The appearance that Sima Zhao could see was only that his father rejected his proposal.
But from Sima Shi's perspective, it was crystal clear.
Although his father doesn't inquire much about his younger brother on a daily basis, there are still examinations once a month. Sima Zhao's knowledge and courage are things that his father, Sima Yi, knows very well.
Based on Sima Zhao's current level, even if he goes to Taixue, he won't be able to enter the First Class. Instead, it would be a shame.
Furthermore, the position of Taixue Lang (Taixue scholar) was just an initial suggestion and has not been implemented yet.
Of course, Sima Yi wouldn't want his second son to also attempt to enter the examination. It's not too late to enter Taixue once the advancement path for Taixue scholars is clear.
Serving as an official can be a lifelong career. What's the difference if it's a year or two earlier or later?
......
The next day, outside the North Palace's southern gate.
Yesterday afternoon, Guan Qiujian heard the imperial envoy inform him in his camp that he should enter the palace the next day to look for the emperor.
Mou Qiujian was puzzled, but he still arrived early in the morning to wait at the palace gate.
"Oh, Mou Qiao Jian, how early you are here to enter the palace," the imperial gatekeeper Dandan Man said with a smile.
"Zi'an brother." Mou Qiujian smiled and bowed: "Yesterday I heard in the camp of Five Cavalry Generals that the emperor had something to call me. How could I dare to delay? That's why I came here as early as possible this morning."
"Zi'an brother is much older than me, so please don't call me a cavalry general anymore. Just call me Zhonggong directly."
The Gatekeeper Danman, who was in his late thirties, was at present patrolling around the left side of the South Gate, wearing armor and helmet. He had worked through the night and was about to go off duty, so he was glad to find someone to chat with for a bit before going home.
Danman smiled and said: "Zhonggong, is your Five Cavalry Generals' camp still lively?"
Mou Qiujian also laughed and said, "As for being lively, my camp is a bit more so than yours, at least I don't have to stay up all night."
Danman nodded: "Not having to stay up all night is a good point, but not fighting is a bit of a letdown. I heard that your campaign in the Huainan region wasn't very fierce. If there are more battles, I definitely want to get some kills."
Mou Qiujian said, "The emperor's bodyguard troops are not used for careless fighting on the battlefield. Brother Zi'an wants to fight, but he also needs to transfer from the Guan army before he has the chance."
"However," Mou Qiujian said with a smile, "the Guardians of the North Palace receive a lot more rewards during the festivals than we do!"
"Just a little wealth," Danman said with a smile, "what's the big deal?" Standing next to Mou Qiujian, Danman's rather imposing figure made Mou Qiujian look even more refined.
Danman's face carried a hint of respect: "Zhonggong is now favorited by the emperor. I hope Zhonggong can recommend me once there's a war!"
Mou Qiujian nodded with a smile, knowing that it was only natural to seek military achievements: "I can't say when the next campaign will be. Brother Zi'an, don't blame me if you wait too long!" He was willing to make this good connection.
Danman lightly pounded on Mou Qiujian's shoulder: "Hahaha, I knew Zhonggong was a straightforward person. After you leave the palace today, if you have some time, would you like to come to my home for a drink tonight?"
"Since Brother Zining has invited me, I must gratefully accept." Mou Qiujian said: "Once I leave the palace, I will send a messenger to inform Brother Zining in the afternoon."
Danman's round face broke into a smile, and he then adjusted his helmet before standing aside.
Shortly after, an imperial attendant led Mou Qiujian into the palace.
Cao Rui yawned, looking like he hadn't slept well: "Zhonggong has arrived? I haven't seen you for half a month."
Mou Qiujian bowed and said, "The reason I haven't paid a visit to Your Majesty for half a month is due to my fault."
"Cough, cough," Cao Rui said casually, pointing at a chair, "Zhonggong, the head of the traitor Quru Ying from Liangzhuo has already hung on the gate for three days. Have you seen it?"
Mou Qiujian nodded and replied, "How could I not see it? It's hanging right next to the city gate, and it's already attracted quite a few flies."
"I called you here, as this matter is related to you," Cao Rui walked over to the cartographic map, saying while speaking, "Come over here, Zhonggong."
Mou Qiujian walked over and saw that the emperor's right middle finger pointed to the arc contour above the cartographic map.
"Beizhou, Youzhou," Cao Rui said, "From Pingyang Commandery, north to Yanmen Commandery, then to Dai Commandery, Shanggu Commandery, Yuyang Commandery, and Youpingping Commandery." He continued, "Zhonggong, take the head of Quru Ying with you and deliver it 'to show the heads' in the border commanderies on my behalf."
"By the way, make a thorough investigation of the military situation and civilian affairs in each state and county. I have always been more concerned about the south, while Hebei has been neglected," Cao Rui said.
Mou Qiujian was still looking at the cartographic map.
Cao Rui asked, "Zhonggong, have you made any discoveries?"
Mou Qiujian said, "I understand Your Majesty's intention, but I am puzzled. Why only go as far as Youpingping Commandery?"
"In my opinion, the various counties in Liaodong Commandery where Gong Sun Gong is stationed can also be visited at this opportunity!"
Said and done, Mou Qiujian pointed to the upper right section of the map and said, "Your Majesty, I have heard that the messengers from our great Wei Dynasty who go to the Gong Sun family usually only reach Xiangping Commandery in Liaodong. The three commanderies of Xuanyu, Yelang, and Dai Fang to the east of Xiangping can also be investigated together."
Cao Rui said, "What should be the name of the mission?"
Mou Qiujian thought for a moment, "If we still use the pretext of delivering the heads, it might scare Gong Sun Gong."
Cao Rui nodded, "Gongsun Gong has always been loyal to the court. The Wu and Shu states have not been pacified, and I don't want to stir up any trouble in Youzhou." He said, "We need to think of a more gentle reason."
Saying this, Cao Rui waved at Zhong Yù: "Call Lau Zhengwu over."
Liu Xie is very knowledgeable and has a good memory, making him extremely useful as a human reference book.
A moment later, Liu Yi came over. After hearing the emperor's description of the matter, Liu Yi only thought for a moment before suggesting a new idea with a smile.
Liu Yi bowed and said, "Your Majesty, do you know that the Dan Fang Commandery in Liaodong has long had communication with Japan?"
"The son of Gong Sun Kang, Gong Sun Huang, serves as a clerk in Luoyang. I was present when the late emperor summoned this person, and I heard Gong Sun Huang talk about this matter."
Liu Yi said with a smile: "Instead of sending an envoy to Japan, we can conveniently pass through the Le'ang and Dai Fang counties?"
Japan! How could Cao Rui not know about it? From Liaodong to the peninsula and then to Japan, such a route must not be too difficult.
Just that I didn't know about Gongsun Huang before.
Cao Rui clapped his hands and laughed, "Lau Zhengwu's wonderful strategy! How is the situation in Japan now? Do you know?"
Liu Yi made an effort to recall for a moment before saying, "I can only remember approximately. Japan is made up of several large islands, among which there is a country called Yamato, whose leader was called Himiko."
Gongsun Huang once said that there is about one communication between Japan and the Gong Sun family every three years."
Cao Rui nodded, feeling a bit reflective in his heart. He thought that if one day he were to pacify the Gong Sun family, he would surely try to send an army to Japan.
Cao Rui smiled and said, "Then let's follow Lau Zhengwu's suggestion!"
"Cao Rui looked at Liu Yi and said, "Lau Zhengwu, I'm going to have Zhonggong take the head of the traitor Quru Ying along the border commanderies of Youzhou and Bingzhou, while investigating these areas at the same time. What do you think?"
The few of them returned to their seats from in front of the map. After a moment's thought, Liu Yi said, "Your Majesty, the Governor of Youzhou Wang Xiong, also known as Yuanbo, and the Governor of Bingzhou Liang Xi, also known as Ziyu, are both capable officials who guard the border."
"Both of them are officials from the time of the late emperor. If Your Majesty sends Commander Mou Qiujian to investigate, I'm afraid they will be uneasy."
Cao Rui nodded in agreement and replied, "Lau Zhengwu is right. In that case, I will write a personal letter to each of them and have Zhonggong deliver it along with some gifts, which should suffice."
Liu Yi said, "Your Majesty, you are wise."
"Don't talk about being wise or not, I have many ideas. I just haven't thought of them," Cao Rui pointed at Mou Qiujian, "Zhonggong has not yet reached the border commanderies, and he has spent less time in the military."
"After much thought, it might be better if you, Liu Zhengwu, accompany Zhonggong on this trip."
Liu Yi opened his eyes wide and looked at the emperor, "Your Majesty, can I also leave Luoyang and accompany Zhonggong on this trip?"
Cao Rui smiled and nodded, "Indeed, indeed. Lau Zhengwu is always by my side, and your decision-making and judgment are all excellent. I believe that I cannot escape from your eyes when it comes to the situation in the border commanderies."
"From Luoyang, we will head north along the west and north of Bingzhou, then to the north of Youzhou, and finally into Liaodong to take a look. Gongsun Gong has always been loyal to the court. With such a reason, he can't just rebel in place, can he?"
"How the border commanderies and Liaodong are, it's only through visiting them in person that one can truly understand."
Liu Yi did not immediately agree but instead began calculating the time: "Your Majesty, it takes one month to go from Luoyang to Yanmen, another month from Yanmen to Youpingping, and two months from Youpingping to Le'ang and Dai Fang."
"Adding the time needed for the investigation, it seems that this trip back to Luoyang will take nearly a year."
Cao Rui smiled and nodded, "A year? I can wait for it. "
Mou Qiujian stood up and bowed, "Please Your Majesty rest assured, I will certainly fulfill my mission and bring back the situation in the northern border for Your Majesty."
Liu Yi was also abruptly awakened by Mou Qiujian's words, realizing that he should not have been hesitant in the first place. He hurriedly stood up and said, "Your Majesty has entrusted me with a great responsibility, and I will surely not let down Your Majesty's expectations."
Cao Rui nodded, "That's right. Although it will take a year on the journey, slow is fast and fast is slow."
Mou Qiujian was in his twenties and was one of Cao Rui's future top advisors. Liu Yi was wise and skilled in military strategy. Having such a person at his side for consultation was good, but sending him out might prove even more useful.
Bingzhou, Youzhou.
Wuhuan, Xianbei, Liaodong.
Take your time.
Cao Rui said, "Liu Zhengwu and Zhonggong, you two can prepare for a few days first. Let's go up to the north on the day of the first lunar month after the fifth day of May, okay? Liu Zhengwu as the main and Zhonggong as the secondary."
"What title should I give you?"
Mou Qiujian glanced at Liu Yi, who had more seniority. For a moment, it was difficult for Liu Yi to decide on a position for himself.
Mou Qiujian bowed and said, "Your Majesty, it might be appropriate to add the title of 'Guanglu Dafulou' for Liu Yi."
Cao Rui nodded and said, "Guanglu Dafulou. Lau Zhengwu, how does this position sound?"
Liu Yi bowed and said, "As an envoy of Your Majesty, what is a few titles among the multitude?"
"Then add Guanglu Dafulou and title of authority to Liu Zhengwu, and let Zhonggong keep his title as Yuejia Xiongjiang."
Liu Yi and Mou Qiujian agreed with enthusiasm. (Chapter complete)
