Cao Rui nodded slightly: "Baibai Wang Biao was born in the second year of Xingping, was granted Shouchun County in the twenty-first year of Jian'an, and was promoted to Yuyang Public in the second year of Huangyi. He was transferred to Baibai in the seventh year."
Since the Emperor Wu bestowed upon you the title of Shouchun at an early age, why don't you go to Shouchun and serve as a commanding officer, under the command of General Cao Tai, the Commander of the Eastern Fortress?
"Would you like to go?"
Cao Biao prostrated himself repeatedly: "I am willing to go, as long as I can serve for the Great Wei, I am willing to go!"
Cao Rui smiled and shook his head: "Prince of Bai Ma, get up quickly. If others see this, they might say that I am treating the royal family harshly."
"Your servant dares not, thank you for your Majesty's great kindness!"
After Cao Biao stood up and straightened his back, he could still see the excitement on his face that he couldn't hold back.
"Good, the next person," said Cao Rui in a low voice.
Cao Yǔ stepped forward and bowed. He said that he just wanted to be a normal civilian official in Luo, without any other requests.
Cao Yu and Cao Rui were of the same age, and they had been familiar with each other since their youth. This relationship, unexpectedly, was put to use over a decade later.
Cao Rui said, "Since King Shanfu wants to serve as an official like a scholar, then you shall go to the Secretariat and become a librarian. However, the specific duties will be arranged by the Minister of Ceremonies."
"Understood?"
Cao Yu thanked, "I never thought I would have the chance to serve at the Secretariat. I will do my utmost to be loyal and diligent, in return for the great favor of Your Majesty."
Cao Rui looked at Cao Yu and nodded slightly to indicate approval.
With the three treasures of Cao Zhi, Cao Biao, and Cao Yu in front, the remaining people also became more bold in speaking, and Cao Rui also satisfied them one by one.
Prince Puyang, Cao Jun, went to Chongwen Observation to study.
Prince Ju Lu, Cao Gan, being young, was granted a residence in Luoyang. After several years, he entered the Taixue (Imperial Academy).
However, the three brothers, Cao Lin of Juancheng, Cao Jun of Xiangyi, and Cao Huixue of Shouguang, all stated that they did not seek official positions but only desired to enjoy the comfortable and luxurious life as members of the royal family.
Cao Rui was very able to understand their feelings.
Having been confined to their fief for nearly ten years, they had grown tired of official life and abandoned all illusions about the court. With the identity of being the son of Cao Cao, why not enjoy some wealth and rank?
As a member of the royal family, seeking wealth and safety can be acceptable. Being granted the title of a county king, with the vastness of the Wei Dynasty, it is not a major issue.
But after that, they should not expect to be granted further titles or promotions in the future.
Cao Rui spoke with a light and relaxed tone, "Since they are my relatives, enjoying wealth and rank is only right."
"The Supervisor of the Imperial House and the Preventive Officer were established by the late Emperor, and I intend to abolish this system. After you return to your fiefdoms, with the assistance of the Chancellor, each of you will govern your county independently. I will not send anyone to interfere."
Cao Lin and the others were about to thank, but they were interrupted by Cao Rui: "Wait a moment, I'm not finished."
Cao Rui continued, "Since the Great Wei has enfeoffed you as kings with just a county's territory, if your governance of the fiefdom is no better than that of an ordinary county magistrate, there's no need for me; Grand Administrator Sun Zhi of Yu Province can charge you with crimes."
"Would you like to?"
Cao Rui's previous words were clear.
I am lifting your surveillance, and out of respect for the bloodline of Emperor Wu, I am giving you freedom and wealth. If you cannot govern your own fiefdom well, the consequences waiting for you are the reduction of your fief or even the stripping of your title.
But who would think that they themselves cannot govern a county well?
Cao Lin, Cao Jun, and Cao Huixue all bowed and thanked.
