Simya Ji was cold in personality and skilled in calculation, Jiang Ji spoke sarcastically and was rebellious.
It is possible that both were intelligent and wise men, and in their discussions, they always hit the nail on the head. There was a sense of mutual admiration between them.
In fact, their friendship had been long-lasting.
In those days, at Cao Cao's chancellery, Jiang Ji served as the chief clerk and also as the subordinate of the Western Ministry, while Sima Yi, who was then the chief clerk and subordinate of the Eastern Ministry, both worked under the chancellery.
When Guan Yu attacked Xiangfu, and Cao Cao was panicking and wanted to move the capital, it was Sima Yi and Jiang Ji who persuaded him successfully.
During the reign of Cao Pi, Sima Yi excelled in political affairs and often planned for the military's supply and logistics. Meanwhile, Jiang Ji was skilled in strategy and decision-making, frequently offering counsel on the front lines.
After years of friendship, when the two of them get together in private, their conversations are naturally very informal. Sharing some private opinions does not worry them that the other will betray or disclose it.
After a burst of laughter, Jiang Ji gathered his smile and looked at Sima Yi: "Zhongda, how is the current emperor? I have not yet met him alone."
Sima Yi looked around, and there was no one else in Jiang Ji's study. The door was open, and there was no one outside either. So Sima Yi stood up, walked to the door, and gently closed both doors.
Jiang Ji was somewhat surprised: "Zhongda, what important matters are you referring to?"
Sima Yi, after sitting down and pondering for a moment, said: "In my opinion, the current emperor is quite arbitrary. A few days ago, the emperor ordered Cao Xu and Chen Qun to take up positions in local areas without prior consultation with our auxiliary ministers, which is different from the previous emperor's habit of consulting every matter."
Jiang Ji interjected: "Not being like the previous emperor, who listened to you on everything, that's what we call arbitrary?"
Sima Yi gave Jiang Ji a cold look: "Zitong, you are good at all things, but you just have a mouth that's too big."
Jiang Ji waved his hand: "I won't say anything anymore, please continue, Zhongda."
Sima Yi said, "The emperor is quite concerned with military affairs as well. Today, when we discussed the military situation on the front lines, he specially prepared a map. He mentioned that the central army has been traveling and consuming resources greatly, and he wants to strengthen the frontier forces so that they can resist against the Eastern Wu and Shu Han."
Jiang Ji responded: "If we can hold on, that would be great! But how can we succeed if the border is in ruins? It's just daydreaming."
Sima Yi sighed lightly: "What's the point of daydreaming? It's not wrong to increase the strength of frontier troops. Since the emperor wants to do it, let's just do it."
Jiang Ji nodded, unsure how to comment on the emperor's words that were right yet futile. However, after a moment, Jiang Ji asked Sima Yi another question.
Jiang Ji asked, "Zhongda, I am the People's Minister of the Eastern Command, and there is a matter within my duty that needs to be reported. But I am unsure if it is appropriate to do so at this time."
Sima Yi looked over: "What is it?"
Jiang Ji explained, "By custom, the construction of the mausoleum should begin a year after the emperor ascends the throne. If we start building the mausoleum next year, we need to select a site this year."
"I just don't know if the emperor will be hesitant about this matter."
The Bureau of State Affairs now had no State Councilor. This matter could only be handled by Sima Yi, who holds the post of Director of the State Council.
The position of State Councilor and the Acting Director of the State Council are like the Commander-in-Chief and Commander General, respectively — one is standard and the other is overqualified; they are the same position but at different levels.
Sima Yi pondered for a moment: "Our emperor only praises advice, but whether he actually listens is another matter."
"Constructing a mausoleum, this is indeed a serious matter. Zitong, you can draft the request for approval and then I will sign it along with you. I'm sure the emperor won't be offended by this."
After hearing Sima Yi's words, Jiang Ji took out a document from his desk: "Zhongda, I have drafted the official document for this matter. Please take a look at it, and if there are no mistakes, sign and seal it."
Sima Yi smiled and said, "It seems you've been waiting for me. Zitong, your wisdom has been used for such trivial matters!"
The two of them looked at each other and burst out laughing together.
......
A few days later, Cao Rui was swimming alone. Swimming in summer can both exercise and cool off, making it a rare enjoyment.
Several guards were standing outside the pool, some holding bath towels, others carrying fruits, and others holding large umbrellas walking back and forth to shade the emperor swimming.
Sun Zhi asked the guards and learned that only Emperor Cao Rui was swimming. After sending a guard to inform the emperor, he stood beside the pool.
Emperor Cao Rui splashed water with his hands, stood up on the bottom of the pool, and used his hand to backcomb his damp hair. Afterwards, he looked over at Sun Zhi beside the pool.
Emperor Cao Rui, as the emperor, did not mind meeting ministers at the side of the pool. But Sun Zhi, as the Chancellor, couldn't help but be stunned when he saw Emperor Cao Rui get up from the water.
Emperor Cao Rui truly has a handsome appearance. The good genes inherited from the two generations of beautiful women, Bian and Zhen, have given Cao Rui a handsome and fair complexion.
Practicing swordplay and archery since the age of ten has given Cao Rui a very strong body, and even his abs are clearly visible.
Sun Zhi had never seen the emperor in swimwear before, so it was normal for him to be surprised by Cao Rui's appearance. He couldn't help but stare at Cao Rui for a moment.
Emperor Cao Rui noticed Sun Zhi's gaze fixed on his upper body. It was uncomfortable for a man of nearly sixty to be stared at, and it seemed that in the Three Kingdoms era, swimming in swim trunks was still a bit too avant-garde.
Emperor Cao Rui patted his chin at Sun Zhi and said, "Hey, what are you looking at?"
Sun Zhi hurriedly bowed and said, "I saw that the emperor's figure was quite agile, and I became momentarily lost in thought. I hope the emperor will forgive me."
Emperor Cao Rui dismissed with a sniff: "I've been practicing martial arts since I was ten, so can my figure not be agile? Sun Chancellor, do you know that the previous emperor began practicing martial arts at the age of six and could ride and shoot arrows at eight?"
Sun Zhi replied in admiration: "The previous emperor was both capable in martial arts and literature, which everyone knows. But he wasn't as agile as the emperor."
Emperor Cao Rui nodded: "Yes, the previous emperor loved sweets. Longan, litchi, grapes, and rock honey. Anything sweet that he ate, he couldn't resist. It's no wonder he gained weight."
When it came to the previous emperor, Sun Zhi couldn't respond, and he could only stand there with his hands crossed.
Emperor Cao Rui asked, "What matters need me to attend to in the court?"
Sun Zhi hesitated for a moment and replied: "Sima Yi, the Acting Director of the State Council, and Jiang Ji, the People's Minister of the Eastern Command, have submitted a memorandum to the emperor regarding the construction of your mausoleum. They suggest that it is time to select a location for it."
Emperor Cao Rui looked slightly surprised and pointed at himself, "Build a mausoleum? I'm not even twenty years old."
Sun Zhi nodded: "Your Majesty, I must point out that in past dynasties, emperors began construction of their mausoleums after changing the year and establishing a new era. If we follow this precedent, Your Majesty's mausoleum will be constructed next year, so the location selection process should start this year."
Emperor Cao Rui suddenly felt something was amiss.
Mausoleum... Sima Yi... Jiang Ji...
In an instant, Emperor Cao Rui thought of many things and unconsciously slapped the water, causing a large splash.
In the original timeline, Sima Yi successfully seized power during the Gaopingling Coup, precisely because Cao Xian and his brother took the young emperor to pay respects at Gaopingling Mausoleum.
The Gaopingling Mausoleum is the mausoleum of none other than the original Emperor Cao Rui!
Sima Yi and Jiang Ji were among the most crucial figures in the Gaopingling Coup.
Could it be that Sima Yi's accidental arrow, which pierced through over twenty years of time, helped him successfully seize power?
"F*ck!" Emperor Cao Rui cursed silently in his heart.
