"They come, they fight, and they win. This alone surpasses many emperors." Sima Yi sighed.
"So what?" asked Sima Shi.
"So?" Sima Yi explained, "Although what Your Majesty has said has been mentioned by others before, Your Majesty's ability to integrate and connect these ideas into a cohesive argument, using the integration of the south and north as a thread to weave together the major trends of the world for nearly thirty years, can be said to be precise and accurate."
"Restoring peace, conserving people's strength, and reducing waste." Sima Yi picked up the wick of the lamp and blew on the flame with his mouth: "These are all common sense in the world."
"Your Majesty, being in your twenties and already so insightful into the great trend of the world, how could you make mistakes like your predecessor did?"
Sima Shi interjected, "So father thinks that the extermination of Wu and Shu by Your Majesty is just a matter of time, sooner or later? That it's predetermined to succeed?"
Sima Yi looked at his son and shook his head, saying, "Although I also believe it's either early or late, I still agree with the idea that 'destiny lies with Wei.'"
After a while, Sima Yi coughed lightly: "But in this world, can there be ten out of ten certain things that are destined? Let's watch and see how it goes."
Sima Shi wanted to ask more, but Sima Yi cut him off directly: "Ziyuan, I've already told General Cao that you should go to Xiahou Yuan early tomorrow morning and go to the General's mansion together. The General wants to test your scholarship."
It seems that it's time to decide on your own marriage.
Sima Shi said goodbye to his father, walking back to his room in the mansion, his mind lingering on the memories of Xiahou Hui that he saw at the entrance of the Imperial Academy on that day.
It was the bright and lively spirit he exhibited while discussing "The Doctrine of the Mean" that was different from an ordinary woman, and that is what truly impressed Sima Shi.
As for appearance, his bright eyes and white teeth were self-evident, but the specifics of his appearance seemed somewhat blurred. However, I still remember that Xiahou Hui's appearance was top-notch.
Let's talk about it tomorrow!
Early the next morning, Sima Shi led a chestnut horse and exited the residence of the Minister of Works through a side gate, heading alone to Xiahou Yuan's house.
"Please inform Master Xiahou Tai-chu that Sima Ziyuan is here to see him." Sima Shi said indifferently to the gatekeeper of Xiahou's mansion.
"Please wait a moment." The gatekeeper bowed and quickly turned to go inside. In the high gates of Luoyang, the doorkeepers of the great families were usually very sharp, knowing not only every face but also all current affairs. Since Xiahou's family was well acquainted with Sima Shixiang, the several key managers of Xiahou's family were well aware of it.
"Brother Ziyuan, what brings you here?" Xiahou Yuan emerged from the mansion, smiling as he asked Sima Shi.
Not only was Xiahou Xuan tall and handsome, but he also wore the purple silk embroidered with gold that was allotted to a marquis. Sima Shi was immediately attracted to Xiahou Xuan's insignia. He had never seen Xiahou Xuan wear it during his time at the Imperial Academy.
Sima Shi, despite having a father who was recently promoted to the Minister of Works, is currently without an official position and merely a commoner.
In contrast, Xiahou Xuan has inherited his father Xiahou Shang's title of Marquis of Changling. At a young age, he has already become a County Marquis. Moreover, after returning from the southern campaign, he still retains the additional title of Acting Cavalry Attendant that he received while at the Imperial Academy.
"Tai-chu, I truly have something to discuss with you today," Sima Shi said with a smile. "Our father and the General have asked me to come find you today, and we would like to ask you to accompany us to pay our respects at the General's mansion."
How intelligent is Xiahou Xuan?
As soon as Sima Shi mentioned the words "General," Xiahou Xuan immediately understood that it was about his sister.
Since Xiahou Xuan returned to Luoyang with the emperor, he had also sought advice from his mother at home. Xiahou Xuan's mother was also unsure and wanted to consult her brother, who was the Great General of the Dali Empire, Cao Zhen.
Although his mother and uncle had this intention, Xiahou Xuan thought about it over and over again, and finally felt a little uneasy before the event.
It's not that he doesn't want to.
It's a strange and slightly resistant feeling to face the fact that someone is coming to propose marriage for his own sister, who he has watched grow up.
Xiahou Xuan took a deep breath, looked at Sima Shi, and said, "Brother Ziyuan, please wait a moment. I'll be right back."
After Xiahou Xuan turned and entered the mansion, he was startled to see his younger sister standing in the courtyard. His father, Xiahou Shang, was no longer there, and with few family members at home, his mother had hinted about this matter several days ago.
Xiahou Hui has met Sima Shi before. Although she knows that Sima Shi is not as outstanding as her brother, the eldest son of the family of the Minister of Works is far from being bad!
Xiahou Hui said with a smile, "Where is brother going?"
Xiahou Xuan kept a stern face and said, "I'm going to my uncle's residence."
"Go early and return early." Xiahou Hui smiled softly.
Xiahou Xuan continued to walk without expression, not saying a word, and went into his own room. Lying on the couch and staring blankly for a moment, he then sat up, combed his appearance, and only then slowly walked out of the mansion gate.
After leaving the mansion, Xiahou Xuan mounted his horse by himself, gently shook the reins, and set off in the direction of the General's residence.
Sima Shi saw that Xiahou Xuan was now acting cold and distant, almost unrecognizable from the man he had met half an hour earlier. Sima Shi had never seen Xiahou Xuan act this way before, and his astonishment led him to mount his horse and chase after Xiahou Xuan.
General's Mansion.
Xiahou Xuan is Xiongdi Guan's nephew, so there is no need to announce it. He led Sima Shi and the others into the General's residence together.
Xiahou Xuan's face was still not in a good mood, but it was much better than when he just left his own home. Although Sima Shi was also a clever person, since he did not have a sister, it took him until halfway there to realize the connection.
The General's Mansion was not just the residence of Cao Zhen's family; it was more like the center for handling military affairs in the Great Wei.
The two Cao brothers, Cao Xun and Cao Zhen, are both high-ranking military officials in the Wei. While Cao Xun, as the Great Marshal, is stationed in Yangzhou and responsible for the campaign against Wu, Cao Zhen serves as the Great General in Luoyang and commands both domestic and foreign military affairs. Compared to Cao Xun's duties in the field, Cao Zhen's responsibilities appear to be more significant.
The General's Mansion was vast, with only a small part of it being the residence of Cao Zhen and his family. Xiahou Xuan was naturally familiar with the place, so he led Sima Shi directly to the front hall at the rear of the mansion.
In daily life at the palace, although Cao Zhen often delegated many military matters to Dong Zhao to handle, reviewing them himself before sending them to the General's Mansion, the overall workload was still busy and tiring.
Today is a rare day off, and Cao Zhen was practicing spear handling in the courtyard in the early morning.
Cao Zhen was also a ferocious general when he was young, leading the Leopard Cavalry and even shooting tigers from horseback. Although he is a bit older now, he still keeps himself in shape and practices martial arts.
In fact, the weapons used by martial officers who can fight on the battlefield are mainly spear, halberd, and sword. Cao Zhen was originally a cavalry commander, so he was more skilled in using spears. He used halberds, which are more suitable for foot soldiers, much less often.
Cao Zhen's glance caught sight of Xiahou Xuan's arrival, and he knew what was going on. However, Cao Zhen did not stop his spear dance, continuing for another half a minute.
After stepping back and lowering his body into a bow, turning around to deliver a rearward spear strike, Cao Zhen slowly relaxed his posture, stood for a moment to catch his breath, and then placed the iron lance on the stand before turning around to face the two.
Sima Shi saw that Cao Zhen was looking at him, so he immediately bowed respectfully and said, "I am Sima Ziyuan. I pay my respects to General Cao."
"Simu Ziyuan? The Minister of Works sent you to ask for my daughter, Xiahou Hui?" Cao Zhen asked calmly.
This is the General! When it comes to power in Wei, his father's position of Minister of Works and the General's position are not comparable. Hearing Cao Zhen's slightly questioning tone, even Sima Shi, with his good temperament, began to feel nervous.
"Reporting to General Cao, that is indeed the case," Sima Shi replied respectfully.
"The eldest son of the Minister of Works, I'm not concerned about his proficiency in the liberal arts. I presume he should be able to pass the test." Cao Zhen nodded and said, "Ziyuan, have you studied swords and weapons?"
Swords and weapons? Sima Shi was slightly surprised. Does today have to test martial arts as well?
Sima Shi nodded immediately and replied, "Yes, General Cao, I have practiced with swords, but I am not proficient in the use of knives."
"Practicing with swords is acceptable," Cao Zhen said to Xiahou Xuan. "Xiahou Hui! Bring me Master Zhao."
Zhao Bo, Cao Zhen's eldest son, is also Xiahou Xuan's cousin.
Xiahou Xuan roughly guessed his uncle's intention and nodded in agreement before heading towards the direction of Cao Shao's room.
Sima Shi was confused at this moment. shouldn't the General be testing me? Why did he call Cao Shuang over?
At the moment, there were only a few guards and Sima Shi in the courtyard with Cao Zhen.
Cao Zhen looked Sima Shi up and down. "Ziyuan, you've been at the Imperial Academy for half a year now. How is the Imperial Academy doing these days?"
Sima Shi replied with a bow, "The Imperial Academy has recruited a total of 500 students since October last year, including 50 first-class students and 450 second-class and third-class students. The emperor has twice personally visited the Imperial Academy to give lectures and answer questions for us students."
The important events that have occurred at the Imperial Academy have already been reported to General Cao by the military advisor in his household. Cao Zhen was now simply asking some questions to try and gauge Sima Shi's temperament and character.
"Then, did you understand the emperor's words about the current state of the world yesterday?" Cao Zhen continued to ask.
"Reporting to General Cao, I have understood the emperor's words about the current state of the world yesterday," Sima Shi replied.
"The emperor's teachings from yesterday were all about the current state of the world. Today, let's not talk about such grand matters. Ziyuan, if you were a prefectural governor, how would you perform your duties?" Cao Zhen asked.
Sima Shi thought for a moment before replying, "Reporting to General Cao, if I were a prefectural governor, my actions would consist of three main things: first, to encourage agriculture and sericulture, cherish the people's strength; second, to clarify laws and get rid of incompetent officials; third, to investigate and decide cases fairly and govern according to the law."
Cao Zhen nodded slightly, "What you said is generally correct, but it is still somewhat lacking."
Sima Shi was slightly surprised and bowed, "I humbly request that General Cao enlighten me."
Cao Zhen said solemnly, "The role of a prefectural governor is essentially to govern the people on behalf of heaven. The affairs of one county are small, but the affairs of the entire country are great."
"Daily tasks are something everyone can do. But when you are a prefectural governor, the government may need food and supplies in critical times. You will go all out to collect food and supplies. Similarly, when the government needs soldiers and laborers, you will mobilize all available resources."
"To fulfill the government's trust for a prefectural appointment. This is the essence of a prefectural governor's duties."
Cao Zhen heard the sound of footsteps, turned his body to look, and saw Cao Shao and Xiahou Xuan coming towards them at a quick pace.
Cao Zhen turned to his son and said, "Zhao Bo, come and challenge Sima Ziyuan to a duel in swordplay!"
(The end of this chapter)
