao family at any time. However, what Mi Zhu brothers did not expect was that on the second day, Tao Qian suddenly sent an envoy again, saying that he would gather all the civil and military officials of Xuzhou to discuss the matter of establishing a crown prince. The Mi Zhu brothers, who had already thought that Tao Qian would delay making a decision on this matter, were surprised and delighted when they heard the news. After confirming that Tao Qian had indeed gathered all the civil and military officials of Xuzhou to discuss the matter, the Mi Zhu brothers hastily put on their official uniforms and rushed to Tao Qian's governor's mansion to attend the meeting.
When Mi Fang and his brothers arrived at the residence of the Governor of Xuzhou, most of the civil and military officials had already arrived ahead of time. However, Tao Qian and his two sons did not show up, so the officials of Xuzhou were not too cautious and gathered in small groups to discuss Tao Qian's choice of heir. Mi Fang and his brothers listened in on the conversations for a while and unexpectedly discovered that except for a very small number of pedantic scholars who were out of touch with reality, most of the officials of Xuzhou actually favored Tao Ying.
The reason to look up to Tao Ying is simple. Tao Ying has the courage and vision, he once saved the people of Xuzhou from water and fire, and the Junzi Army he personally established, although it hasn't achieved any merit, also hasn't committed any fault. At the same time, Tao Ying took charge of the government affairs in Wuyuan County, doing a decent job, which is enough to prove that Tao Ying has some ability in governance and military affairs, far surpassing his weak brother Tao Shang by a hundred times. If Tao Kan passes Xuzhou to Tao Ying, then Xuzhou may still have some hope, but if he passes it to Tao Shang, then Xuzhou will be completely hopeless.
If the skin is gone, to what can the hair attach itself? This principle most of Xuzhou's literati and military understood, so even Xu Fang, a renowned scholar from Xuzhou who was almost as close to the Taos as brothers, showed some wavering in his speech. He felt that if Tao Qian had made up his mind to pass on the governorship of Xuzhou to the more capable Tao Ying, it would not be a bad choice, one that was better than passing it to the incompetent Tao Shang.
When Xu Zhou's officials heard these discussions, Zou Jue and Zou Fang brothers couldn't help but look at each other in dismay. Only then did they realize that their colleagues were not as simple-minded as they had thought. Although they appeared to be carefree and indulgent in leisure activities, when it came down to it, they were actually quite clear-headed. It was absolutely not as easy as they had imagined to use them as pawns.
"The master has arrived!"
At this time, accompanied by a loud shout from the hall's guard, Tao Qian, who had clearly recovered somewhat, wore a historian's official uniform and walked up to the hall with the support of his brothers Tao Shang and Tao Ying on either side. Tao Shang, who had not yet taken office, was still dressed in Confucian attire, while Tao Ying was fully armored and wore a black cloak behind him, looking quite majestic and heroic. The civil and military officials of Xuzhou also hastened to pay their respects, bowing and saying, "Greetings, Your Excellency."
"Gentlemen, please dispense with the formalities." Tao Qian waved his hand for everyone to rise and smiled as he got straight to the point: "Gentlemen, generals, I have summoned you all today to discuss one matter, and that is the establishment of an heir, which you all requested from me the other day."
The civil and military officials of Xuzhou were all silent, holding their breath and waiting for Tao Qian to speak. Tao Qian also did not allow the officials to speak, and continued: "Xu Zhi said it very well, this old man's illness has recently improved somewhat, but after all, he is already sixty-three years old, with declining health, if he does not quickly establish an heir, in case of unexpected events, Xuzhou will inevitably have internal strife. Therefore, this old man must as soon as possible confirm the heir, and take precautions against any eventuality."
"Good, well said." Tao Qian nodded and continued: "Actually, I had this intention long ago, even before the chaos of Cao Ze. I had thought about establishing a crown prince, but my two sons, Tao Shang and Tao Ying, are both mediocre and useless, lacking in talent and virtue, unable to bear the weight of great responsibility. So I gave up on that idea. Later, I proposed twice to yield Xuzhou to Liu Bei, but was met with opposition from many officials and generals..."
At this point, Tao Qian suddenly pointed at Mi Zhu and sighed: "For example, when Mi Zhu opposed the old man's decision to let Xuzhou be given to Liu Bei, Mi Fang advised the old man that although his two sons were not talented, they might still turn out well in the future. The old man listened to Mi Fang's suggestion and gave up the idea of giving Xuzhou to Liu Bei for the third time."
"Pffft!" Tao Ying almost burst out laughing - heaven and earth as witness, Tao Qian's words really weren't taught by Deputy Director Tao.
"What's going on here?" Amidst the ranks of officials in Xuzhou, some commotion arose, and everyone quickly turned their gaze towards Mao Zhi. Some people even cursed him in their hearts, "Shameless scoundrel! Not only did he have his feet in two boats, but he also pushed us out to be the scapegoat! Crafty fellow, he's really gotten away with it!"
"My lord." Zou Ji was startled and hastily cupped his hands, saying: "My lord, when did I ever say such a thing? How could I have forgotten it myself?"
"No need to be modest, it's all in the past, no need to mention it again." Tao Qian shook his head with a childish air and forced a share of the credit for protecting the master onto Mi Zhu's head. Then Tao Qian turned to Cao Hong, the captain of the guard standing beside him, and ordered: "Cao Hong, bring those things over here."
"Alright." Cao Hong responded, and soon brought over a dark iron box which he placed in front of Tao Qian. Mi Zhu and Cao Bao, along with the other officials from Xuzhou, looked on in surprise as they discovered that this iron box was actually sealed with three copper locks, and had a seal made of paper marked with the date, as well as the large official seal of Tao Qian, Governor of Xuzhou. The officials couldn't help but wonder to themselves, "What could be inside this iron box that requires such solemnity?"
"Since ancient times, because of the problem of establishing a crown prince, countless internal conflicts have been caused, and countless people have lost their heads. The blood has flowed for five steps." Tao Qian said slowly and heavily: "Thank you, Mou Bi, your ingenious ideas and clever wisdom have given me great inspiration, helping me to solve this big problem, and also helping the lords of the world to solve this big problem. I even think that because of this plan, you can be remembered for thousands of years in history, and leave a fragrance that will last forever."
Everyone turned their attention to Mi Zhu again, and they really couldn't understand what Tao Qian meant by his words. Why did he have to praise Mi Zhu so highly when he was almost openly on Liu Bei's side? Mi Zhu himself was also confused, and he quickly asked: "Your Excellency, what inspiration did I give you? How could I not remember it myself?"
"Stop being modest, you don't have to be humble anymore." Tao Qian smiled and said: "Yesterday at noon, I summoned you alone, although you didn't say it explicitly, but between the lines, you were hinting that I should adopt this plan. I understand your difficulties, Shang'er and Ying'er are both my children, you can't favor one over the other, and Lord Xuande is also someone you invited to Xuzhou, on the issue of establishing an heir, you indeed cannot openly express your opinion. It's alright, I don't mind."
"I'm fed up!" Zou Jing was furious in his heart, "What kind of tricks is that old Tao Qian playing? These ambiguous words, if they were to reach Lord Xuan De's ears, what would he think?!"
"Father, the child dares to interrupt, what strategy did General Mi hint at you?" Tao Ying asked curiously before Mi Zhu could ask.
"This has nothing to do with you, don't ask, and don't even try to find out in private!" Tao Qian sternly scolded his son. "Withdraw, I'm discussing important matters with the adults, you're just a young boy, don't interrupt!"
"Yes, I know my fault." Tao Ying retreated with a dejected expression.
Tao Qian was interrupted by Tao Ying, who blocked Mi Zhu's opportunity to ask further questions. Tao Qian took advantage of the situation and continued: "Everyone, you must be wondering why Mi Zhu wanted to hint at this clever plan to me? It's not for any other reason, but because of my two unworthy sons - one is foolishly honest and weak, while the other is bold but reckless. If I were to make either of them the heir, they would inevitably bring ruin to Xuzhou and the Tao family. And if I were to yield Xuzhou to Lord Liu Bei again, I fear that these two ungrateful sons might harbor evil intentions and stir up trouble - it's really a difficult decision."
At this, Tao Qian paused for a moment and then quickly said: "Gao's method is good! Gao cleverly inspired me to hide the abdication document in this iron box, paste it with a seal and add three copper locks. Then, give the three keys separately to the three senior officials of Xuzhou. After my death, these three officials can gather together, open the iron box in public, take out my abdication document and read it publicly, and then establish the new governor of Xuzhou! In this way, all hidden dangers will also be eliminated."
"Fantastic!" Many quick-witted officials in Xuzhou exclaimed, saying that this method of succession was unprecedented in history, yet it almost completely eliminated all potential problems with the establishment of a crown prince. It not only ensured the smooth transition of power in Xuzhou but also avoided the issues of the crown prince becoming too powerful and the safety concerns after establishing a crown prince. This move was truly ingenious and achieved multiple goals at once.
"This idea, is it mine?" Zhang Zhong was even more shocked and thought to himself: "How could I have suggested such a wonderful idea to Tao Qian?!" After being stunned for a long time, Zhang Zhong finally came to his senses and secretly exclaimed: "Oh no! Tao Qian has sealed the document of succession and will only announce it after his death. What can Zhuge Liang and I use to stir up conflict between Tao Shang and Tao Ying, those two young brothers, and make them turn against each other? How could Tao Qian come up with such a despicable idea?!"
"Gentlemen, please take a look." Tao Qian held up the iron box, displaying it to the public while solemnly saying: "I can tell you clearly that after my death, there are three options for the successor. First is my eldest son Tao Shang, second is my second son Tao Ying, and third is the benefactor of Xuzhou, Lord Xuande. After I pass away, when you open this iron box and take out the document of succession, no matter whose name is written on it, you must assist him with all your heart and strength, just like you have assisted me, and support him as the Governor of Xuzhou. Remember?"
"We will remember Lord's order." The civil and military officials of Xuzhou replied together.
Tao Qian nodded in satisfaction and then summoned his trusted aide, Cao Hong. He ordered him to personally place the iron box on the beam of the main hall of the Xu State Governor's mansion and instructed Cao Hong to guard it carefully, not allowing anyone to touch it. Cao Hong, the loyal and faithful servant of the Tao family, respectfully acknowledged the order and immediately arranged for the guards at the Tao mansion to take turns keeping watch.
After placing the documents, Tao Qian took out three brand new keys with red ribbons from his sleeve and displayed them to the public. Then Tao Qian said: "These three keys are the keys to open the iron box where I stored the documents of abdication. They are extremely important, so I must hand them over to my three most trusted officials in Xuzhou for safekeeping. Therefore, Mi Zhu, Mi Fang."
Tao Qian called out twice, and Zou Jue, who had lost his soul, finally came back to himself. He thought Tao Qian was going to hand over a key for him to keep, so he hastily stepped forward with cupped hands and said, "Zou Jue is here."
"Zou Bianjia, you are absolutely right." Tao Qian slowly said, holding up three keys: "These three small objects hold great significance and cannot be given publicly. Otherwise, it may bring endless trouble to the recipient. Therefore, I have decided to respect your opinion and secretly bestow these three keys upon the trusted officials of Xuzhou, whom I entrust with their safekeeping. Thank you for considering this so thoroughly on my behalf. Come forth and reward Zou Bianjia with a pair of jade walls."
"Yes." Cao Hong and other Tao Fu guards responded. Duan brought a pair of snow-white jade walls that had been prepared early, and lifted them in front of Zou Jizhong.
Looking at the jade wall in front of him, Mi Zhu was completely dizzy and confused. He knew that Tao Qian was deliberately designing him, but he couldn't guess what Tao Qian was planning to do with him, or what kind of trick he had up his sleeve. Just as he wanted to speak out and argue, Tao Qian cut off all his chances of speaking, leaving Mi Zhu, who was at most a second-rate strategist in the Three Kingdoms era, completely helpless.
In stark contrast, the officials of Xuzhou were complex in their thoughts. Some admired Mi Heng, while others revered him, but more were filled with hatred and discontent. The matter of urging Tao Qian to establish an heir was actually instigated by the Mi brothers in secret. It wasn't easy for the officials of Xuzhou to persuade Tao Qian to make a decision, whether for public or private reasons. Yet, Mi Heng ran to Tao Qian's side and came up with this ridiculous idea, flattering and fawning, causing the officials who had been urging the establishment of an heir to be scolded and humiliated. The officials of Xuzhou were furious, and it would have been strange if they hadn't been. Especially Xu Fang, a renowned scholar of Xuzhou, who was instigated by the Mi brothers to take the lead, was so angry that he could have bitten them several times!
At the same time, including Mi Fang, Mi Zhu's younger brother, everyone was convinced of one thing - among the three keys, Mi Zhu must have had one!
The meeting ended quickly, and the officials of Xuzhou dispersed together. Zou Bie also left with a dejected expression, holding the jade wall, enduring his younger brother's complaints. Zou Fang also thought that this good idea was Zou Zhuo's contribution to Tao Qian. As he was about to leave, Zou Zhuo almost tripped on the threshold. Looking at Zou Zhuo's disheveled appearance, Tao Qian and his sons, Tao Shang and Tao Ying, could hardly hold back their laughter. It wasn't until the Zou brothers had left the gate that they finally burst into uncontrollable laughter.
"Bandits kill talent, how come you didn't fall and eat dog shit?" Tao Shang actually wasn't stupid enough to not understand anything, on the one hand gleefully laughing wildly, on the other hand scolding: "With a sinister heart, wanting to stir up strife between me and my second brother, should knock out a few front teeth!"
"This time, Lord Guan thought he wouldn't be suspicious of him anymore." Tao Ying also smiled and said: "Originally, as long as you pay a little attention, it's not difficult to see that this is a trick to sow discord. However, our Lord Guan is not a simple person either. Even if he is certain that it is his father's trick, he will still have some doubts in his heart - these two brothers, which side are they on? Are they just trying to give me a glimmer of hope and deceive me into staying in Xuzhou as a watchdog?"
"What a pity." Tao Qian sighed with a smile, "When I appointed him as my deputy governor back then, it wasn't entirely because he was the richest man in Xuzhou, but because I thought he really had some talent and I genuinely wanted to use him. What a pity, what a pity indeed."
Tao Ying smiled but didn't speak. After several months of getting familiar and integrating, Tao Ying had basically figured out the general reason for the estrangement between Mi Zong and Old Tao's family - conflicting interests! The Tao family was an outsider in Xuzhou, and to secure their position in Xuzhou, they only had two options: one was to form alliances with local powerful families like Liu Biao did in Jingzhou, sharing joys and sorrows together; the other was to follow Cao Cao's example, first using military force to subdue, then reappointing local scholars and gentry, giving them some benefits to share, and controlling the territory with absolute power.
As for Tao Qian, he did not have the military strength and talent of Cao Cao, nor did he bow his head to local strongmen like Liu Biao. Instead, he chose to reuse the Dan Yang faction led by Cao Zhen, Xu Xuan, and Cao Hong, using them to dominate the local gentry in Xuzhou. This naturally greatly offended the fundamental interests of the Xuzhou gentry and also antagonized the powerful families of Xuzhou, led by the Mi brothers and Chen Gui's father and son, almost forcing these strongmen into opposition. As a result, the Mi brothers secretly rebelled, trying to bring Liu Bei, known for his benevolence, closer to Xuzhou, while Chen Gui's family adopted a policy of non-violent non-cooperation, waiting for an opportunity to strike.
Of course, understanding these principles does not mean finding a solution to these problems. Tao Ying also cannot solve the problem of Xu's family and his own family being at odds with each other for the time being. Moreover, even if there is a way, it is impossible for Tao Ying to do so with his current status.
A guard who had hastily entered interrupted Tao Ying's thoughts. The guard first leaned into Cao Hong's ear and whispered a few words, then Cao Hong's expression immediately became strange, and he turned his gaze to Tao Ying. Tao Qian, who was beside him, felt it was strange and asked: "Cao Hong, what is the matter? Why not report directly?"
"Returning to Your Excellency, this matter..." Cao Hong hesitated and said with a bitter smile: "This matter is not convenient to report directly to Your Excellency, it can only be told privately to the Second Young Master."
"What can only be told to me in private?" Tao Ying asked with a puzzled expression.
Cao Hong smiled and walked to Tao Ying's side, leaning in close to his ear and saying in a low voice: "Second Master, the younger sister of Mo Jiu, Mo Zhen, has arrived. She entered through the back door and is currently in the pavilion in the rear garden, specifically asking to see you, Second Master. I'm here to congratulate you."
"It was her who came." Tao Ying reacted very calmly, first smiling slightly, then turning to Tao Qian and bowing his hands, saying politely: "Father, there is a guest visiting me, I will take my leave first."
"Who visited my son?" Tao Qian curiously asked, but before he could finish his sentence, he found that his son had vanished into thin air. Turning his head to look at the main gate again, he saw that Tao Ying, wearing dozens of kilograms of armor, was running faster than a rabbit and disappeared in an instant.
