Liu Ye was enfeoffed as General of the Han Left, Marquis of Yicheng, and was honored by the Son of Heaven as Imperial Uncle!
Some rejoiced while others grieved...
Cao Cao was naturally pleased with himself. Liu Bei, however, lowered his head and retreated silently to a corner, not daring to breathe too loudly, resigned to remaining an unnoticed nobody.
Undoubtedly...
In the eyes of the assembled officials, in this round of contest between the Han court and Cao's camp, Chancellor Cao had gained another advantage!
Just then.
"Your Majesty, your subject has something to report!"
A clear voice rang out...
Lu Yu stood up, bowed, and in doing so, eased the tense atmosphere of confrontation.
The Son of Heaven, as if grasping a lifeline, quickly said.
"Chancellor Lu, speak freely!"
Lu Yu first slowly scanned the people beside him. The Grand Tutor Dong Cheng, the Prefect of Jingzhao, Sima Fang, all wore their crowns, appearing dignified and stern, yet in reality, they were all somewhat nervous.
Only Xun Yu maintained an air of refined elegance.
Seeing through everything, his eyes slightly narrowed, betraying neither joy nor anger, and he remained silent.
After surveying everyone's expressions, Lu Yu finally spoke.
"Today, those in the realm who are both virtuous and talented either hold positions in the court or serve in various military camps. Yet, a great number of people who are untalented but immoral are left in the common populace. Some, though cunning and wicked, dare to fight bravely and shoulder responsibility when facing enemies! There are also officials who appear vulgar, indulging in smoking, drinking, and... ah, no, who seem utterly common and full of base desires, but they possess genuine abilities!"
"These individuals who are neither benevolent nor righteous, neither wise nor filial, perhaps include many who are skilled in governing and leading troops! I humbly request Your Majesty to issue a decree seeking talent, offering these talented but immoral individuals an opportunity to pledge loyalty to the Han! To uphold the Han Dynasty and rectify the court's discipline!"
He spoke eloquently, his words firm and resonant...
This speech was pregnant with meaning.
However, Lu Yu's words were controversial!
And this controversy naturally stirred whispers throughout the court.
Seeking talent was not inherently wrong...
The Han court's pursuit of talent was crucial. Even Cao Cao had issued three "Decrees Seeking Talent" in succession. But to seek talent in such a manner, to seek these "talented but immoral individuals," was truly unheard of!
The Son of Heaven, Liu Xie, had not yet fully grasped the implications.
Cao Cao, however, immediately waved his hand.
"Utter nonsense!"
He had to demonstrate his confrontation with Lu Yu in the court. Therefore, his expression was exceedingly stern, and his tone was as cold as ice.
"For four hundred years, the Han dynasty's methods of selecting officials, whether the Enfeoffment System or the Recommendation System, have always prioritized virtue. Chancellor Lu's proposal to 'seek talent' openly recruits those who are neither virtuous nor filial. This is to encourage opportunistic villains! Chancellor Lu, you speak utter nonsense!"
In reality...
Cao Cao's use of talent was truly based on merit, and he cared least about a person's moral character.
But now, to create an opposing sentiment towards Yu'er, his stern words were quite against his true feelings.
Of course, Cao Cao's words also achieved the desired effect.
Initially...
The Son of Heaven and the Han officials had not fully understood, but now... they not only understood but the implication was quite strong!
Especially the Son of Heaven, Liu Xie, his eyes flashed with a sharp light.
Indeed, in the current world, when it came to virtuous and talented scholars...
Perhaps they would flock to Cao Cao, or perhaps to Yuan Shao, or perhaps to Liu Biao. In any case... under no circumstances would they come to the Han court.
But... to uphold the Han Dynasty?
And one could not rely solely on these old officials, nor solely on Lu Yu. Chancellor Lu also needed helpers!
Therefore, he proposed seeking talent, seeking "talented but immoral" individuals. To act in extraordinary times with extraordinary measures, Chancellor Lu was helping him, the Son of Heaven, and the Han court to unite more strength, to win over more strength!
This was an action that affected the entire situation!
Understanding this, the Son of Heaven, Liu Xie, was about to speak in support of Lu Yu. He never imagined that Lu Yu's words would follow in quick succession.
"Chancellor Cao calls me a nonsensical speaker? Then... may I ask Chancellor Cao? What is virtue? What is talent? What is filial piety!"
This...
What was Yu'er going to say?
Cao Cao frowned but remained silent.
Lu Yu's words continued.
"In my view, to be able to win battles on the front lines, ensuring that soldiers do not die in vain, that is virtue; to govern the country and bring peace to the people, ensuring that the populace does not suffer from hunger and cold, that is virtue!"
"As for those who sit and preach, deceive others with grand words, only put on airs and feign high morality, but offer no benefit to the country and its people, the court has no such ample salary to support them! The court needs useful individuals who can govern, lead troops, and pacify the chaos! Chancellor Cao, you ponder it, you carefully ponder it! How can recruiting talented but immoral individuals be utter nonsense?"
Direct confrontation, yielding not an inch...
Even Lu Yu's words carried a somewhat aggressive tone.
Let alone others, even Cao Cao felt a sense of pressure. Fortunately, they had discussed this beforehand, otherwise, these words would have truly rendered him speechless!
Of course, while the words were confrontational, the content of Yu'er's speech was something Cao Cao had been contemplating all along.
Useful individuals for governing, leading troops, and pacifying the chaos were not needed by the court, but by him, Cao Cao!
It turned out that Yu'er intended to use the court to naturally recruit a group of talented individuals who lacked moral character on behalf of Cao Cao.
The court would bear the blame for not selecting the virtuous, while he, Cao Cao, would be the beneficiary.
Heh heh...
Thinking of this, Cao Cao inwardly laughed, and his laughter was exceptionally hearty. Your Majesty, oh Your Majesty, all the officials of the court, do you still remain in the dark?
However, this time, in this layered deception, it was hoped that you could at least think of the second layer.
Otherwise, it would be a disservice to Yu'er's painstaking efforts.
As Cao Cao had said...
With Cao Cao's rebuttal and Lu Yu's direct confrontation, all the officials present, unless they were kicked in the head by a donkey, could connect the deeper implications.
Chancellor Lu was helping His Majesty, helping the Han court gather strength!
Clearly, Chancellor Lu's stance was already evident!
To address the matter at hand, the appointment of individuals with poor moral character would lead to a mismatch between virtue and position, and would also greatly impact the original selection systems of recommendations and enfeoffment.
But... the immediate priority.
How to quickly strengthen the Han court's power?
To strengthen it to the point where it could rival Cao Cao in terms of talent, that was the most important thing.
"Your subject believes Chancellor Lu's proposal is feasible."
Dong Cheng was the first to step forward...
With his stepping forward, a group of pro-Han officials also stepped forward, expressing their support for Lu Yu.
Cao's faction, on the other hand, remained silent.
Xiahou Dun, Cao Ren, Cao Hong, Xun You, Xi Zhicai, who were originally on very good terms with Lu Yu, all remained taciturn, neither supporting nor opposing!
Xun You and Xi Zhicai seemed to have grasped something, but they deliberately refrained from thinking too deeply, choosing instead to observe how the situation would unfold.
Of course, with their intelligence, under this situation, they could already discern that someone was about to be trapped!
...
"Currently, external enemies are not eradicated. Yuan Shao covets the northern territories. Warlords in Guanzhong are poised to act. Jiangdong is not yet pacified. At such a time? Such recruitment of 'talent' will inevitably lead to widespread rumors. Is Chancellor Lu being too hasty!"
Cao Cao's words resounded again...
He was about to concede, or more accurately, if he were to truly acknowledge Lu Yu, it would be too disingenuous, too obvious.
Lu Yu's reply was still firm, not retreating in the slightest!
"Your Majesty should let the world know that Yuan Shao is nothing? The lords of Guanzhong are nothing? Jiangdong is merely a group of petty mice! As for the lords of the realm... let him be strong, a gentle breeze brushes the mountain peaks; let him be arrogant, the bright moon shines on the great river. We will live our lives, we will continue to select talent. Not only should we recruit 'talent,' but we should also select 'virtue,' gathering all talented individuals in the realm in Xudu City. Then, I humbly request the revival of the Yue Dan Ping, to test gold and burn jade. Regardless of moral character? Whether they possess genuine ability, they can step onto the stage and try."
As these words left his mouth...
Cao Cao's face turned green, as if he were angered green. It had to be said that Cao Cao was very skilled at managing his expressions. He could smile when he wanted to, and he could easily show anger when he wanted to.
And the more Cao Cao became angry, the more excited Emperor Liu Xie became.
He completely disregarded whether such recruitment of talent would affect the court's reputation, or whether it would invite criticism from the world. As long as it could strengthen himself, as long as it could restrain Cao Cao, as long as it could make Cao Cao uncomfortable, he was willing to do it.
"Chancellor Lu's words are most correct!" Emperor Liu Xie was completely excited. "In the past, the Xu brothers initiated the Yue Dan Ping, evaluating talents from all over the realm, which was once a beautiful tale. Today, the revival of Yue Dan Ping in Xudu City is even more yearned for by the talented individuals of the realm, and it is the will of the people! The issuance of the 'Decree Seeking Talent' and the revival of Yue Dan Ping, I approve both!"
Saying this, Liu Xie looked towards Xun Yu.
"Chancellor Xun, what do you think?"
These words also held a deeper meaning. Liu Xie wanted to test Chancellor Xun's attitude towards seeking talent, towards Yue Dan Ping, towards Lu Yu, and also towards the Han court!
This...
Xun Yu's eyes darted around. He glanced at Cao Cao and Lu Yu from the corner of his eye, and finally settled his gaze before speaking.
"This seeking of talent, this revival of Yue Dan Ping is excellent!"
"However, the prestige of the Xu brothers in the past is difficult to replicate. It is said that 'in the abyss of Pingyu, there are two dragons.' The ancient alley 'Erlongli' in Pingyu County, Runan, and 'Yuedan Island' and 'Yuedan Bridge' of the Xiaoqing River are all named after them and their deeds."
"Every first and fifteenth day, the Xu brothers would evaluate ten people. Regardless of who it was, once evaluated, their worth would increase a hundredfold. It was said that those praised ascended like dragons, and those criticized fell into the abyss. Their pure pronouncements prevailed, their high pronouncements swayed the grass, and they were obeyed by the masses! But..."
Xun Yu shifted his tone. "Times are different now. To revive Yue Dan Ping, Chancellor Lu must find someone who can rival the prestige of the Xu brothers from back then to preside over this Yue Dan Ping!"
This was the brilliance of Xun Yu.
At such a sensitive time, his reply was logical in every aspect, yet it revealed nothing and did not take sides.
It was as if...
He maintained a stance of detachment.
The situation was still unclear. As the leader of the Yingchuan scholars, preserving oneself was a form of wisdom.
"Indeed!" Cao Cao echoed. "In the current world? When it comes to prestige among scholars, who can compare to the Xu brothers?"
As these words left his mouth...
Dong Cheng directly replied, "I have heard that Chancellor Lu's sister, Miss Cai Yan, is the daughter of Cai Yong, a famously talented woman of the realm and a leader of the northern scholars. If she were to preside over the evaluation? Her status would be sufficient to command respect!"
As these words left his mouth...
A group of Han officials chimed in.
"If Miss Cai Yan were to preside over Yue Dan Ping, it would be even better."
"Yes, yes. In terms of prestige, how can the Xu brothers compare to Minister Cai?"
"Miss Cai Yan is also the Grand Chancellor of the Imperial Academy... In terms of status and prestige, it is also sufficient."
Each of these words reached Cao Cao's ears. Cao Cao nodded inwardly. If Cai Yan presided over Yue Dan Ping, it would be equivalent to placing the entire realm's public opinion in Yu'er's hands.
Public opinion, that was true flexibility!
This would undoubtedly provide Yu'er with more leverage when inheriting the position of heir apparent in the future!
The Han court was indeed providing a divine assist!
Of course, although Cao Cao was happy in his heart, his expression still had to convey anger and pain. For the first time, he felt that acting was tiring!
Emperor Liu Xie's lips curved into a smile tinged with excitement. "Excellent. The decree seeking talent and the revival of Yue Dan Ping will be handled by Chancellor Lu. Yue Dan Ping will be presided over by Miss Cai Yan, the Grand Chancellor of the Imperial Academy. Grand Tutor Dong and Chancellor Xun will also accompany her to oversee it."
Cao Cao still wanted to speak, but he reconsidered, thinking it was enough.
"Hahaha..."
He burst into laughter, though his laughter carried a hint of coldness.
"Congratulations, congratulations! Congratulations!"
"With so many joyous occasions today, how can we not celebrate? The day after tomorrow, I, the Chancellor, invite His Majesty, Chancellor Lu, and all the officials for a hunt in Xutian!"
Anyone could discern that Cao Cao's "hunt" was imbued with emotion, with anger.
It was obvious to anyone with a brain... this hunt would become very dangerous!
"My dear minister..." Emperor Liu Xie frowned. "Is chasing eagles and dogs truly the righteous path for an emperor? Furthermore, Chancellor Lu still has to handle the decree seeking talent and the matter of Yue Dan Ping. I also feel unwell and fear I will not be able to spare the time. Perhaps..."
"Hahaha? Unable to spare the time?"
Cao Cao looked at Lu Yu coldly, then back at Emperor Liu Xie. "Since ancient times, wise rulers have enjoyed hunting. Spring plowing, summer planting, autumn harvest, winter storage, hunting in the four seasons, displaying power to the world. Haha, the day after tomorrow, not only will all the ministers of the court go hunting, but the soldiers of the three armies will also accompany the imperial carriage. They are all eagerly anticipating hunting together with His Majesty and the newly appointed Chancellor Lu of the Han!"
At this point, Cao Cao's tone became elevated, his words carrying a hint of mockery. "Does Your Majesty not wish to hunt? Or is Chancellor Lu afraid to hunt?"
This...
As soon as these words were spoken, Lu Yu's eyes darted.
"Your Majesty, Chancellor Cao's kind invitation, why not go hunting in Xutian? It would also be an opportunity to display our power to the world, to tell everyone that the Han Dynasty has returned! At the appropriate time, my Dragon Cavalry camp will ensure Your Majesty's safety. Your Majesty can rest assured."
Lu Yu's words greatly reassured Emperor Liu Xie.
"Good... good... then, let's go hunting and display our power to the world!" Liu Xie was helpless. Under the current circumstances, he had no choice but to agree!
And all the officials in the court also whispered amongst themselves...
"Chancellor Cao has suffered another defeat in the matters of the decree seeking talent and Yue Dan Ping. This hunt... he will surely seek to regain some advantage!"
"Yes, it seems... Chancellor Cao and His Majesty, and Chancellor Lu, are bound to determine a winner."
"Cough cough... hush, speak carefully, speak carefully!"
These words were spoken very softly and subtly...
But whether it was the Son of Heaven, Cao Cao, or Lu Yu, they could all feel what they were discussing.
As for Liu Xie, Cao Cao, and Dong Cheng, their thoughts had already flown to the highest heavens. Some were troubled, some wore a composed expression, and more were filled with inner excitement and hidden joy.
Only Lu Yu, however, kept his eyes narrowed, and a smile perpetually on his lips.
He felt that the undercurrents in Xudu City were becoming increasingly turbulent.
...
...
On that day, on Xudu East Street, the plaque of the Ministry of Agriculture was replaced. It still had a golden border, and still bore three vigorous characters.
However, the character "Agriculture" in the Ministry of Agriculture was replaced by the character "Tu" from the Ministry of the Grand Tutor.
With the change of a single character, their status was as different as clouds and mud.
One was a Jiujing (Nine Ministers), the other a Sangong (Three Ducal Ministers)!
More importantly, although Lu Yu was promoted to Grand Tutor, overseeing the civil administration of the Han, the position of Minister of Agriculture remained vacant, and the control of finances still rested in his hands.
For this reason...
Cai Zhaoji was very surprised.
But... before she could react, something even more surprising happened. The Son of Heaven actually issued a decree, ordering her to preside over the revived Yue Dan Ping in Xudu City a month later!
Yue Dan Ping? Me?
Cai Zhaoji was very surprised?
How could she, a woman... how could she preside over this grand feast of scholars from all over the realm?
One must know that the Son of Heaven's decree stated that Yue Dan Ping would be jointly organized by the Ministry of the Grand Tutor and the Imperial Academy, with her, Cai Yan, presiding. Furthermore, it reiterated the "Decree Seeking Talent." This was equivalent to handing over the power of selecting officials to her, Cai Yan.
And this time, the people to be selected were those with talent but no virtue.
Given this, it was no wonder Cai Yan found it quite difficult?
"Most likely, most likely it was my younger brother Yu's doing."
"Alas, this little brother truly doesn't make things easy!"
Cai Zhaoji complained helplessly...
But... the preparations still had to be made!
And at the city gate, Lu Yu was directing the armored soldiers of the Dragon Cavalry camp to hang the "Decree Seeking Talent" and the public announcement for the revival of Yue Dan Ping at every city gate. In addition, ...
Seven hundred li of urgent dispatches had already been sent, spreading the news throughout all the prefectures and counties of the Han Dynasty.
In an instant, the vicinity of the walls of the four city gates of Xudu City was crowded with people... some carrying baskets of vegetables, some holding chickens, some holding a pot of oil, all pushing and shoving in this area.
Among them was...
Sima Yi, who had nothing to do due to the holiday at the Imperial Academy!
He narrowed his eyes and carefully read the "Decree Seeking Talent."
"...or are not benevolent or filial but possess the art of governing and leading troops, it is hereby ordered that all prefects of the various commanderies recommend them, without any doubt!"
Reading this, Sima Yi's eyes darted, and he detected a subtle difference.
The surrounding commoners clamored.
"Is this a decree seeking talent? Why would it openly recruit those who are not benevolent and filial?"
Someone next to him replied, "Did you see? This time it is the court that is recruiting people. In the past, the decrees seeking talent were issued by Chancellor Cao... Alas... looking at it this way, His Majesty and Chancellor Cao have completely different requirements for talent!"
A ruffian-like fellow scratched his head. "No matter the family background, no matter the virtue? Then I could also become a high official?"
As his words left his mouth, the crowd erupted in laughter.
"Perhaps, His Majesty needs someone like you!"
"Hahaha, hurry up and try it! If you become rich, don't forget us!"
This ruffian scratched his head again. "Alright then, I'll give it a try. Perhaps, I can even scrounge a few wuzhu coins?"
These words were heard by Sima Yi, word for word.
He remembered that his father, Sima Fang, had returned home that morning and told his eight sons, the "Eight Virtues of Sima," about the events in court that day, the strange and wondrous events. At that time, Sima Yi had listened carelessly.
He felt that his father's words were more fabricated.
Although the Grand Chancellor of the Imperial Academy, Lu Yu, did not have a very good impression of Sima Zhongda, but... with the wisdom of Chancellor Lu? Why would he openly stand in opposition to Chancellor Cao?
Just based on the Han court? Based on the Son of Heaven?
Heh heh, that kind of influence was far from enough!
These officials of the Han court were probably too naive!
And with this decree seeking talent, and this public announcement for the revival of Yue Dan Ping, Sima Yi seemed to read some deeper meaning into it.
His eyes narrowed even deeper, and his gaze could only reach the character "today" on the proclamation!
He murmured softly, "As expected, 'today' is different from yesterday, 'today's' court is different from previous courts. This 'Decree Seeking Talent,' this Yue Dan Ping, is extremely overbearing, and also extremely dangerous!"
It was a pity...
That the attention-seeking classmate Yang Dezu was not present. Otherwise, he would surely shine brilliantly at the Yue Dan Ping a month later!
However, these were all unimportant...
The immediate priority was for Sima Yi to persuade his father, Sima Fang, as the Prefect of Jingzhao... to absolutely not get involved in this messy affair between Cao's camp and the Han court.
Coincidentally, the most dangerous whirlpool in this muddy water would undoubtedly be this Yue Dan Ping!
...
...