Deng Ai sat on the chair and thought for a moment, then bowed his hands and said, "Your Excellency Chen has a profound insight; it is indeed my oversight."
Chen Jiao's enthusiasm for talking with Deng Ai seemed to have waned a bit, but his facial expression remained kind: "What is the second thing you mentioned just now?"
Deng Ai's expression also grew more serious: "The second matter is to secure provisions. General has entrusted me with the task of inspecting various counties to address the issue of fodder."
Chen Jiao also sighed: "The region of Guanzhong and Hedong has been suffering from drought for so long this year. Has the General's Mansion made any specific estimates regarding the reduction in crop yield?"
This matter was led by Deng Ai, and without hesitation, he said: "To report to Chen Sir, I have been traveling around the Guanzhong and Hedong regions for over a month before reaching the Qiyanchuan city. This year, the two regions of Guanzhong and Hedong will experience a reduction of nearly 70% in crop yield. The areas in the western part of Guanzhong that can be requisitioned for food production, including Longyou and Hanzhong, will experience a reduction of nearly 50% in crop yield."
Chen Jiao fell silent for a moment before he said, "The second half of the year will probably be tough. From Huangchu year five to Taiping year three, the past few years have been mostly favorable in Guanzhong and Hedong, with no major disasters."
"This year's sudden reduction in yield, coupled with so many more mouths to feed. Ah, the national affairs are indeed arduous."
Deng Ai nodded and said, "Since the second year, the number of Tibetan and Xiongnu settlers has increased too much, which is something that was inevitable."
"According to the General's Office, starting from August, the provisions and forage for Zhuang Xinxi's troops in Wudu will be allocated from Qinzhou. Only through Chenping passage, Yongzhou is able to supply two places - Hanzhong and Wuxing."
As he spoke, Deng Ai took out a letter from his bosom, rose and walked forward slowly, handing it to Chen Jiao with both hands: "Sir Chen, this is a personal order personally signed by the General. I hope you will take a look at it."
Chen Jiao held the order with his two fingers, only glancing at the cover before placing it on the desk: "I understand this matter, please do not worry, Your Excellency."
Deng Ai was about to express his gratitude when Chen Jiao went on to say:
"Although I have agreed to this, does Shi Zai know that the Qinzhou government is also facing difficulties? Originally, we were supplying grain for the Qishan and Ta Zhong armies, and now we have to add Wudu as well. Moreover, we are to dismiss the officials responsible for the military colonies."
"If trouble arises due to food procurement, who can bear the consequences of this?"
Deng Ai bit his lips and bowed his hands, "The General is aware of the difficulties in Qinzhou, but the difficulties in Yongzhou and Guanzhong are even greater."
"If there are any mistakes, it will be the General who takes charge of the military grain affairs in the western regions, and I, as the imperial inspector in charge of grain procurement for the western regions, will bear it together with the General!"
Grain procurement is not a rare occurrence in the history of the Great Wei, which spans hundreds of years.
When Cao Cao first arrived in Xuchang, he 'negotiated' a large amount of provisions from the failed Yellow Turbans of Henan. What's more, there was even a former Administrator of the State, Cheng Yue Cheng Zhongde, who failed to reach the position of Grand Secretary due to his inability to 'acquire' grain.
How could officers of the Great Wei not know how to requisition grain?
Chen Jiao may have been waiting for Deng Ai to say this, but at this moment, he was surprised to stand up and support Deng Ai's arm, adopting a stern expression as if angry.
"I'm just worried about the people's hearts in Qinzhou, why would Shi Zai speak in such a way? I will certainly follow the General's order. How could I lose the laws and rules out of fear of causing trouble?"
Deng Ai was taken aback and looked up into Chen Jiao's sincere eyes, quickly apologizing, "I have spoken out of line, please forgive me, Sir Chen."
Chen Jiao nodded: "Whether it's you, me, or the General, we are all working for the greater good of the Great Wei. Let's not be so formal in the future."
"How long can Shi Zai stay in Qiyanchuan City this time?"
Deng Ai thought for a moment, "I will leave tomorrow and need to continue from Qiyanchuan City to Ta Zhong in the west, to inspect at Lu Hu Qiang's place."
Chen Jiao responded: "Since you will be leaving tomorrow, why not come back to Qiyanchuan City when you return? I have some things here, which you can take back to the General."
Deng Ai showed a bit of surprise: "What does Sir Chen want to bring? If it's not too heavy, I can take it away tomorrow."
Chen Jiao smiled, "It's somewhat weighty. We'll discuss it when Shi Zai is on his return journey."
"Is Shi Zai free tonight? Why not join us for a banquet at the General's residence? I will also invite the five Taoist scholars mentioned earlier. They are all from prestigious families, and Shi Zai should get to know them better."
"If it is convenient for Sir Chen, I will be in your debt." Deng Ai felt that Sir Chen was especially kind and amiable today, bowing his hands and saying, "I will first excuse myself to rest for a while at the inn. I will come by later tonight."
"No problem, no problem," Chen Jiao rose and smiled, "Shi Zai, take your time."
...
With Chen Jiao as the host of the Qinzhou inspector and Deng Ai as the military commander attending as a guest, along with the presence of five Taoist scholars, the banquet was filled with lively discussions, giving off a sense of atmosphere similar to that of Luoyang.
On the following morning, Deng Ai departed for a continued westward journey. By then, it was already July 11th.
Xiangping City, within the Prefectural Mansion.
Cao Rui was leaning on the chair in the center of the hall, calmly listening to his officials as they reported on Gongsun's crimes.
Yes, that's exactly what it is, the crime.
In the emperor's own words, although Gongsun Yuan was rebellious and should be exterminated, the evil deeds done by his father Gongsun Kang and grandfather Gongsun Du over the years also needed to be thoroughly investigated and meticulously recorded, as evidence for historical records.
Listening to Lu Yu's report, Cao Rui interrupted in the middle: "Gongsun Du was appointed as the Governor of Liaodong by Dong Zhongjin. He also brutally killed many scholars who refused to serve him."
"Once Wang Xiong arrives, have him thoroughly investigate the descendants of those scholars who refused to serve at that time, and then offer them some wealth and tranquility on behalf of the court. You all say that the Great Wei is a saintly realm. A saintly realm should also look like one. I have not only consoled the descendants of Li Min, the former Governor of Henei, but also done so for the same reason."
Sima Yi bowed and said, "Your Majesty's benevolence is comparable to Yao and Shun."
Cao Rui laughed lightly: "Although there are countless miles between me and Yao and Shun, it is only to maintain stability in the people's hearts."
At this moment, Lu Yu spoke: "Your Majesty, Du Xian has recently dispatched people to thoroughly search the palace built by the Gongsun family without permission, and has completely listed all items that exceed the established standards. The list is quite long, and Your Majesty would like to personally review it?"
Cao Rui lightly shook his fingers: "I will not look at it; it's better not to worry about it. Let Du Xian destroy everything."
As people in the hall discussed state affairs and policies, Liu Fang, the Minister of the Secretariat, rushed in from outside with no expression on his face and hurried steps.
"Where's the latest news?" Cao Rui asked in passing.
Liu Fang took a deep breath, bowed deeply, and handed a letter forward with both hands: "There is national mourning, please Your Majesty bear it with composure! The Empress Dowager passed away on the eleventh day of the sixth month. Your Majesty, please take good care of your health!"
Cao Rui looked at the letter handed by Liu Fang, feeling a bit stunned for a moment and not reaching out to take it.
An instant silence fell in the hall, and once Liu Fang finished speaking, the officials knelt and bowed, offering their condolences.
Cao Rui's heart was exceptionally complicated at this moment; sorrow was even greater than his grief. An indescribable, vague feeling, like a chill or numbness, swept over his entire body.
A new era has passed.
Past that can never be recovered.
The Great Wei has seen three generations of emperors. The late Emperor Cao Pi has passed away not long ago, yet his writings, ink, old ministers, and anecdotes still remain.
As the Empress Dowager Bian passed away as well, the remaining traces of the time when Cao Cao ruled will become fewer and fewer. Even the old ministers of Jian'an are dying off one by one every year.
How can people not feel sad?
Liu Fang held the letter in his hands and saw that the emperor had been stunned for a while without taking it, so he had no choice but to kneel down with his hands raised, a rather odd posture.
Cao Rui blinked a few times, came to his senses, and sighed again: "The Empress Dowager passed away, which makes me very sad. This is a national mourning event. Xiangping must observe ten days of mourning as a tribute."
"Chairman of the State Council!"
Sima Yi looked up. "I am here!"
Cao Rui spoke in a low tone: "As a member of the Three Grand Secretaries, you should return to Luoyang to lead the funeral. Make sure the funeral is grand, just as when you led the funeral for Emperor Wu in Luoyang in twenty-five AD."
"Have you understood?"
Sima Yi bowed and replied: "I will carry out Your Majesty's order. When should I set out?"
Cao Rui took a breath: "Leave now. Marshal, go back as soon as possible. Do not delay. There are many things in Liaodong. I will wait for Wang Chang and Wang Xiong to arrive in Xiangping before leading the main army back." (This chapter is complete)
