With the emperor's words spoken, everyone realized that the banquet held in the palace by the emperor tonight for the officers of Cao and Xiahou families in Luoyang was precisely for this moment.
Firstly, he appointed Xiahou Ba to govern the province of Liangzhou, followed by Zhang He as the military supervisor over the military affairs of Yong and Liang provinces.
It was precisely because of this dish of vinegar that they cooked this dish of dumplings.
The emperor ordered Xiahou Ba to go to Liangzhou, as he was the son of Xiahou Yuan. Everyone had nothing to say about it. The emperor appointed Zhang He as the military governor of Yong and Liang provinces. Although they felt a bit surprised, after thinking it over, they all understood it.
If Wu Zhi can supervise the regions of Hebei, and Chen Qun can supervise Jingzhou, then why can't Zhang He be the military governor over Yong and Liang? Moreover, Zhang He has been in the military for over thirty years, having experienced countless battles big and small. He has long been the most reliable and capable general among the outsiders, aside from the Xiahou and Cao families.
Xu Huang can also count as one. However, at this time, Xu Huang is bedridden and on his deathbed. His condition is dire, and it seems that he can no longer bear more weight.
This appointment surprised Zhang He. When he received the secret order from the emperor to return to Luoyang, he still thought it might be due to some military actions happening in Jingzhou or Yangzhou.
As Zhang He crossed Chang'an, upon hearing that Xiahou Miao, the military governor of Guanzhong, had also been recalled to Luoyang, he couldn't help but have a few more guesses in his mind.
Only when Zhang He entered the palace, was greeted by Que Qian, and was brought to the banquet by the emperor, and was repeatedly asked about the geography and military affairs of Yong and Liang by the emperor, did he finally understand the emperor's intention.
The clues have been laid down step by step, but only at this moment, the secret is finally revealed.
Upon hearing the emperor's words, Zhang He immediately fell to his knees: "I have long benefited from the great favor of the Cao family. How can I not die for Your Majesty and for the nation? Your Majesty has entrusted me with the two states of Yong and Liang. I will certainly defend the territory for Your Majesty, give my utmost loyalty, and die without regret."
Cao Ruixi stood up and said, "General Zhang, please get up. I've said that today's banquet doesn't require such formalities. Just like Xiahou Bai, I will issue the appointment at the next imperial meeting. All of you present are my trusted ministers. It's fine for you to know some of it in advance."
Zhang He rose slowly, but despite his attempt to appear calm, the expression in his eyes and the emotions on his face still could not conceal his inner feelings of joy and excitement.
To be the military governor of a region, to command the military affairs of Yong and Liang provinces, what a great trust this is? Zhang He has served under Han Fu, Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, and Cao Pi. Over thirty years have passed, and this is the first time Zhang He has been responsible for such an important military post.
For a commander, this is the true ceiling. In a more colloquial sense, Zhang He has already achieved the highest accomplishment that a person can achieve in their life at this moment.
At this moment, Zhang He even thought that today's banquet, today's debate, and today's appointment should be recorded in the history books by the imperial historians?
Cao Rui watched as Zhang He stood up, then added, "Take your seat. I still have more to say to all of you."
Zhang He did not feel embarrassed. After returning to his own table and sitting down, he continued to look at the emperor's figure. At this moment, Zhang He's back seemed a bit more straight than when he first entered the banquet.
And on the other side, Que Qian showed a hint of envy. Que Qian's father, Que Xing, had served as the governor of Wuyi Prefecture in Liangzhou and had assisted in quelling the Liangzhou Rebellion at the beginning of Huangchu year.
Several years ago, Que Qian had dreamed of being like his father, using his martial skills on the frontier and serving the king. From today's arrangement where the emperor had him greet guests and pour wine, it was evident that the emperor intended to promote him.
Having gained the emperor's favor, one must naturally work even harder.
However, Xiahou Miao's expression at this moment was quite bitter. But Xiahou Miao was also aware that his abilities were not as great as Zhang He's, and leading troops in battle was not his strong point. He could only console himself in his heart to accept this arrangement.
At this moment, Emperor Cao Rui cleared his throat and said, "The more I intend to engage in military actions in the southeast, the more I must first ensure that Yong and Liang are secure, to eliminate any worries from behind."
"Using military forces and managing troops is indeed important, but winning the hearts of the people in Yong and Liang is even more important for me, and I must immediately send someone to take charge of it."
"Today, I will be here, together with the Grand General, the General of Guards, and the General on the Left, as well as all of you, to discuss the frontier affairs of Yong and Liang. Zhongkong, I will make a few arrangements here. Please record them."
As a close imperial minister and also a literary minister during the Eastern Palace period, Que Qian had this ability. He walked to the corner of the hall behind a table, dipped his brush into the ink that had been finely ground.
Emperor Cao Rui said, "Firstly, let the Imperial Secretariat select one or two officials from all the officers from Longyu who are from the border regions. Give them a salary of 2,000 zhou and let them choose a county or state as their governor or state governor in Juze or Jizhou. They aren't lacking in prestige in the counties, right? I'll give them that reputation."
"Secondly, I remember that the Imperial Academy has already enrolled new students this year, right? The Imperial Academy and the Xiansheng are not the same path. Let's recruit more from the border regions of Longyu. In three years, the number of Xiansheng in each county in Longyu will double, which will provide some opportunities for local great families."
"Thirdly, if there are no mistakes, there should be several students from Longyu among the students of the Imperial Academy this year. Tell Zheng Zheng that Zheng, the Imperial Academy's Doctor, to use his nephew's name of 'Jingshen', let Zheng choose a student from Longyu privately."
"Fourthly, besides the court, the three offices also have the power to recruit talented individuals. Let the Governor of Yongzhou, Guo Hui, submit a list of several people who are known for their virtue in their respective counties. Let Marquis Zhong go and recruit a few people to be placed in the Marquisate. If they are indeed outstanding, I will provide them with additional opportunities."
Emperor Cao Rui swept his gaze over the assembly of officials: "What do you all think?"
Upon seeing Xiahou Bai and Zhang He both receiving positions, the youngest and sitting farthest to the side among them, Cao Xian, could no longer contain his impatience. As the emperor asked a question, he raised his hands in a bow and loudly said from his seat, "Your Majesty's all-encompassing strategy will make people from Longyu rejoice and serve with all their hearts!"
Cao Xian currently holds the title of General of the Palace Stables, which does not require him to serve at the emperor's side like Zhong Yu. It is simply an additional title that allows him to enter and exit the palace upon the emperor's summons.
While Cao Xian is not skilled in coming up with strategies, he is good at creating a pleasant atmosphere and serving as a comedian. Given his close relationship with the emperor, Cao Xian can easily handle this role.
Cao Zhen frowned and turned his head to glare at his son. "I, the General of the Central Command, haven't spoken yet. You, a General of the Palace Stables, what are you yelling about?"
Actually, Cao Zhen had originally wanted to offer some praise, but he was preempted by his own son. Since Cao Xian had already praised him, it wouldn't be appropriate for him, as a father, to keep praising him, which might seem overly flattering. So he had to offer some suggestions instead.
Cao Zhen turned to look at the smiling emperor and said, "Your Majesty, with such arrangements, I'm sure the people of several counties in Longyu will be satisfied. However, I worry that if we only attend to Longyu while neglecting the other counties in Yong and Liang, some might think that the government is unfair."
Cao Hong, who was opposite Cao Zhen, actually burst out laughing upon hearing his words: "Danzhan, your wisdom is still lacking. The emperor's intention is as clear as day to me, Cao Hong."
Seeing Cao Hong interjecting, Cao Zhen had originally intended to make a suggestion just to go through the motions, but now he had to ask seriously: "What is your opinion, General of Guards?"
Cao Hong stroked his beard and said, "I guess the emperor just wants to temporarily settle the matters in Longyu. Just like when the Former Emperor attacked Yuan Shao, after Yuan Shao's death, the Former Emperor married Yuan Shao's son Yuan Tan."
"But it's just a lure. The court isn't planning to use troops in the southeast, right? First, we should stabilize Longyu and then sort things out after the war!"
Seeing Cao Hong rather proudly patting his belly, Cao Zhen felt rather irritable at this moment. If you, Cao Hong, can see this, don't I know? Drunk or sober, you can't control your tongue; no wonder the former emperor disliked you.
Cao Zhen could only smile and say, "Your Majesty is wise. My concerns were groundless."
"Never mind, General Dan is right about this. He speaks of the nation's well-being." Emperor Cao Rui smiled and waved his hand: "Zhongkong, have you recorded everything I just said? There's no need to repeat it. Just give it to Liu Fang tomorrow, have him draft the imperial edict in that way, and then come back to present it to me for my seal."
Que Qian nodded repeatedly in agreement.
...
A few days later, Luoyang.
The grand imperial assembly on the first day of the twelfth month had already concluded, and with the weather growing colder, the atmosphere among the officials and scholars in Luoyang was becoming increasingly intense, both when on duty and when discussing political affairs.
Since the emperor has ascended to the throne and has not banned discussions on current political affairs, except for certain heinous crimes, the eunuchs who are responsible for monitoring officials in Luoyang would not interfere if they heard such remarks. Instead, they would secretly record them.
Indeed, it has been quite a lively few days at court.
Firstly, Xiahou Miao, who was in charge of defending Chang'an, returned to Luoyang. He lost his position as Duozhu (commander-in-chief) and became an imperial secretary, reportedly due to affairs with the Princess of Qinghe and some concubines.
Secondly, left general Zhang He, who had been stationed in Yong and Liang for a long time, returned to Luoyang. For the first time, he was given the position of Supreme Commander of Military Affairs in Yong and Liang, making him one of the most important figures in the court.
Next was Xiahou Bai, the second son of Xiahou Yuan, who was appointed as the prefect of Yan state and sent to preside over the region. His father Xiahou Yuan had been reprimanded by Emperor Wu as a "blanket general" after his death. Xiahou Bai had endured humiliation in the imperial guard for years and now had managed to turn things around.
The above news was just the appetizer during the warm-up, but what caused even greater stir in Luoyang was the first major commendation since the emperor ascended to the throne.
As for the scale of this commendation, it was so significant that even the Three Chief Ministers had been replaced.
The original Zhong Yao, the Marquis of Zhong, was promoted to Taifu. The position of Taifu is above the Three Chief Ministers and is not a common one, which makes it unclear why the emperor decided to bestow this title upon Zhong Yao.
Since Marquis Zhong has become Taifu Zhong, there is now a vacancy for the position of Taishou. Minister Huaxin, the Minister of Rites, has become Marquis of Taiwei, and Minister Wang Lang has become Marquis of Sicong.
Although Zhong Yao, Huaxin, and Wang Lang are all over seventy, after Wang Lang became Wang Sirius, the remaining vacancy was unexpectedly filled by Sima Yi!
This was a more explosive news than the appointments of Zhang He and Xiahou Bai.
Sima Yi went from Marquis Fu Jun to Marquis Sicong, and he still held the post of Recording Secretary and was in charge of the daily administration of the Secretariat. The words "Marquis Sicong" sound rather awkward, so the officials at the Secretariat simply called him "Sicong," which was purely a title used during work.
At that time, Sima Yi was only 47 years old, and he had been promoted to one of the three high ministers before the age of 50. This speed of promotion was almost unparalleled, and people in both the court and the outer world were commenting on how much the emperor trusted Sima Yi.
Among the general public's discussion, the last person to get a three high minister position this quickly was Shen Guan from Yingchuan, who was Shen Yue's uncle.
During Dong Zhuo's reign, the court issued an edict to recruit Xun Shuang. Xun Shuang went from being a commoner to being appointed as Marquis of Sikong in just ninety-three days, with most of that time spent on the journey. However, at that time, Xun Shuang was already over sixty years old, and the appointment was actually not very substantial since it was given by Dong Zhuo.
At age 47, Sima Yi was already a three high minister and still held the position of Recording Secretary, in charge of the daily administration of the Secretariat. With the title of a vice regent, he had effectively become one of the most powerful figures in the court.
During this period, even Sima Yi himself was unsure of the emperor's intentions and was rendered dazed by the position and the praises he received. In the eyes of scholars, three high ministers were the most prestigious and highest-ranking positions, a dream for most scholars. As for Yuan Shao's family, they were only fourth-generation three high ministers.
However, Emperor Cao Rui himself had a clear mind. The three high ministers were there to discuss policies but did not handle specific governmental affairs. Scholars value the position of the three high ministers, which is a cultural bias that has existed since the Han Dynasty for several centuries.
The title of a virtual Marquis of Sicong was just that, a title. The appointment of Sima Yi as General-in-Chief of Fu Jun was more significant. Recording Secretary? That's just an additional title and not a permanent position.
And even further away in Xiangyang, Chen Qun was awarded the title of Marshal General.
(Chapter complete)
