A tree takes ten years to grow, and a person takes a hundred years to grow.
Although it's not enough time to change from the root, three years of effort and toil is sufficient to shape a more practical and more executable style of action for these young scholars in their teens and early twenties. Moreover, with the focus on loyal service to the emperor and the country in the previous year's Tai Xue education, they have already become a group of usable young individuals.
Issues related to people's livelihoods, governance, and appointments?
Cao Rui stood on the stage in the courtyard, calmly looking at Fu Jia.
To be honest, neither former Generals Jiang Wei and Xiahou Xuan, nor the current He You and Xiahou Hui have undergone three years of grassroots experience.
At this moment, Fu Jia, with a youthful but resolute appearance, standing in the center of the scholars, is the representative of those who have completed the entire training process.
"People's livelihood is the priority of all," Fu Jia said with a booming voice. "Whether it's Han people or Qiang people, their needs for food, shelter, rest and clothing are the same. Whether it's farming or laboring, officials must ensure that people's needs are properly met. Only in this way can all things proceed smoothly."
Armies may not have moved, but grain and fodder must precede. However, even though this is a well-known principle, it has always been easier said than done, and there are countless officials in the world who have failed to manage this matter well.
Bu zhi duō yǒu jīng zhāng de Fu Jia, shuō zhe shuō zhe, yě jiàn jiàn biàn dé cóng róng lái qǐ le: "Lǒng yòu yǔ Zhōng yuán qì yè wèi lǜ, hé shí zhòng bǔ、hé shí gēng yún、hé shí shōu gǎo，dōu yào yīn dì zhì yí cù zài Lǒng yòu shí qíng ér lái，zhèjiù shì tún tián guān de fēn nèi yīng dǒng zhī shì，yóu yì děng shì jiēshì rúcǐ。zhīdào rúhé qù zuò，yuèshì wèisī bù bì jiānnán，cǐshì zhìlǐ zhī fǎ。"
Cao Rui nodded slightly: "Lanshi, your words are very appropriate. The Fu family in the northern regions has always been courageous in taking on responsibilities, and I greatly commend you. I've also heard about your being the top performer in the evaluation in Qinzhou from both Tai Zhong and the Marquis of Guanglu, so you must persevere."
From earlier days with Fu Juzi, to the end of the Eastern Han with Fu Xie, and to today's Palace of Works Department Minister Fu Seng, they can all be called 'willing to undertake responsibilities'.
"The minister thanks the emperor," Fu Jia looked in the direction of the stage, bowed slightly, paused for a moment, and then continued, "As for appointments, the principle here of being employed by the court is similar to that of selecting assistants when we were managing the military farms in Guanxi."
Cao Rui hinted a smile, and the more than 200 scholars sitting in the courtyard also smiled simultaneously, creating a harmonious scene. Their bodies had not yet been tainted by the decadence of bureaucracy.
Fu Jia went on to say, "In a hamlet of ten households, there are always loyal and trustworthy individuals. Even among the Qiang people, there are those who can be employed. To the cunning, one imposes authority; to the impetuous, one shows virtue; to the lazy, one punishes with power. All can be an arm and a leg to me."
"Your Majesty, the three things I have to say have now been fully explained."
Cao Rui looked at Fu Jia with a gaze that began with appreciation and added a touch of praise. The three things Fu Jia had just mentioned were all experiences he had summarized from his post as a military farm administrator. However, they are applicable to any official.
Ensuring people's livelihood, being proficient in one's profession, and exercising rewards and punishment judiciously—being able to do these three things qualifies one as an outstanding administrator.
"Said well," Cao Rui looked around at the scholars sitting in the courtyard, and spoke: "Just now, Lanshi said a sentence that the emperor very much liked: face difficulties first, not to avoid difficulties."
"A year of study, three years of experience. You are the first batch of Tai Xue scholar-officials that the emperor has put to use. You are the students of the Son of Heaven, and you are people the emperor can trust and appoint with important responsibilities."
The scholar-officials all fell silent, and looked intently at the majestic emperor on the stage. The eyes of these scholars, filled with expectations, reverence, or awe, were all visible to Cao Rui.
When dealing with these reserves in the official world, direct expressions of attitude should be used with straightforward language. What Cao Rui had just said was akin to telling them that as long as they followed the emperor, they could all obtain fame, wealth, and honor.
"Yang Qing," Cao Rui turned to look at Yang Fu, "Please explain to them here the arrangements that the emperor has made for them."
"Submissive to the command." Yang Fu nodded and then stepped forward a few steps, looking at the crowd.
"One hundred Tai Xue scholars, tomorrow all will go with the Board of State Bureaus and the Office of Military Affairs to Xu Chang. Then the Ministry of Personnel will conduct appointments and appointments. They need to be fully prepared today, without any mistakes."
As Yang Fu's voice fell, the scholar-officials all stood up and bowed, offering their respects to the emperor on the stage.
"All sit down," Cao Rui still had a smile on his face, "The five people who performed exceptionally in the evaluation that the Marquis of Guanglu and I discussed earlier, where are they? Please stand up for the emperor to see."
Fu Jia stood up first, followed by Zhuge Xu, Chen Ben, Gong Jun, and Li Xi, who rose to their feet one after another.
Cao Rui said calmly, "All of you have done well in managing the military farms. Come with me to the Xu Chang Palace and serve as Imperial Attendants."
After speaking, he pointed to Pei Qian standing behind him on the right: "Now there are a total of eight Imperial Attendants. These eight people will be well-trained and taught by Pei Zhongshu for the emperor."
"Submissive to your command," Pei Qian responded with a bow.
"The minister thanks the emperor's divine grace!" Fu Jia and the other five scholars also bowed in unison, feeling unexpectedly excited by this unexpected appointment.
The emperor, as the largest source of power in the whole realm, having the opportunity to accompany the sovereign and gain favor, is no different from entering a shortcut for promotion.
Hasn't it been seen that Du Su, the Marquis of Du, was appointed as the Governor of Liaodong at just over thirty? The imperial favor is so vast, this is a wise and benevolent ruler!
However, Pei Qian, the servant-attendant who was entrusted with the mission in the courtyard, felt a sense of melancholy for some reason.
The serving attendant is certainly a good position, and it's also nice to be at the emperor's side. Pei Qian looked at the several others who held the position of a serving attendant, who had all ascended to higher positions - Xin Zhi became the Protector of Guards, Xu Shi took command as a general, Lu Yu patrols the northern Huns - while he himself was left in charge of a group of Imperial Attendants within the palace.
Thinking and thinking, Pei Qian began to mock himself. Why should one be so greedy? There will certainly be a place for him to take charge of important affairs in the future!
……
Almost simultaneously, Jiangxia Commandery, Anlu City.
It is said that at the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, the heavens were divided into three parts, and Jiang Xia Commandery was the point of intersection. As early as after the Battle of Red Cliff, Jiang Xia Commandery was divided into three parts. After Sun and Liu signed a treaty by the Xiang River, Liu Bei withdrew his troops north of the Min River, and Jiang Xia was divided between Wei and Wu families.
Wen Pin has held the command of Jiangxia for more than twenty years. During these twenty years, Jiangxia has always been in a state of continuous guerrilla warfare and readiness. Not far across the river is the capital of Wu, Wu Chang, making it a crucial front-line position for Wu.
By the end of August, the Assistant Commandant of Southern Plains, Xiahou Ruhu, arrived in Jiangxia from Xiangyang. From Xiahou Ruhu's arrival in Jiangxia to the present mid-September, this period has been filled with ups and downs.
Even though General Wen Pin had transitioned from a serious illness to a critical condition, he had experienced 'a moment of splendor' three times. Each time Xiahou Ruhu thought that the old general would not be able to hold on any longer, and would meet the emperors in the afterlife, Wen Pin would cling to life for several more days before another critical condition episode would occur.
General Wen Pin had been in Jiangxia for nearly thirty years, and was deeply entrenched. Although he was too weak to command his troops, he was unwilling to hand over power to the lone Xiahou Ruhu, insisting on holding on until he expired.
Moreover, the territory of Jiang Xia Commandery southwest of the Han River, which had been occupied by Wu for a long time, was handed over to Wu until the report from Luo Shilu in Fuyang City informed Xiahou Ruhu and Wen Pin of Wu's attack on Xiangyang.
Jiangxia is a strategically important area on the front line. Without explicit orders, troops cannot be withdrawn to assist Xiangyang. It's not customary for one front line to assist another. However, remaining stationary also seems inappropriate.
Since yesterday, it has been reported that Xiangyang has been attacked. General Wen Pin's health has further deteriorated, seeming like a wick on a candle in the wind.
In the early morning of September 14th, Xiahou Ruhu was pacing back and forth in the hall when Wen Dai, the eldest son of General Wen Pin and newly promoted as Assistant General, rushed over to Xiahou Ruhu:
"General, general," Wen Dai, who was over forty years old, rushed in from the neighboring courtyard: "My father's situation is critical. I beg you, General, to please go and take a look at him across the way. Perhaps my father will have some last words."
"Alas," Xiahou Ruhu sighed, "I have seen such scenes many times. Lead the way, I will accompany you."
"Yes."
Two of them quickly left the courtyard, entered the neighboring Commandant's residence, and directly passed through the courtyard and inner gate to arrive at Wen Pin's bedside.
Wen Pin was covered with brocade quilts, lying in bed with clothes on. His face was pale with almost no blood color, and he had also lost a lot of weight.
Seeing Xiahou Ruhu arrive, the old and frail Wen Pin mumbled some incoherent sounds. Xiahou Ruhu, feeling helpless, had to kneel and sit beside the bed, listening intently to discern his words.
"Wen General, do you have any last words?" Xiahou Ruhu gazed at Wen Pin's face with a serious expression, filled with sadness. "If you have any last words, I will definitely report them to the court and the emperor."
"The court, the court has treated me Wen Pin with great favor, both state and family matters have no regrets," Wen Pin said weakly, "Please arrange for my burial in the ancestral tomb in Wanyan City after my death. May I rest in peace and ask no more."
Xiahou Ruhu sighed deeply: "General, please do not worry about affairs after your death; the court will certainly arrange for you. I received a message from Lu Shi yesterday morning, which you are also aware of. Please give me the military seal first, so I can send some troops to support Wanyan."
Wen Dai, the eldest son of Wen Pin and his adopted son Wen Xiu, stood behind Xiahou Ruhu with a sorrowful expression and occasionally wiped away their tears. The military and people of Jiangxia were dressed by their father Wen Pin alone, and had nothing to do with them two descendants.
Therefore, Xiahou Ruhu, holding Zhao Yan's handwritten note after his arrival, extinguished the desire to compete completely between them. The eldest son of Wen Pin, Wen Dai, who was granted a title of Assistant General by the emperor's imperial edict, was quite satisfied.
Wen Pin had been at the border for a long time, and his attitude was almost like one who listens to orders but not proclamations. However, not everyone is ambitious. A situation like Wen Dai's, who was so respectful and compliant, is still the norm in the world.
However, Xiahou Ruhu did not expect that Wen Pin's expression suddenly became excited, and he squeezed the military seal even tighter in his hand: "We cannot go! Without the imperial edict of the emperor and without Zhao Dunjian's order, the army of Jiangxia can only stay in Jiangxia and cannot go anywhere else!"
Wen Pin's act shocked Xiahou Ruhu. He was not trying to provoke Wen Pin but was simply discussing the matter in a normal way. Being on his last breath, if he was really angered to death, Xiahou Ruhu how could he explain to the brothers behind him, to Zhao Yanzhen and the emperor? (End of this chapter)
