Isidor Yi and Ji Ji wrote a joint petition to remind Cao Rui that it was time for him to select a site for his own tomb.
Cao Rui's tomb in history was not Gaping Ling, right? The revolution at the occasion of Gaping Ling destroyed Cao's regime and ruined the efforts of three generations of Cao, namely Cao Cao, Cao Pi and Cao Rui.
No wonder Cao Rui got a bit uncomposed just now when he linked Sima Yi and Jiang Ji to Gao Ping Ling.
At this moment, a gust of wind blew through the courtyard, causing Cao Rui, who was standing in his swimming trunks in the pool, to feel a chill. This brought Cao Rui out of his thoughts.
Cao Rui waved his hand and the eunuch quickly handed him a hemp towel. After Cao Rui slowly wrapped the towel around his back, his thoughts gradually became clear.
If in history it were at this same time point and the Secretariat submitted a report requesting a site selection for the tomb, given that Sima Yi was stationed in Jingzhou at the time, it is very likely that there would be no connection between him and this matter.
Gaping Ling... Gaping Ling... This has always been Cao Rui's heartache. However, upon hearing news about the tomb today, his reaction was quite strong.
Intense emotions come and go quickly, and Cao Rui seemed to understand many things in an instant. It's as if a bowstring drawn tightly for several months has suddenly released its arrow today.
History is full of coincidences, but it also contains many inevitabilities.
It is better to focus on living a long life, establishing systems, and determining the fate of the world early, rather than worrying about Gaping Ling or any ambitious individuals in the future.
Cao Rui looked at Sun Zi standing by the side: "Sun Zhongshu, you are my close confidant. Lately, I have often been worried about the future of the state being controlled by evil ministers. What should I do?"
This... Sun Zi was taken aback. We were just discussing the topic of selecting a tomb site, how did the emperor suddenly bring up the issue of traitorous ministers?
Cao Rui couldn't explain to Sun Zi in detail, and Sun Zi was wise enough not to ask further questions.
Sun Zi bowed and said: "Since your accession to the throne, you have personally taken charge of national affairs, selected capable individuals and used talents. The court and the outside world have no one who does not respect you. Don't you know that the Analects of Confucius says, 'A gentleman should always strive to improve himself without rest'?"
"Your Majesty is in the prime of life. If you strive for self-improvement without ceasing, what worry could there be about the emergence of traitorous ministers in the court?"
Cao Rui nodded: "Zhongshu said well. It is indeed time to strive for self-improvement without ceasing! As for the selection of a tomb site, I will not be hesitant. Let the Secretariat choose someone this year to handle this matter."
Sun Zi's footsteps faded away, and Cao Rui placed his hands on the edge of the pool. He thought to himself, it's time for me to leave Luoyang and take a look around...
...
After all, there are many state affairs to attend to, and Cao Rui doesn't even have the time to watch acrobatics or listen to Hu music, let alone time to leave the city of Luoyang.
In this way, Cao Rui's plan to go on a tour was repeatedly delayed until October 1st.
The autumn wind had begun to blow. According to the arrangements made by the Ministry of Works as instructed by the emperor, the emperor would depart from the southern gate of Luoyang in the morning to inspect the areas around the Luo River and Yi River, and return to Luoyang in the evening.
There were also many people and horses accompanying the emperor.
For the first time, the emperor attached great importance to the tour. He selected 2,000 cavalrymen from Duke Xiahou Xian's unit in the Military Camp of Defense and War and 700 cavalrymen from Commissioner Guan Qiulan's unit in the Five Cavalry Camp.
The first day of the month is traditionally the day when Emperor Cao Rui holds meetings and exchanges with his senior ministers. Cao Zhen, Sima Yi, and the four Chief Secretaries are all among those accompanying him. Emperor Cao Rui also personally named Jiang Ji and Cao Shuang.
In this way, in the early morning, Emperor Cao Rui rode on the magnificent white horse, followed by an entire set of carriage and the imperial procession. Gradually, he arrived at Sima's gate.
It was the first time for an emperor to go on a tour in the new dynasty. The officials dared not to be lax and lined up to welcome the emperor at Sima's gate.
A sound of hoofbeats came from ahead. As the former commander of the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry, Cao Zhen was highly sensitive to cavalry sounds. Looking forward, he saw that at the front of the cavalry ranks was Emperor Cao Rui himself.
Seven hundred cavalrymen were the number of horsemen led by Guan Qiujian, the Yue Riding Cavalry Officer. They were also the number of horsemen following Emperor Cao Rui on his white horse.
The galloping of hundreds of horsemen sounded quite loud as they stomped on the tiles in Luoyang Palace. The width of the cavalry spread out, blocking the palace's streets.
This was the first time Emperor Cao Rui had been led by cavalry, and he actually heard a bit of grandeur in the midst of the commotion.
The white horse walked slowly in front of the officials, and Emperor Cao Rui slightly pulled on the reins. The horse beneath him, as if understanding his will, came to a stop right in front of Cao Zhen and Sima Yi.
Emperor Cao Rui did not dismount. As the officials bowed in salute, Cao Zhen raised his hands and asked: "Why is the emperor not using a carriage today? The journey to inspect the areas near the Loi River and Yue River is quite far. I suggest that the emperor should still use a carriage."
After signaling for the ministers to rise, Emperor Cao Rui looked at Cao Zhen with a smile and said, "I could ride a horse at the age of ten. Am I not capable like a scholar? Today, with the General Commander and the Commander-in-Chief accompanying me, how could I not ride a horse?"
Emperor Cao Rui looked around at the officials: "Can all of you ride horses? Would it be good if you rode with us today?"
Cao Zhen, who was naturally bold and brave, also smiled and said: "Then I will follow the emperor on horseback."
Sima Yi also smiled and raised his hands in a bow: "I am the same."
The emperor's procession departed from the southern gate of Luoyang and slowly headed south. Today's sky was filled with clouds, but not to the point of thickness that would suggest rain, instead, they served to block out the sun, making it an ideal day for travel.
Mao Qiujian led the 700 cavalrymen to clear a path for the emperor three miles ahead. Taking over the role of protecting the emperor were the 2,000 knights from Xiahou Xian's Wuwei Camp, also known as the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry from that year.
Cao Zhen and Sima Yi were on either side of Cao Rui, chatting about recent military and national affairs.
After listening to Cao Zhen's concise statement, Emperor Cao Rui said: "It seems that General Liu is doing well in Yangzhou. When did he capture Wan City?"
Cao Zhen replied, "General Liu captured Wan City in early September, defeated the Wu general Shen De, and a total of over a thousand enemies were killed or captured."
Emperor Cao Rui nodded, "In this time of border tensions, a total of over a thousand killed or captured is already a significant achievement."
Seeing that the emperor had heard, Cao Zhen continued, "General Liu also reported that Wu general Han Zong led his troops to Wan City to surrender."
Emperor Cao Rui had no recollection of this person: "Who is Han Zong? What position does he hold in the Eastern Wu?"
Cao Zhen explained, "Your Majesty, Han Zong is the son of Eastern Wu general Han Dun."
Emperor Cao Rui frowned slightly. He was aware that Eastern Wu was particularly skilled at deceiving into surrender. So he asked, "Since Han Zong is the son of Han Dun, according to the Eastern Wu system, he should have had a few thousand troops under his command. How did he surrender? Did he come alone or did he bring people with him?"
Cao Zhen replied, "According to General Liu's report, Han Zong brought along 3,000 of his troops and his family across the river to surrender to General Liu. He brought along his troops and family. This matter should not be a deception."
"As Han Zong himself said, during the attack by Sun Quan on Jiang Xia in August, Han Zong was stationed in Wuchang and committed some illegal acts. After Sun Quan returned without achieving his goals, he was heavily criticized by him. Concerned about the punishment, Han Zong then surrendered to our great Wei."
Emperor Cao Rui shook his head slightly: "Can the son of a founding hero of Eastern Wu also defect? This man's character must be inferior."
Cao Zhen laughed and said, "Regardless, this matter is only beneficial to our great Wei and has no drawbacks. I believe it should be rewarded."
Emperor Cao Rui looked at Cao Zhen and said, "Let the General Command him to hold any official position he likes, without asking me."
Cao Zhen also responded and came down.
