Xiahou Hui bowed modestly but confidently: "I am not skilled in archery, but I excel at writing."
"Serving the king as a minister is not about being all-knowing. Being able to do one thing well and dedicate oneself fully to one's duties is sufficient."
Cao Rui laughed and said, "Zhiquan first served at Chongwen Guan and then attended Tai Xue for a year. His speech was also quite dignified."
"You and your younger brother Yiquan are both twenty-two years old. Yiquan has been accompanying me in campaigns to Shu two years ago, while you entered Chongwen Guan two years ago."
"Two years have passed. Yiquan has been promoted from a cadet to a general, and you have graduated from Tai Xue. What position do you want to ask for?"
Xiahou Hui bowed with both hands: "I am good at and enjoy writing. If your Majesty grants my request, I would like to serve as an official managing books and official records."
Cao Rui laughed, "Since Zhiquan has such aspirations, he shall first stay by my side as the Chief Councillor for a two-year period of training and development, and then proceed to study literature."
After saying that, Cao Rui turned to He Yucun and asked, "Zixuan, what are your aspirations?"
He Yucun spoke straightforwardly, "I aspire to serve as a local government official, managing one region, and benefiting the people."
Cao Rui laughed, "Are you influenced by your father? He spent his entire life serving in Luoyang as an official, but in the end, I sent him out on an assignment. Has he talked to you about these things?"
He Yucun bowed and answered, "Your Majesty, my father has often discussed these matters with me in his letters, mentioning the differences between the central government and the local government."
"In the central government, one must look at the big picture, while in the local government, one should handle things from the small details. Both cannot be neglected."
Cao Rui nodded slightly, "Your father is right."
"Do you know what I am worried about? It is that central officials who have been in Luoyang for a long time may not understand the difficulties of the local regions and the hardships of the people, making decisions in the palace that seem right but actually causing more suffering for the people."
"I also spoke to you about this in the Tai Xue a few days ago. The current policies of the court are to allow you, these Tai Xue L Angulars, to see more of the hardships involved in governing local regions."
After saying this, Cao Rui patted He Yucun on the shoulder: "Working in the field of military farming is a good place to go, but it is not the only place. Zixuan, work together with Zhiquan as an Imperial Advisor (Sanqi)."
"Study and observe more closely by my side."
He Yucun and Xiahou Hui bowed in unison, accepting the assignment.
However, as He Yucun came to his senses, he felt some confusion. On the day when the Tai Xue discussed governance, the Emperor had mentioned three names. In addition to himself and Xiahou Zhiquan, there was also the second son of the Marquis of Si, Sima Zi.
Why did he choose me, but not him?
While the four men were chatting idly, Wen Qin was hurriedly led to the northern palace's martial arts field by an inner court official. A tiger guard was also following him, holding his own horse.
Cao Rui waved his hand at Wen Qin, indicating him to come over, "Minister Wen, come here. Today, I and my close attendants are here to see the armor-clad cavalry you lead."
Kuqiu Jian understood and stepped forward half a step, introducing He Yucun and Xiahou Hui to Wen Qin.
After the greetings, Wen Qin said, "Your Majesty, I have brought the horses and armor as per your command. What would you like to see?"
For this sudden desire of the emperor, Wen Qin was not only not bothered by the trouble but was actually very pleased. The more opportunities there are to gain favor in the emperor's presence, the better.
In this age where power in the world revolves around the emperor, being close to the emperor is the key to faster advancement.
Cao Rui said, "I have not attended court for several days and have no desire to leave the palace. That is why I summoned Minister Wen. Show me and all the ministers how the armored cavalry charges into the enemy ranks."
Wen Qin was hesitant, "Your Majesty, the space here is limited. I'm afraid the horses cannot charge into the enemy ranks."
"No problem," Cao Rui said, "Take your time. Demonstrate for everyone."
Wen Qin thought for a moment, then smiled and said, "Your Majesty, since it's a demonstration, why not have another person ride against me? This way, the experience will be more intense."
Cao Rui pointed to Kuqiu Jian and said, "Zhonggong, come here!"
Kuqiu Jian reluctantly bowed and accepted.
It's not that Kuqiu Jian was unwilling, but he genuinely felt that there was nothing to fight against. Wen Qin's warhorse was clad in armor, and it was also carrying such a dazzling set of armor on its back. How could one fight in that situation?
Light cavalry, heavy cavalry, and armored cavalry are entirely different types of military units.
Kuqiu Jian was accustomed to leading heavy cavalry. "Heavy cavalry" refers to knights wearing heavy armor, and their horses are not well protected either. The armor they wear is not as heavy as the one worn by Wen Qin.
The distinction is clear to anyone with a discerning eye.
However, as an Imperial command, Kuqiu Jian cannot refuse.
Both men mounted their horses and held a lance without a point, charging against each other at a slower pace.
As expected, without armor, Kuqiu Jian, facing the charge of Wen Qin's armored cavalry, despondently dropped his lance and dodged halfway to the side of his horse to avoid the blow.
After both horses stopped, they both returned to the side of the emperor.
Cao Rui looked at Kuqiu Jian: "How do you feel, Zhonggong?"
Kuqiu Jian sighed, "Your Majesty, such armored cavalry can strike fear into the hearts of the enemy. A thousand armored cavalrymen are enough to ride roughshod over the battlefield."
Wen Qin, standing by the side, said with a smile, "Zhonggong does not know this. This spear here, which is one zhang long, is actually shorter than the two zhang long spear used in our army."
As he spoke, Wen Qin even took up the spear and gestured: "Just now, I held the spear high and struck downward, which is the same tactic commonly used by the central army."
"When using a two-zhang spear, one can wear thick armor without worrying about the enemy's weapons, and can use both hands to thrust forward or hold it under the armpit to charge forward."
Kuqiu Jian understood immediately and exclaimed, "If it were not for the fact that armored cavalry are expensive and difficult to select, such cavalry would indeed be better in greater numbers."
Cao Rui said beside him, "The Secretariat has told me that, in terms of the expense of armored cavalry, the Great Wei needs only three thousand to be sufficient for use."
After saying that, Cao Rui turned to Wen Qin and said, "Minister Wen, when you have trained two thousand armored cavalrymen next year, choose one thousand of them and give them to the Central Commander to lead."
"At that time, the Central Commander will lead one thousand, and the Left and Right Guards will each lead two thousand. The Right Guard need not exist."
Wen Qin was taken aback. Could it be that the emperor had called him here today just to assign one thousand sets of armor to Kuqiu Jian?
If that were truly the case, it would be simpler to issue an imperial edict. Why go through such a long process?
Wen Qin muttered to himself inwardly, but he spoke quickly, "I will follow the order. Your Majesty, I think it would be a good idea to have Zhonggong first select several officers who are used to commanding troops, and have me leading them to train together."
"By then, they will be under Zhonggong's command, which will make it more convenient."
Cao Rui nodded slightly, "Minister Wen, you are very thoughtful. Zhonggong, did you hear that?"
Kuqiu Jian bowed to Wen Qin and said, "Thank you for your generosity, General Wen."
Wen Qin grinned and said, "Zhonggong, there is no need to thank me. We are both for the public affairs!"
Cao Rui watched the two of them greet each other and moved back to his seat, sitting down. The other officials, seeing the emperor move, came over and gathered in front of him to form a semicircle.
Cao Rui coughed lightly and said, "I have called you all here for shooting and military viewing, and my enthusiasm is high. Today, I will talk a little more with you."
"If any of you have talented individuals, or those loyal and dedicated to their duties, now is the time to recommend them to me."
"I trust you all, and if you recommend someone to me, I will also give them a chance."
Cao Rui's words were unexpected to everyone present.
The current emperor has never opened the gates of grace widely before, so why would he suddenly want to hear our recommendations today?
Although they thought so, who doesn't have relatives and friends? If they can recommend someone for a position, it would be better to recommend them.
But none of them took the initiative.
Cao Rui laughed, "When it comes to bestowing favors, why have none of you spoken up? Choosing capable and talented individuals doesn't mean you have to avoid recommending those close to you!"
After saying that, Cao Rui pointed to Wen Qin and said, "Minister Wen, you start."
Wen Qin, receiving the imperial order, was somewhat torn for a moment.
Wen Qin served as a general in the central army, which was actually due to the favor of his father, Wen Ji. Wen Ji was a loyal follower who accompanied Cao Cao early in his rise to power and was much favored by Cao Cao.
During the Wei Yi case, when Wen Qin was implicated, Cao Cao still showed leniency due to his father's old relationship and pardoned him.
But Wen Qin was from a humble background.
Wen Qin's father was originally a farmer's son in Qiao County. Later, he joined the army as a conscript, starting as a foot soldier and then a mounted soldier. He eventually rose to the position of a thousand-credit magistrate. After being recruited by Cao Cao, he began to make rapid progress in life.
Wen Qin had no relatives to recommend!
Cao Rui looked at Wen Qin's hesitation and smiled, "Minister Wen, can't even select one person? Then, I will consider you as having none."
Wen Qin gritted his teeth and said somewhat awkwardly, "Your Majesty, there is a native of Qiao County whom I have known for many years. This man has bravery and loyalty. However…"
Cao Rui laughed and asked, "What else?"
Wen Qin said, "Only that his origin is low, having served as a bodyguard at the residence of the General. After the General was stationed in Chenchang, this man continued to serve as a bodyguard in his home."
"I have also considered using him, but since he is in the General's household, I hesitate to ask for him. Now that Your Majesty has spoken with grace, I believe this man would be suitable for a position of a thousand-credit magistrate."
Cao Rui nodded, "A thousand-credit magistrate, granted. Who is this person?"
Wen Qin bowed and said, "His surname is Yin, given name is Chong, and he is called Daming."
Cao Rui asked curiously, "Daming? Which Daming?"
Wen Qin pointed to his right eye, "The 'Dai' in Daming means 'vast,' and 'mu' refers to the eye."
Cao Rui laughed and said, "He is indeed from a humble background. Alright, let him report to the Secretariat tomorrow and be given a position as a thousand-credit military official in the Huohe County. After some training, he will be considered for service in the Central Army."
Wen Qin bowed, "I will convey the thanks of Yin Chong to Your Majesty's grace."
Cao Rui waved his hand and turned to the others, "Zhonggong, you, come and speak!"
Kuqiu Jian bowed and said, "Your Majesty, my younger brother Kuqiu Xiu has not yet entered government service. I would like to request an edict for him to become a Palace Officer." (End of this chapter)
