After hearing this, Cao Zhen laughed several times and said, "Zi Xu, haven't you asked me why I recruited Shi Zai before?"
Such a talent, how can I let him return to Qian Zhao's hands?
Talented person?
Du Chi murmured to himself for a moment. A man in his thirties, sensible but unwise in social affairs, could have what use in the official circles? He had just witnessed it with his own eyes!
However, Du Xi still didn't contradict Cao Zhen's face: "General, your discerning eyes have recognized an outstanding talent. With Shi Zai's assistance, the affairs in the mansion are sure to be handled more appropriately."
Cao Zhen nodded and said, "Now it's nearly noon. By tomorrow noon, submit the strategy to me. I will present it to the king!"
Du Chi made a bow in response.
Cao Zhen stood up from the seat, twisted his neck, and stretched his limbs before walking to Du Xi's side.
Just as Du Xi was about to get up, Cao Zhen grabbed hold of Du Xi's shoulder and said, "Don't get up. You've been working hard on this matter. I'll go to the camp outside the city. You guys continue with your work."
"General Cao, please take your time." Du Xi sat down helplessly on the seat as Cao Zhen said goodbye. Fei Yao, Yang Dan, and Deng Yi stood up to pay their respects.
Du Xi is more than a decade older than Cao Zhen.
Since the early years of Huang Chu, after Cao Zhen's official position became increasingly important, he addressed all officials directly by their courtesy names, regardless of age.
After all, the General of the Great Army is in a position of great authority and power. Such minor changes in titles and honorifics have no real impact, as no one truly takes them to heart. They may occasionally mutter complaints behind their backs.
Du Xi was busy along with Fei, Yang, and Deng, but by the morning of the second day, at the hour of Si (9-11 AM), a complete strategy plan was already ready.
The most meticulous script was written by Yang Dan, a director of the attending officials. The script was then transcribed word by word onto bamboo slips using Han li style.
Each bamboo slip can accommodate an average of twenty characters. A scroll contains about a hundred slips, which calculates to two thousand characters per scroll.
Five volumes of bamboo slips were used to write a strategy plan of over ten thousand characters.
The main content of the strategy has already been discussed between Cao Zhen and the officials under his command.
With the five scrolls completed, Cao Zhen didn't bother to read them over carefully again. He simply called for Yang Dan and Deng Ai to follow him, holding the scrolls, and together they went to see the emperor at the military camp outside the city.
Du Xi followed along as well, serving as Cao Zhen's mouthpiece and explaining the plan to the emperor and the officials.
Without Fei Yao's share.
This matter is of great importance, and Emperor Cao Wei summoned all the senior ministers who were with the army.
In the main tent, besides Sima Yi, Xin Zhi, Qian Zhao, and Zhu Gaizhi, there was also Yang Fu, the Governor of Yan State, who had hurried from Chang'an to Chenping to hear that Emperor Cao Wei was returning.
From the end of last November to May this year, a half-year-long campaign has come to an end. A new arrangement has been made for the regions of Yong, Liang, Qin, and Hanzhong.
Du Xi is truly a seasoned official in the western regions.
Old ministers who have been with Cao Cao since the early days of his reign, even if they come from different backgrounds and are not all virtuous, are generally extremely sharp in handling government affairs.
Du Xi first outlined the three main points: military deployment, troop replenishment, and emergency strategies. He then explained each point in detail, item by item.
Emperor Cao Wei didn't look at the details.
As an emperor, if he looks at everything in detail, he would get tired and die. When Du Xi stood in the hall and explained each item in turn without looking at his notes, Emperor Cao Wei had already read the summary several times.
clearing his throat, Emperor Cao Wei interrupted Du Xi's speech: "The overall deployment of military forces is correct, but the specific allocation is somewhat lacking."
Cao Zhen bowed: "Please advise."
Emperor Cao Wei said: "After the Qiang army under Guo Huai is supplemented, the remaining foreign troops will come to Chencang. Furthermore, some troops from Zhang He can also be transferred to Chencang."
"Previously, when we were in Qingshan City, we increased troops in Qinzhou to counteract Hanzhong. Now that Hanzhong is under our control, fewer troops are needed in Qinzhou."
Cao Zhen, of course, wouldn't refuse such a request; he even felt that the emperor was rather considerate.
"I understand, Your Highness. I will adjust it properly and submit it again after I return."
Emperor Cao Wei nodded slightly to Du Xi, indicating to continue.
The issue of troop replenishment was not significant, and the other ministers in the hall had no objections.
However, when it came to fortifying cities, stockpiling grain, repairing military roads, and constructing permanent camp buildings, Yang Fu was the first to express opposition.
"Du Qishi's words are mistaken." Yang Fu stood up from his seat and bowed to Du Xi.
"May I ask Governor Yang, what is so mistaken?" Du Xi asked in return.
Emperor Cao Wei and the other ministers in the hall turned their gaze towards Yang Fu simultaneously.
Yang Fu was an unexpected guest, and his question was an unexpected question.
Apart from Yang Fu, people like Sima Yi and Xin Zhi had all been to Hanzhong, and they had a consistent view of the war and the Shu state.
It's better to be prepared than to be caught off guard! We can't neglect military matters, no matter how difficult it may be.
Only Yang Fu was a variable.
Yang Fu calmly said, "Director Du wants to repair Wuxing Pass and Wuxie City. Wuxing Pass should be repaired to be as strong as Yangping Pass, and Wuxie City should be constructed to be as solid as Qishan City."
"I don't object to these two. Repairing cities on the front line is a necessary military matter. It can be done by using troops for construction work while they are stationed there."
"But repairing military roads and building permanent camp buildings, these two are also urgently needed at the moment? After six months of fighting on the front lines, how much manpower and resources have been consumed in Yong and Qinzhou states? Can't we take a break for a while?"
Emperor Cao Wei remained silent, preparing to see how Cao Zhen and Du Xi would debate with Yang Fu.
The heavyweights of the Wei state, in handling affairs, have always been harmonious.
Whether it's Cao Zhen, Sima Yi, or Chen Qun, they were all from the core group of Cao Pi's administration in the past and were part of 'the Late Emperor's Party'.
During the reign of Cao Pi, Yang Fu had no significant favor from the late emperor and his status even declined somewhat. He was promoted from being the Inspector of Yi Province during Cao Cao's campaign in Hanzhong to being the city gate guard.
Yang Fu can be considered a heavyweight official who truly served during the Tahe period.
Du Xi helplessly looked at Yang Fu, then turned to face Cao Zhen for a moment and said, "How can you say it's me who wants to repair the passes and cities? It is the Wei state that needs to do so!"
"How can we ignore the geographical and military importance of the enemy state in the south?"
This remark also contains an underlying meaning.
Du Xi's suggestion to repair the passes and cities originally meant that Yong state should take over Wuxing Pass and Qin state should take over Wuxie City. With one state responsible for one location, wouldn't that be great?
But when it came to Yang Fu, it turned into using troops for construction work! Is this the same thing?
Yang Fu responded, "The city must be repaired, and the pass must be repaired; these are urgent matters. But can't we delay the construction of military roads and camps for a year?"
"The Shu forces have just been defeated. How can we quickly invade again?"
"I hope Director Du takes pity on the people's strength!"
Du Xi was so angry that his beard seemed to be tilting. How could Yang Fu's words imply that it was all his own doing to undertake these constructions?
Moreover...
General Cao, please speak up!
What are you standing there for? Why don't you argue back?
Du Xi said, "In all things of the world, military matters are the most important. Just a few cities and some military roads and camps can be completed before the end of the year. By next year, everything will be fine."
Yang Fu countered, "Yong state is exhausted and cannot be used as your driving force! We do not even mention the hardship of transporting supplies along the Longshan Road and Chenping Road. Just the newly allocated 100,000 Qiang people and 70,000 Han middle-class people to Yong state, their food and clothing needs will all be met by the state."
"Not out of unwillingness, but truly unable!"
Du Xi coldly laughed and said, "If the Shu forces were to launch another attack, based on what you say, it would delay military affairs. Who would bear the responsibility for that?"
Yang Fu didn't back down, "What does it have to do with the Shu forces? We are now discussing the people's strength in Yong state!"
Du Xi pressed on, "Does that mean Yong state doesn't want to be responsible?"
Yang Fu said, "Surely this kind of mobilization can wait until next year? Now is not the time for urgent affairs! Is it right to burden the people further?"
"Stop, stop!"
Seeing the two of them arguing back and forth, their words and expressions growing increasingly heated, Emperor Cao Wei quickly called for a halt.
The logic of this matter is very simple.
Du Xi's military affairs are necessary. The city should be repaired, and the pass should be built, and Yang Fu did not deny this either.
The real sticking point is still about who will provide the money and labor.
According to Du Xi's words, the people of Yong and Qin states will be mobilized to complete the construction before the end of the year. As the head of Yong state, Yang Fu is also aware of the financial difficulties.
More importantly, as a newly arrived administration in Chenping, how can the first strategy of the General's headquarters be pushed down by Yong state? This is the reason why Du Xi insists.
Yang Fu's persistence is based on the same logic. If he agrees now, not only will the state have to provide labor and funds, but it will also be continuously managed by the General's headquarters.
Then Yang Fu, as the Yong state governor, might as well become the General's Chief of Staff instead!
Emperor Cao Wei immediately understood the disagreements between the two and knew why Cao Zhen was holding back from getting involved.
Emperor Cao Wei looked around and said softly, "Du has his reasons, and Yang has his difficulties."
"Chancellor, start with you and let everyone express their opinions!"
Emperor Cao Wei pointed to Sima Yi and said, "Regarding the repair of cities and passes - whether it should be done by troops stationed there or by the state, and whether military roads and camps should be constructed this year or next - these are the two issues we need to address!"
Sima Yi helplessly bowed in agreement.
During his time in Luoyang, the emperor has always used this method of everyone expressing their opinions and passing through every individual.
No room is left for fence-sitters.
Sima Yi thought for a moment and said with a bow, "After the war, the people's strength needs to be restored urgently. I think we may take our time and first repair Wuxing Pass and Wuxie City, and then address the other two matters."
Emperor Cao Wei said, "What does Your Highness agree with?"
Sima Yi said, "Military affairs and people's livelihoods, although two separate matters, are actually mutually supportive..."
Emperor Cao Wei interrupted Sima Yi's endless speech, "Is it Du or Yang?"
Sima Yi helplessly said, "Yang!"
As the Chief Minister, the Regent of the Government, and in charge of governance from the East Hall, Sima Yi naturally takes into account the state's interests.
If all the states in the empire were to follow suit, it wouldn't be the army stationed in each state; it would be the states that would be subject to the army!
As expected by Emperor Cao Wei, Sima Yi and Xin Bi both agreed with Yang Fu's words, while Qian Zhao and Zhu Ge agreed with Du Xi.
As you sit, so your perspective.
Emperor Cao Wei still felt a bit disappointed and sighed, "I understand your positions."
"Then, Director Du will go back and refine it further, and list out the financial costs and labor time required for the repairs of cities, passes, and military roads, item by item."
After saying this, Emperor Cao Wei looked at Yang Fu: "How much financial support the state needs, and how many people can be mobilized, please Yang Yu also organize it back and write it down clearly."
"You both come before me again tomorrow morning. After I see the general figures, I will allocate and adjust them for you."
"What do you think?" (Chapter 13 complete)
