On the first day of the fourth month, another grand assembly was held with great festivity.
Many ministers suddenly discovered that the Minister of Rites, Wang Lang, who was supposed to be in the front row, did not attend court today.
Cao Rui didn't have to hide or conceal anything. He directly explained to the officials that he had sent Wang Lang to the North China region and was responsible for repairing the tomb of Princess Wen Zhu for her Majesty.
The Duke of Wei is truly a man of decisive action.
After receiving the emperor's appointment, Wang Lang set off for the northern city of Ye the following morning without any delay.
And his son Wang Shu, who was under house arrest, could not have been said by Wei Zhen, Liu Ye, Yang Fu, or anyone else who is not directly involved.
From the perspective of most onlookers, that would be after the Grand Minister Zhong and Duke Wang argued again over the restoration of 'corporeal punishment,' Duke Wang sought to escalate the matter and publicize the dispute.
Duke Wang publicly disclosed the letter in the morning, and the emperor visited his official residence in the afternoon. The next day, Duke Wang was sent to Ye City.
Though it seemed that the Grand Minister Zhong had won again, the rapid progress suddenly left everyone puzzled.
During the discussion of revising the laws at the court assembly, a minister stood up and suggested that the emperor restore corporeal punishment, and soon many ministers echoed this suggestion, while others voiced their opposition.
Cao Rui merely expressed that corporeal punishment was a specific form of punishment, and discussing it was not urgent. They should first establish the general direction for revising the laws, and discuss corporeal punishment once the details are sorted out.
The emperor had spoken, and his words made logical sense. Starting with the general outline and then delving into the details is the proper way to do things!
It could only be put aside.
Zhong Yao, the Grand Minister Zhong, still had mobility issues and could not attend court.
After discussing with the General, the Duke of Wei, Sir Huaxin, Sir Sima Yi, and other ministers, including Zheng Xun, Cao Rui roughly established several principles for this round of legal revision.
Firstly, to simplify and streamline by gradually refining the complex and repetitive parts of the Han law, eliminating unnecessary annotations and precedents.
Secondly, logical clarity. The newly revised laws should follow a structure of general provisions, chapters, and articles, which is easy for governors and officials to learn and reference.
Thirdly, prudence comes first. This is a point that Cao Rui specially added. Cao Rui believes that the laws are means rather than ends, so the laws should exist with the principle of punishing past mistakes and preventing future ones, as well as curing diseases and saving lives. Before the law makes a judgment, it should be repeatedly verified and confirmed.
After Cao Rui proposed the principle of prudence, neither Huaxin, Sima Yi, nor Cao Zhen would have any reason to refuse.
Be careful in making judgments! This is also indispensable.
After hearing the ministers' enthusiastic praise, Cao Rui couldn't help but shake his head inwardly. Such flattery was truly empty, but if I were to mention the person responsible for revising the laws...
"Ladies and gentlemen," Cao Rui said slowly, "Since the principles for revising the laws have been established, there still needs to be someone in charge of the myriad details."
"Who should be in charge of this matter of revising the laws?"
The emperor's words immediately sparked whispers among the officials who had previously remained silent.
Being an official has its nuances. It's better to do skilled work than menial or tiring work, and this round of law revision is a classic example of skilled work.
"Your Majesty has already set the scope, and it's sufficient for one person to lead. As the first important event of the first year of the Taihe era in Your Majesty's court, this is an indisputable political achievement."
The officials' hearts all began to race with thoughts, but none of them spoke up.
Cao Rui, seeing this, smiled lightly and knew that no one was willing to be the first to step forward. He then asked, "General? Does anyone have a recommendation for me?"
Cao Zhen thought for a moment before bowing and saying, "Your Majesty, I am not very familiar with the details of laws and regulations. Therefore, I do not have a recommendation. However, for the revision of military orders, I suggest using Xin Zhaozhിng as the responsible party."
Cao Rui nodded, looking at Xin Zhi: "Military orders are a major military affair. Since General Cao has recommended Xin Zhongshu, Master Xin, would you be willing to take on this responsibility?"
Xin Zhi stepped forward and bowed to answer, "Your Majesty, I am willing to take on this matter and relieve Your Majesty's worries."
"Let Xin Zhongshu handle it. I have no worries," Cao Rui smiled and replied.
"Besides the military orders, this matter has already been entrusted to Master Xin Zhongshu. The main issue still needs to be discussed."
Cao Rui pointed at the Marshal Huaxin: "Marshal Huaxin, do you have any candidates to recommend?"
Marshall Huaxin, aged and honorable, generally did not speak lightly at court. He directly bowed and replied: "Your Majesty, I recommend Liu Shao of Chenliu County, Lǚ Kāngcái."
"Your Majesty, Liu Shao served as a Secretary and an Imperial Messenger during the Huangchu era. He was also tasked with compiling a comprehensive book, 'The Imperial Survey,' and has a deep understanding of laws and regulations. This person is indeed suited for this position."
Cao Rui said, "When I went on my last tour, I stopped in Chenliu for several days. I have also heard of the achievements of Governor Liu Shao of Chenliu. This person can be considered."
"What about your opinion, Marshal Sima?" Cao Rui asked, looking at Sima Yi.
Sima Yi was actually quite conflicted in his heart.
In early March, Jiang Ji, before leaving Luoyang for Yangzhou, had previously discussed with Sima Yi the idea of transferring the position of the Prefect of Henan to Feng Ping, the Chancellor of Grand Marshal Cao Xu.
And the current Prefect of Henan, Sima Ji, is actually a cousin of Sima Yi.
According to normal procedures, after dealing with the case of Cao Hong's family, Sima Yi could have recommended Sima Ji for promotion to a position of a ninth-tier official.
Now the positions of Librarian and Master of the State Mint, both of which are vacant among the nine ministerial officials.
But the emperor's attitude towards Sima Ji was neither commendatory nor derogatory, which was very perplexing.
Should I recommend Sima Ji, or recommend another candidate?
Prudence is the key!
After thinking for a moment, Sima Yi bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I recommend four talented individuals to the court. They are: Wang Chang, the Governor of Yong Province; Huan Fan, the Commander of the Central Military Guards; Sima Ji, the Prefect of Henan; and Lu Yu, the Governor of Guangping Province."
Sima Yi recommended four people at once.
The court officials' gazes all turned to Sima Yi's back, questioning why Cao Zhen and Huaxin only recommended one person each, while he recommended four at once, as if listing dishes.
Cao Rui actually thought the same way.
Cao Rui patiently asked, "Why did you recommend four candidates, Marshal Sima? Are you suggesting that the emperor use four ministers to jointly lead this matter?"
Sima Yi answered calmly while bowing, "Your Majesty, the matter of revising the laws is a major national affair. I am simply considering what is best for the court and therefore recommended candidates with great caution."
"Among the four candidates I just recommended, each has their own strengths and can be utilized for the court's needs."
Wang Chang, Huan Fan, Sima Ji, and Lu Yu.
Cao Rui smiled and then asked, "Well, Marshal Sima, please explain to the emperor and officials why you believe all four of them are capable of assuming this heavy responsibility."
Sima Yi cleared his throat and bowed, answering, "I believe that the matter of revising the laws is extremely complex and important. It requires individuals who understand criminal law, those with literary talent for compilation, and those who are knowledgeable about practical matters."
"Wang Chang and Sima Ji are experts in practical matters, Huan Fan was involved in compiling 'The Imperial Survey' with Liu Shao, and Lu Yu is good at criminal law and regulations. I believe that these four are all outstanding talents of the great Wei Dynasty and can be entrusted with important responsibilities."
At this moment, Cao Rui only felt amused.
You Marshal Sima, you've put four people on an equal footing. Can't I guess your meaning?
Wang Chang had served at the Prince's court under Cao Pi, and after Sima Yi moved to the Chancellor's office, Wang Chang took over as a senior advisor to the Prince.
Lu Yu once worked in the Western Bureau of the Chancellor's office and had served as a subordinate to Sima Yi.
As for Sima Ji, he is not only a cousin of Sima Yi but also a trusted person of Sima Yi.
The only one is Huan Fan... Cao Rui is still unaware of his connection with Sima Yi. Perhaps he was submitted for the purpose of filling in the number?
However, one thing Sima Yi did not lie about is that the four officials who are two-thousand-cash men are all virtuous talents in the country and are also capable individuals. It all depends on how the emperor himself chooses to use them.
Cao Rui smiled and said, "Huan Fan and Sima Ji are both in Luozhou, while Liu Shao, Lu Yu, and Wang Chang are all in office."
"If Marshal Sima has recommended these four, then including the recommendation of Marshal Huaxin for Liu Shao, bring them all to Luoyang. The emperor wants to talk directly with them."
Sima Yi bowed, "Your Majesty is wise. It is best to be cautious about this matter."
Cao Rui thought for a moment before turning to Liu Fang: "By the way, Lord Liu, after the banquet, send a fast horse to catch up with Wang Official. Ask him if he has any recommendations for today's proceedings."
Liu Fang bowed and agreed.
Cao Rui scanned the court and then slowly said, "The matter of establishing the Cultivation of Literature Academy, some of you may have heard something about it, to varying degrees."
"Tomorrow, I will personally visit the Cultivation of Literature Academy to show my 'reverence for Confucianism and valuing of learning'."
"If any of the officials present know of talented individuals with outstanding literary talents or have written excellent works themselves, they are all welcome to recommend them for inclusion in the Cultivation of Literature Academy."
"Yes, Your Majesty," the court officials responded in unison.
......
In the evening, at Marshal Sima's residence.
Sima Ji asked in confusion, "Brother, why did you recommend me to the emperor today in court? Last month's incident with Cao Hong must have caused the emperor some dissatisfaction with me."
"Your Majesty isn't as petty as you think," Sima Yi shook his head and said, "Even if Your Majesty says that you did something wrong, he hasn't punished you yet. To punish someone without first teaching them is something Your Majesty wouldn't do."
"Moreover, does Zihua know that both the positions of Librarian and Master of the State Mint, which are currently vacant among the nine ministerial officials?"
Sima Ji nodded. "Of course I know! What does that have to do with revising the laws?"
Sima Yi said, "The matter of revising the laws is of great importance and cannot be taken lightly. Many officials in the court and governors of provinces and territories may have matters to discuss with them. To lead this important task, it is not enough for the person in charge to have a position of a ninth-tier official."
"What does my brother mean?" Sima Ji widened his eyes: "Do you intend to recommend me as a ninth-tier official?"
Sima Yi stared at Sima Ji for a moment before saying, "Zihua, don't be afraid. I have already reached the level of the Three Marquis. What's so daunting about you becoming a ninth-tier official?"
However, Sima Ji was not a foolish person. He almost immediately realized that the pie his brother was feeding him was hard to swallow: "But why did you recommend Wang Chang, Lu Yu, and Huan Fan as well?"
Sima Yi glanced at Sima Ji: "If I only recommend you, won't the emperor suspect me?"
"Besides, among these three, Lu Yu is indeed skilled in criminal law, Huan Fan is proficient in compilation, and Wang Chang is expert in mundane affairs. If any of you four can be chosen, it will not be a bad thing for either you or me."
"Only," Sima Yi rubbed his beard: "I heard that when Your Majesty was in Chenliu, he talked with Liu Shao for half a day and highly praised him."
"If the emperor decides to use him, it is his decision." (End of this chapter)
