On the eleventh day of the eighth month, Cao Rui led his army to Jieshi.
As soon as the first time the army reached Jieshi, people discovered the outstanding work left behind by Sima Yi, which was presented by Lord Chamberlain Pei.
Cao Rui sat in the tent and carefully read Sima Yi's letter. Pei said: "The works of the Marquis seem to be inviting the emperor."
"Eyes before me see a scene that cannot be described, the Former Emperor's poetry is inscribed above." Cao Rui lightly placed Sima Yi's work aside and smiled, "I won't write anymore. This place is Jieshi, can one possibly compose a sentence better than the Former Emperor's 'The sun and moon traverse as if from within, the stars in the Milky Way shine as if emerging from it?'"
As the emperor brought up Emperor Cao of Han, Pei could only bow and say: "Your Majesty is wise. The troops need to rest for a day in Jieshi."
Cao Rui nodded: "We have traveled for ten days, the troops are all exhausted, let's continue tomorrow. After starting tomorrow, we'll have to wait until we reach the right northern district before resting."
Pei Qian immediately agreed: "As you command, I will go and inform General Man."
"Go ahead." Cao Rui waved his hand.
In fact, Cao Rui had another point to make. Is there only one outstanding poem about Jieshi? Of course not.
The best piece should be, "The past events span a thousand years, General Wei Wu waving his whip, coming to Jieshi with a surviving poem. The withering autumn wind is still here, but the world has changed."
This Làng Táo Shā poem, in terms of momentum and talent, or the height of the era behind it, is far superior to 'The stars shine brightly in the Milky Way, as if emerging from within.' Common people seeing this piece are like cicadas facing the blue sky!
Of course, Cao Rui knew of this great work, but he couldn't even muster the thought of reciting it in this era, let alone plagiarizing it. There's no other reason for it; he simply didn't feel qualified enough.
The road ahead is long and winding, let us encourage each other!
Advancing the army is always difficult during military campaigns, while retreats are usually easy.
During the advance, the conditions ahead are unknown, and there's a need to quickly build campgrounds. However, on the return journey, the campsite locations are already established, and many supplies have been transported back from Liaokou to Quanzhou by sea, making the return trip much easier.
Even though it is relatively easy, after walking for over 600 miles, the army still had to rest.
After lunch, Cao Rui was resting in the tent when he received an unexpected invitation from the left and right riding officer, Xiahou Xian.
Xiahou Xian looked at a military aide under the command of General Man Chong: "What? The Xianbei leader Ke Biring wants to see His Majesty?"
The military aide nodded: "Yes, it is true. As for the matter of inviting His Majesty to see the King, General Man cannot make the decision, so I have been sent to ask for your permission."
Xiahou Xian turned and looked at the tent where the emperor was resting: "Wait here with me, military aide. The emperor is resting, do not disturb him with any noise."
The military aide replied in a low voice, "As you say, Excellency!"
After waiting for over half an hour, Cao Rui woke up and summoned someone, and Xiahou Xian only entered to ask for permission.
"Ke Biring?" Cao Rui chuckled softly: "I thought he would come to see me in Xiangping. He really has a lot of patience, holding out until he reached Jieshi."
"Tai Chiu, guess what could be the reason Ke Biring wants to see me?"
Xiahou Xian thought for a moment, bowed and replied: "Ke Biring is clearly not here to inquire about your health, Your Majesty."
"Cao Rui laughed heartily: "If he comes to greet me voluntarily, the sun will rise from the west!"
Xiahou Xian also laughed, "The Xianbei Khan, I suppose he must be inquiring about Xianbei matters. The recent establishment of the Yingzhou commandery by the court, along with the inclusion of Gojoseon, Buyeo, and Baekje under its jurisdiction... The Yingzhou commandery in the northeast of Great Wei is like this, and the Qiang people in the northwest have all been scattered into counties and commanderies. What about the Xianbei, Wuhuan, and Hun in the north of Youyi? There hasn't been any explanation for that."
Cao Rui nodded: "What you say, Taichu, is very true. In addition, I have also drawn 4,000 troops from the Xianbei. Ke Biring has 2,000, and Bu Dugen has 2,000. The Wuhuan and Hun have not been mobilized at all. From Ke Biring's perspective, there is indeed some favoritism."
"Very well, I will see Ke Biring. Together with Bu Dugen, Sima Li, and Xie Guimin from the Xianbei, as well as Tiedu and Liu Bao from the Wu Ruan and Liufeng from the Xiongnu, summon them all! Bring the officials from the Western Pavilion, Lord Chancellor, and Imperial Secretary as well!"
"Obedient to your command." Xiahou Xian quickly walked out after receiving the order. The emperor had called many people, and it would take some time just to notify them.
After two quarters of an hour, led by General Man Chong, everyone entered the central army tent and bowed to the emperor.
Cao Rui nodded, directly looking at Ke Biring with a single-edged sword: "Chancellor! What is your business that requires me to receive you?"
Ke Biring originally intended to discuss some matters in private with the emperor, whether it was selling his misery, showing loyalty, or opening up his heart. However, with so many people present, including the Wuhan and Hun people, this made Ke Biring very uncomfortable.
Should he speak or not?
Once the army arrives at Youping, there's no need to continue westward. They can directly follow the canal route straight to Yè City. How could the court possibly allow me to lead my own troops across the entire Hebei and Shanxi provinces back to Yunzhong? If I don't speak up now, I'll truly miss my chance!
After much internal struggle, Ke Biring bowed and said, "I have one thing to report to Your Majesty."
Cao Rui's expression remained unchanged: "Say it!"
Ke Biring hesitated and stammered before finally managing to say, "I have been greatly honored by your Majesty's grace and promotion. I have been appointed as the Xianbei Khan, and my heart is filled with gratitude beyond words. During the campaign to Liaodong, I heard that Goguryeo, Buyeo, and Baekje were all under the control of Yingzhou."
Ke Biring stood in the tent and spoke slowly, his voice sounding both tense and awkward. Cao Rui watched him silently, as expected, not at all surprised.
Ke Biring continued, "I think that the various Xianbei tribes could perhaps be like Goguryeo, Buyeo, and Baekje and become a proper country under the rule of the Great Wei. They could be affiliated with either the Province of Yan or the Province of Bing. What do you think, Your Majesty?"
Cao Rui had anticipated Ke Biring's thoughts, but the others in the tent were all shocked by his words.
General Man Chong narrowed his eyes, fixating on Ke Biring's hair bun and nape, as if contemplating the most efficient way to chop off his head. Liu Xie's mouth curled up in a hint of sarcasm, and several attendants showed signs of disapproval.
The reactions of the other Xianbei, Wu Ruan, and Xiongnu people present were even more interesting.
The Xianbei Bu Dugen showed an interested expression, the Wu Ruan Tiedu displayed a mocking face, and the Xiongnu Liu Bao even seemed to start laughing!
Cao Rui asked in a soft and gentle tone, "Chancellor, you mean that the court should draw a boundary for the Xianbei, treating them as a commandery or kingdom like Goguryeo?"
Ke Biring saw that the emperor did not seem to be angry, so he continued bowing: "I have this request."
Cao Rui asked again, "Then where do you want me to draw the boundary for you, Chancellor?"
Ke Biring thought for a moment and said, "I believe it would be best to give us the Yandun Commandery to the west of the Hutuo River..."
"Very audacious!"
The sound of General Man Chong's roar broke through the tent, interrupting Ke Biring's speech and scaring everyone indiscriminately.
Ke Biring was completely unprepared for General Man Chong's sudden challenge in front of the emperor. When he turned to look at Man Chong, there was a faint, barely noticeable trace of fear in his eyes.
General Man Chong sneered coldly, "The Yandun Commandery to the west is the former territory of Dingxiang Commandery, while the western side of Taiyuan Commandery was the former territory of Shangjun Commandery. The west side of the Dingxiang Commandery beyond the Hechi River includes Yunzhong, Wuyuan, and Shuofang territories!"
Ke Biring hurriedly explained, "Aren't those places no longer needed by the Great Wei?"
General Man Chong's eyes showed even more murderous intent. His left fist was already clenched tightly. Standing at eight feet tall with a robust physique, although he was already in his sixties, if he threw a punch with full force, it would not be something the slim and weak Xianbei Ke Biring could withstand.
Despite the discussion taking place before the emperor, General Man Chong forced himself to stay calm and composed. He lifted his finger, pointing it at Ke Biring's nose: "Chancellor, since you have already submitted to Great Wei, do not dare utter such arrogant words. The regions of Shuofang, Wuyuan, Yunzhong, Dingxiang, Shangjun, and Beilu were all territories of Han China and are now under the control of Great Wei. These areas will be brought back into direct rule in due course. How can you be allowed to establish your own country?"
Feeling indignant after being scolded by Man Chong, Ke Biring naturally felt resentment. However, adhering to the simple principle that one must bow down when under someone else's eaves, Ke Biring wisely got down on his knees quickly to apologize.
General Man Chong played the role of the white-faced one, and Cao Rui was happy to play the role of a good person.
"Cao Rui smiled: "Stand up." "It is not customary for discussions in front of the emperor to result in punishment for words, Chancellor. You need not be afraid. Please stand up."
"Yes, yes," Ke Biring nodded repeatedly and stood up again.
Cao Rui said: "Since the Khan has spoken openly with me, I will also speak plainly with you. Among our rulers and subjects, there should be no secrets. I and the Khan are equal."
Ke Biring looked down at the ground slightly and did not dare to speak more.
Cao Rui said, "The Xianbei, Wu Ruan, and Hun tribes have long resided on the borderlands, with customs vastly different from those of the Central Plains. Speak truthfully to me, do you have any reluctance in leading your army to Luoyang to serve as my escort? However, I must tell you that if you are still dreaming of restoring the old system of Tan Shihai and standing against Great Wei and me, that may be a vain hope."
Ke Biring was taken aback for a moment, then bowed and said, "Your Majesty, no one does not know that the Central Plains is better. Luoyang is the capital of Great Wei and the best place in the Central Plains. How could I not want to go there? How could I dare to go against Your Majesty?"
"Although I have led my tribe for many years and have received the seal of the Xianbei Khan from Your Majesty, I have also given more thought to the future of my tribe. I have no intention of being disrespectful or unfaithful to Your Majesty or Great Wei!"
Cao Rui smiled, "It is right for the Khan to consider the interests of his tribe, but as the Son of Heaven, I need to consider the welfare of all the people under heaven, and the Xianbei are a part of that."
"It is necessary to assign the Xianbei Khan to lead troops to protect me as a matter of loyal service. You two, Ke Biring and Bu Dugen, have been selected by me this year. In the coming days, Wu Ruan and Xiongnu will also be assigned to protect me. They cannot avoid it. Whoever does not want to accompany me clearly does not want to be loyal to me!"
Ke Biring, Bu Dugen, Sima Li, Xie Guimin, Tiedu, and Liu Bao all bowed their heads and said they dare not.
Cao Rui said, "The Khan mentioned earlier that the Henan region is a good place, and in recent years, the climate on the grasslands has become colder, with more frequent white disasters. This matter is also known to me. As the Son of Heaven, I should also seek a good way out for all of you."
"Do you know that I have set up a fort at Xianmen?"
(The end of this chapter)
