Sim Guofu, as the brother-in-law of Sim Yi, advised and reversed Cao Rui's edict.
Just because he surnamed "Mao," this alone would have enough reason for Cao Rui to be vigilant of him.
The courtiers in the palace debated among themselves, with voices criticizing and accusing Sim Guofu rising and falling continuously.
The eyes of the courtiers turned to Cao Rui, who sat at the uppermost part of the hall, waiting for the emperor's words.
At this moment, Cao Rui had calmed down and began to seriously ponder how to deal with the advisor Sim Guofu who had given counsel.
Sim Guofu was just a minister of the chancellery, and as an emperor, Cao Rui had many ways to deal with him, but the consequences would be different.
He could be executed. The consequence is that the courtiers will remain silent as if they are frozen, too afraid to speak up in the future, and will try to hide everything Cao Rui could possibly keep secret. It's better to do less than more. The gentry who are friendly with the Sim family will also become distant from the emperor because of this.
Alternatively, he could be charged with a crime. All it would take is for the Chief Judge to place Sim Guofu in prison, with a pre-prepared charge such as obstructing government decrees or impertinence in defiance of authority, and just pick any suitable accusation.
Furthermore, they could choose not to punish Sim Guofu. Encouraging courtiers to speak up to the emperor is something that every "virtuous ruler" would do.
There are three options, each leading to different consequences. How to deal with Sim Guofu is just a matter of choice for Cao Rui.
Did Sim Guofu curse Cao Rui? Yes and no.
Sim Guofu cursed, but he never actually met Cao Rui as the emperor. Therefore, it cannot be said that he targeted Cao Rui specifically.
There was only political disagreement, not personal enmity, although Sim Guofu was indeed despicable.
At this moment, as the emperor, Cao Rui realized this key point and instantly knew what he needed to do.
One should choose the option that best serves the emperor's identity.
Sim Guofu? Just another official on the emperor's blacklist.
He won't be able to make a splash in his entire life.
Cao Rui scanned the hall, and the expressions of the courtiers ranged from indignant to serious. In the end, Cao Rui's gaze settled on Wei Zhen.
As a three-generation old minister, Wei Zhen, with his prudent stance and elegant demeanor, would surely advise Cao Rui to let Sim Guofu's matter slide.
As it turned out, that was indeed the case.
Cao Rui said, "Master Wei, this afternoon you advised me to honor Sim Guofu for his boldness in speaking. Now that Sim Guofu has submitted a second memorial rebuking my edict, what would you say now?"
The eyes of the courtiers turned to Wei Zhen. Wei Zhen lowered his head and pondered for a moment, slowly stood up, bowed to Cao Rui, and ignored the gazes of the others towards him.
Wei Zhen said, "Your Majesty, Your talents and virtues are worthy of a sage ruler. A sage ruler should encourage the counsel of his ministers, even if it contains errors, and should also teach them the correct way to avoid blocking the path of loyalty from all the people."
Cao Rui nodded lightly: "Master Wei's wise words are indeed wise, and I will follow your advice."
The courtiers in the palace followed Cao Rui's statement, chiming in one after another.
The two individuals sitting beside Emperor Cao Rui—Mao Pian, the concubine, and Mao Zeng, her brother—were essentially mere background figures and had no role in commenting on state affairs.
A few young members of the Cao family, such as Cao Xiu, son of Cao Xu, Cao Zuan, son of Cao Zhen, and Xiahou Xuan, son of Xiahou Shang, all displayed expressions of dissatisfaction.
Cao Rui's old subjects in the east palace, such as He Ceng, Guan Qiu Jian, Bi Hui, and Li Feng, all had expressions of conviction. After all, they were Cao Rui's confidants and it was natural for them to support his decisions.
The remaining intimate advisors to the emperor, the three Grand Secretaries Liu Xie, Xin Pi, and Huang Quan, as well as the two Secretaries of the Central Government Liu Fang and Sun Zhi, had an extra layer of unspoken meaning in their gaze towards Wei Zhen.
Facing such an angry emperor, even the bamboo slips for counsel could be thrown to the ground. However, Wei Zhen still managed to persuade him not to punish Sim Guofu. This demonstrated the emperor's trust in this old minister.
Some eyes were filled with envy, while others showed a hint of apprehension.
Seeing the varied expressions of the crowd, Emperor Cao Rui smiled lightly and said, "Master Wei is right. A Sim Guofu is nothing worth my wrath."
"Acting Chancellor Liu Fang, bring me the ink and brush! I will draft the edict right here!" Cao Rui addressed Liu Fang.
Liu Fang received the order and quickly retrieved the ink, brush, and seal, taking a seat at the desk to prepare for writing.
Cao Rui said, "The Secretariat should write down the edict again, right here."
Liu Fang did not dare to be negligent. He copied the edict neatly and quickly on a silk fabric, and then immediately requested permission from Cao Rui.
"Your Majesty, may I use the seal now?"
Cao Rui laughed lightly, "Of course, use the seal."
Liu Fang did not hesitate at all. He held the seal given by the emperor in both hands, lifted it high, and then pressed it down forcefully onto the edict.
Cao Rui saw this and said, "Master Wei, where is your seal?"
Wei Zhen solemnly bowed, "My seal is naturally with me."
Cao Rui said, "Alright, you can prepare the appointment orders for everyone here, right in front of us. Liu Minister, pass on the edict to Master Wei."
Liu Fang held the edict in both hands and slowly walked to Wei Zhen's desk. Wei Zhen had now understood what Cao Rui intended to do, accepted the edict, picked up the ink and brush, and quickly wrote it down right in front of him.
Cao Rui looked at the courtiers and said, "What is so difficult about this? I have the Minister of Documents draft an edict, he passes it on to the Minister of Personnel, and then the Minister of Personnel uses the seal to issue an order. Does this not conform to the rules and regulations?"
The hall was filled with laughter. Cao Shuang, who had the closest relationship with Cao Rui, even stood up and laughed loudly.
Cao Shuang stood up and laughed, bowing and said, "As your majesty has done, it is naturally all in accordance with the law. No matter how bold Sim Guofu may be, this time he will not have anything to say."
Cao Rui also laughed without responding, waving his hand to signal for Cao Shuang to sit down. The palace maids had already filled everyone's wine cups with osmanthus wine.
Cao Rui held up the wine cup in his hand and said, "Gentlemen, some of you are members of the royal family, while others are important ministers. Today's gathering is something we should not miss. Let us raise our cups and drink together."
"I have recently composed a piece of music, taking the last few lines to wish you all a happy toast."
The courtiers in the hall also raised their cups, their eyes fixed on the emperor in the hall.
Cao Rui slowly recited, "The universe is boundless, human life is finite. To establish achievements and gain renown, one must bear it in mind. The measure of sages and the attainment of the path are in one's own person."
"Come, everyone, let's drink white!"
The courtiers also shouted in unison: "Drink to the bottom!" Then they all tilted their heads back and finished the osmanthus wine in their cups.
Only Zhong Yuyu, because of his young age, failed to drink the entire cup in one go. He had just taken a sip and put the cup back down, glanced at Huang Quan beside him, frowned, and drank the rest of the wine in his cup.
"Drink to the bottom," is simply a term for drinking all the wine in one's cup, and then turning the cup over to show that one has finished drinking it entirely.
...
The banquet was drawing to a close, and the moon was already high in the night sky.
Both guests and hosts were in high spirits, and all the loyal courtiers present at the banquet received their appointment documents.
Just as everyone was bidding farewell to Cao Rui and preparing to return home, Cao Rui, under the influence of alcohol, detained Cao Zhuai, Cao Shuang, Zhong Yushu, and Guan Qianjian.
Cao Rui said, "Changsi and Zhaoobo, when you return home, ask your fathers on behalf of the emperor. Are they not in the Imperial Secretariat? How did they allow Sim Guofu to act so brazenly today?"
Cao Zhuai and Cao Shuang both bowed and accepted their orders.
Cao Rui continued, "Zhong Yushu! Can you still walk?"
Zhong Yushu, who was attending his first formal banquet, seemed to have difficulty standing, but he managed to straighten up and bow with all his might: "The subject can walk. Please command."
Cao Rui laughed and said, "Alright then, you go ask Chen Qun for me tonight, Zhong Yushu. Guan Qianjian, you go ask Sim Yi!"
"Tomorrow, I will personally visit the Imperial Secretariat!"
Everyone acknowledged their orders and took their leave.
Cao Rui was slightly drunk and, as the few people left, his gaze locked onto the back of Guan Qianjian.
Guan Qianjian... Sim Yi...
What will unfold remains to be seen?
