The autumn wind blows over the emperor and ministers by the bank of Luo River, while the Luo River beside them flows forward as it has for ten thousand years.
The sky above is high and bright, clear and shining. By the side of the Luo River, its water is turbid and flowing.
I? The emperor asks me about Guangwu's oath.
Sima Yi was taken aback when the emperor questioned him, for a moment he was confused.
Sima Yi has been observing the emperor for several months, but the various results he has observed have only made Sima Yi more and more unsure about this twenty-three-year-old emperor.
The emperor's words and actions are light-hearted, and he never hides his joy or anger. When discussing matters or objects, he often doesn't care much.
However, the emperor never acts recklessly in state affairs. His commands and actions are often commendable for their benevolence, and he does not indulge in excessive personal pleasures. He also has only one consort in the palace.
The emperor exercises absolute authority, and all personnel appointments are decided by a single word. He only praises the advice given to him by officials, and he does not usually heed their suggestions.
However, the emperor never misuses people. He gives important positions to capable ministers who can do the job, while he only assigns trivial and insignificant duties to close relatives or old friends who are mediocre.
The current emperor, Cao Rui, is a man of what kind? From Sima Yi's perspective, it is still quite difficult to evaluate him.
The only thing that can be confirmed is that the emperor shows signs of becoming a wise ruler, and his words and actions are difficult to fathom.
Facing such an emperor, when the question of the Luo River oath was raised by him beside the Luo River, Sima Yi naturally needed to be extremely cautious.
Sima Yi pondered for a while and then bowed and said, "Your Majesty, in my opinion, Guangwu's oath by the Luo River was due to the prolonged siege of Luoyang. By setting aside his personal grudge with Zhu Wuwei and speeding up the unification of the world, dispatching Cen Peng as an envoy while swearing by the Luo River was just a gesture to pacify Zhu Wuwei's heart."
As he spoke, Sima Yi watched the emperor's face. There was no special expression on Cao Rui's face, and as Sima Yi continued his words, he even nodded in agreement.
'Only considering benefits and not asking about moral character.' This is what Cao Rui thinks of Sima Yi's words in his heart.
Cao Rui looked at Cao Zhen again: "What do you think, General?"
Cao Zhen's tone was straightforward: "It's just about one life and a few official positions. Once promised, it's promised. It's better than having tens of thousands of soldiers die in a long siege."
"A mere military man is not qualified to discuss things." Although Cao Rui nodded on the surface, he was still rather helpless in his heart.
Seeing that the two regents present had spoken, Cao Rui looked towards the various officials present.
Cao Rui said with a smile, "Today's inspection of the Luo River, although there is no wine, it does not hinder us from discussing the past. What do all of you think?"
The duties of the palace minister are to serve the emperor and provide advice when needed. When the emperor asked, all the palace ministers showed a desire to speak, with Liu Ye showing the most eagerness, and his hand was already starting to rise.
Cao Rui clearly saw Liu Ye's quick movement, but he still pointed to Guaou Jian, the Campbell of Yueji: "Zhonggong, what do you think?"
Upon hearing the words, everyone turned their attention to Mian Qiu Jian. Before ascending the throne, Emperor Cao Rui had lived a reclusive life and was not very familiar with his ministers. Moreover, as a literary clerk, Mian Qiu Jian was even less noticeable among the senior officials at court.
Standing at the back, Mian Qiu Jian saw the emperor point to him and did not show any timidity. He quickly walked forward two steps and stood beside Sima Yi.
Mian Qiu Jian bowed and replied, "In my opinion, the text says 'If a ruler treats a subject like a distinguished scholar, the subject will strive to be worthy of that honor.' Guangwu's decision to put aside his personal grudge with Zhu Wuwei and offer him a high position was based on considerations of national benefit. Zhu Wuwei then followed the trend, opened the city gates, and served the enlightened ruler, which was a good story."
After nodding, Emperor Cao Rui silently made his evaluation in his heart: 'Clear about enmities and friendships, a man of trustworthiness.'
Emperor Cao Rui then pointed to Cao Shuang, who had just stood next to Mian Qiu Jian, and smiled, "Let the young people say first, you bunch of national officials."
Cao Shuang also walked forward and stood beside his father Cao Zhen, slightly to the rear. After glancing sideways at Cao Zhen, he quickly bowed and said.
Cao Shuang said, "In my opinion, Emperor Guangwu's act of not holding a grudge and forgiving Zhu Wuwei's past enmity is a manifestation of benevolence and virtue. To be able to follow an enlightened ruler in turbulent times and then to be granted a marquisate, Zhu Wuwei is indeed fortunate."
Emperor Cao Rui smiled and nodded, quickly making a judgment in his heart: 'People who only know how to maintain the status quo are not suitable for great tasks, and this is exactly the impression I have had all along.'
No more officials volunteered to speak. First came Sima Yi and Cao Zhen, followed by two younger officials, Mian Qiu Jian and Cao Shuang. The emperor pointed to the four of them, and anyone who was observant could see that the emperor seemed not to be sincere in asking questions but rather had another purpose in mind.
Emperor Cao Rui, seeing the ministers' gaze directed at him, softly laughed and said, "Just now, the two assistants and the two young ministers of my age spoke their thoughts on Guangwu's oath by the Luo River."
"Then what do I think? I think differently from them. I think of Guangwu's sincerity."
No one interrupted, and the two thousand cavalry behind had already lined up and regimented. At the bank of the Luo River, there was only the sound of water and wind now.
Cao Rui spoke slowly, "When I read history books, I learned that Emperor Gaozu of Han appointed Yong Chi as a Marquis to pacify the hearts of the many officials who had contributed to the founding of the Han Dynasty. What does this mean? It is to tell all the ministers that my enemies have been granted marquisates; what are you still worried about for having done your service?"
"And the same was true of Emperor Guangwu of Han. Just one Zhu Wuwei; once forgiven, he was forgiven. Guangwu chose the Luo River as the site for his oath to treat Zhu Wuwei with great favor. Can we ask then why those who served under Guangwu should worry about not receiving rewards?"
"The oath Guangwu made by pointing to the Luo River was not only made to Zhu Wuwei but also to all the people in the world. Any who assist me can have their old grudges and past grievances discussed. This is the greatest sincerity."
Cao Rui walked two steps forward as he spoke, "So today, standing here at this autumn day, beside the Luo River, I also want to be sincere with all of you."
Cao Rui looked at Liu Ye, who had been eager to speak, and said, "Liu Jizhong, you are a man of wisdom. I ask you, why is it that the whole country is engaged in constant battles without end?"
Liu Ye, known for his quick wit, seeing the emperor point to him, did not hesitate and immediately replied with a straight posture: "I, Liu Ye, believe that the reason why the whole world is suffering from constant battles is that during the rule of Cuan and Ling, people's hearts were disordered. Moreover, with bandits from all four directions rising up, the national strength was depleted and domestic unrest prevailed."
"Now, between our Great Wei and the Shu Han and Wu, they are all divided by mountainous and riverine strategic locations. It's hard to attack but easy to defend, which is why it's difficult to quell the chaos."
Cao Rui nodded and said, "Well said! Liu Jizhong, I'll ask you again. Since attacking is difficult and defending is easy, why do the Wu and Shu countries still frequently infringe on our Great Wei's territories?"
Liu Ye still responded immediately without hesitation: "Exactly because our Great Wei is strong! Both heaven and people are on our side, while Wu and Shu only occupy geographical advantages. Moreover, these two countries have usurped the position of rulers and established their own territories. If they do not attack our Great Wei, how would they strengthen themselves without using military power? How would Wu and Shu be able to establish their own countries?"
Cao Rui sighed deeply, "That's the very reason! I know, among you, within the city of Luoyang, in every army and every prefecture and state, there are countless people who think that the Great Wei is strong and that time is on our side."
"What I want to tell you is that the Great Wei cannot wait any longer."
