In Xu Du City, the Cao Mansion.
Even in the dead of night, Cao Cao had ordered the plaque of "Grand General's Mansion" to be removed and replaced with "Cao Mansion."
Indeed, a conversation with Yu'er made him realize he had become a bit too arrogant.
At the same time, he also dispatched people by carrier pigeon overnight, instructing his spies in Ji Province to spread word by any means necessary that Cao Cao had requested the title of "Grand General" for Yuan Shao.
This point was crucial.
In the main hall, Cao Cao had stayed up nearly all night, still contemplating the official memorial requesting titles.
In essence, there were only two core matters: Yu'er's official post and the selection of the Prefect of Xu Du.
Yu'er had achieved such great merit, and to only bestow upon him the title of Head of the Imperial Academy, Cao Cao felt it was too small... far too small.
But the key was Yu'er's disposition!
Cao Cao had come to understand the temperament of his eldest son. Yu'er did not wish to be bound by rules and official positions; he inherently yearned for freedom and unfettered existence. In such a case, his official post had to be considered carefully.
As for the Prefect of Xu Du... this position was critically important, yet... Cao Cao did not have a suitable candidate in mind.
However, this Man Chong recommended by Yu'er...
"Cough cough..." With a light cough, several personal guards entered the main hall. Cao Cao asked, "Have the people you sent to investigate found out anything?"
Two hours earlier, when Yu'er had left, Cao Cao had already ordered an investigation into Man Chong.
These personal guards were highly efficient. After questioning many people, they had gathered some information.
"Reporting to Lord Cao..." the guards truthfully said, "Man Chong's courtesy name is Bó Níng, a native of Changyi, Shanyang Commandery. He is somewhat known locally, but... he was cruel in his methods from a young age and showed no mercy, thus he has made no friends growing up!"
"At eighteen, he served as an Inspector. At that time, powerful local clans were harming the common people, and the county official sent Man Chong to investigate... These powerful clans, upon hearing Man Chong's name, voluntarily surrendered to confess and vowed not to commit further evil!"
Hmm...
Upon hearing this, Cao Cao slightly raised his head. At eighteen, as an Inspector, he could already make powerful clans and landowners fearful?
His methods? His merciless nature was evident from this.
However...
In this regard, he was quite similar to Cao Cao himself. Back then... Cao Cao, in his early twenties, had just graduated from the Imperial Academy and served as the Northern Commandant of Luoyang. He too had wielded the five-colored cudgel against the powerful, striking fear into the hearts of the capital's elite.
In this aspect, Cao Cao felt Man Chong was quite like him...
For a moment, Cao Cao became even more curious about the person Yu'er had recommended.
"Is there anything else?"
Cao Cao eagerly inquired...
The guards truthfully continued, "Later, Man Chong acted as the Magistrate of Gaoping County. The county inspector was corrupt and embezzled funds, disrupting the administration. It was this Man Chong who sent people to arrest and interrogate him. The inspector, relying on his background, refused to submit to Man Chong and was, in fact, beaten to death by him. It was because of this... that Man Chong angrily resigned from his post!"
Huo... beat the inspector to death? Angrily resigned from his post.
This matter... sounded so familiar.
It seemed... Cao Cao had also done something like this, hey!
Cao Cao's eyes lifted. Instantly, he felt... this Man Chong was interesting, practically identical to Cao Cao's own temperament.
When Man Chong served as the Magistrate of Gaoping County, he beat the inspector to death...
When Cao Cao formerly served as the Magistrate of Dunqiu and the Chancellor of Jinan, did he not also issue the "Ten Crimes Memorial," punishing evil and promoting good, making the powerful clans hate him and the common people love him?
Hey... thinking about it, Cao Cao suddenly found this Man Chong, recommended by Yu'er, quite interesting.
Ultimately, Cao Cao adhered to the principle of "severe punishments in chaotic times." This was related to his education and his admiration for the Legalist school. And given his current status, the so-called "severe punishments in chaotic times"... he, Cao Cao, had to find someone whose temperament was similar to his own.
And this Man Chong was almost exactly like Cao Cao—the law showed no mercy, he punished evil and promoted good, and he hated wickedness!
Good heavens, good heavens!
"Haha..."
With this thought, Cao Cao laughed, laughing heartily.
He had worked hard to find a candidate for the Prefect of Xu Du, and unexpectedly, it had come so easily... It seemed to perfectly fit a phrase Yu'er had mentioned before—searching everywhere for something, only to find it effortlessly!
Haha...
"Where is this Man Chong now? What is his current position?" Cao Cao asked with a smile.
"He is in Yan Province, serving as a minor official," the guards replied truthfully. "Because his conduct is considered inhuman and he lacks tact in his interactions with others, and he is also very stubborn, neither his superiors nor his subordinates have a very favorable opinion of him. Therefore, after several years in Yan Province, his promotion prospects are dim, and Lord Cao has not heard of this person."
Haha...
Upon hearing this, Cao Cao was inwardly overjoyed.
The Prefect of Xu Du he was looking for, wasn't it precisely someone who was the opposite of "tactful"?
Someone who showed no mercy to the law and was even somewhat eccentric?
The more Cao Cao heard, the more he felt that Man Chong was tailor-made for the position of Prefect of Xu Du!
Immediately, Cao Cao picked up his brush, intending to write Man Chong's name on the memorial for the Prefect of Xu Du.
But... as he began to write...
Suddenly, Cao Cao thought of something and pressed for more information, "How did Lu Gong Cao and this Man Chong get to know each other?"
Yes...
After all, this was a talent recommended by Yu'er, and one who showed no mercy...
Cao Cao was very curious. Did Yu'er have any connection with him? How close was their relationship? Or rather... given his personality, how could he possibly know Yu'er?
"Reporting to Lord Cao, according to preliminary investigations, this Man Chong has never met Lu Gong Cao, nor has there been any interaction between them..."
"Your subordinate truly does not understand, Lord Cao, why do you assume they know each other?"
The guard asked back...
In his opinion, if this point was very important, he needed more information to assist his investigation.
"Oh..." Cao Cao nodded and waved his hand... indicating no need for further investigation.
Of course, he was slightly surprised, but upon reflection, it seemed reasonable...
After all, Yu'er was adept at discerning people's hearts and understanding the general situation, and his judgment was exceptionally keen.
Considering all this, perhaps... Yu'er had long ago identified Man Chong as a talented individual... no, to be precise, Man Chong was a rare talent, a rare talent who could only shine in specific fields.
Therefore, Yu'er did not recruit him into the Dragon Roar Camp like he had Cheng Yu or Cao Xiu. Instead, he proposed him to Cao Cao now, which was consistent with Yu'er's usual style of doing things.
"Haha..." Cao Cao burst into laughter. "Very well, you may withdraw... Since he is a talent recommended by Lu Gong Cao, there is no need to continue the investigation. Tomorrow, send someone on an urgent mission to Yan Province to summon Man Chong. Tell him that the position of Prefect of Xu Du is yours without fail! Hahaha..."
Saying this, Cao Cao put down his brush and added Man Chong's name to the memorial for the Prefect of Xu Du.
Although Cao Cao had never met him, hearing about his deeds, and most importantly, Yu'er's judgment, made Cao Cao trust him...
Haha...
Looking at the completed memorial, Cao Cao, tired from a day's labor, finally let out a relieved laugh!
The dust had settled.
Next... would be new stories, new chapters.
"Hiccup..."
Looking at the sky about to break dawn, Cao Cao stretched, letting out a heavy yawn.
Despite not sleeping all night and feeling a bit tired, Cao Cao looked exceptionally energetic.
"Let's go, it's time for the morning court."
Saying this, he strode out, his steps particularly firm and resonant.
This was the first morning court since the Han Dynasty established its capital in Xu Du, and Cao Cao needed to be fully focused!
...
...
In Xu Du City, the Jiaofang Hall.
As the hall where the Empress resided in the Weiyang Palace, the Jiaofang Hall in Xu Du City was almost identical to the Jiaofang Hall in the original Luoyang Imperial Palace.
Even the walls of the palace were plastered with powder made from the flowers of the prickly ash tree.
The color was a shade of pink...
Exceedingly tender and soft, giving the Emperor and Empress sleeping within a feeling of soaring to great heights.
However...
On this night, Emperor Liu Xie and Empress Fu Shou did not have the leisure to engage in the act of "flipping the dragon and soaring phoenix."
They were not in the mood...
More than that, Emperor Liu Xie and Empress Fu Shou were undoubtedly more concerned about the Emperor's dignity and the authority of the court. In fact, they had to secretly establish their own power base.
The first step was to win over a group of people...
"My father, General of the Protector of the Nation, Fu Wan, is naturally loyal to His Majesty. Your Majesty's father-in-law, General Dong Cheng, will also undoubtedly stand firm by Your Majesty's side. In addition, Grand Commandant Yang Biao, who has served the Han for generations, is trustworthy... and also..."
Empress Fu Shou mentioned name after name, all of whom she believed were potential targets for His Majesty to win over.
Although Cao Cao was currently highly trusted by the Emperor and the court, it was always wise to plan ahead...
The hardships the Emperor had endured over the years had long since made him realize that strength was the ultimate principle, and winning over a group of reliable ministers was crucial.
And among these potential candidates, while old officials of the Han court were one group, they did not have significant influence in Xu Du and could provide limited help. Considering this... it was necessary to win over some individuals who were close to Cao Cao and... whom they might be able to win over.
"Xun Yu and Xun You are advisors highly valued by Cao Cao. Your Majesty could try to get close to them and probe their intentions! In addition..."
Empress Fu Shou's eyes darted about...
She was contemplating whom else could be utilized for the Han court?
Who could be used by the Emperor!
The most critical aspect was military power... military power, indeed.
Suddenly, Fu Shou seemed to recall a name...
Her eyes widened, and her spirits were lifted.
"There is one more person... he... if Your Majesty could win him over and with the support of Your Majesty and the officials, perhaps... perhaps a force not inferior to Cao Cao could be cultivated in the court, and in the future, contend with Cao Cao..."
Hmm...
Contend with him?
As Empress Fu Shou uttered these words...
Emperor Liu Xie's eyes also snapped open.
The experience of over four hundred years of the Han Dynasty had taught him that for imperial power to be stable, powerful ministers in the court must be balanced.
For example, during the reign of his father, Emperor Ling, despite his indulgence in luxury, selling official positions, and the turmoil of the Partisan Prohibitions...
However, if one calculated carefully, during his lifetime, the court had never been in turmoil... The so-called court was as stable as a mountain, regardless of the chaos in the world!
The reason for this was Emperor Ling's art of balancing power. While he granted great authority to the eunuchs... he also heavily relied on the imperial relatives!
The Ten Attendants, led by Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong, contended with the imperial relative He Jin. Emperor Ling could then sit back and enjoy the fruits of his labor, as stable as a mountain.
To put it hyperbolically, even if Emperor Ling had ordered palace maids to wear open-crotch pants, or even ordered palace maids and consorts not to wear pants, who would dare to utter a word of objection?
Conversely...
If one faction dominated the court, it would inevitably lead to the erosion of imperial power. History provided countless vivid examples of this, all clearly visible!
"The Empress speaks wisely..." Emperor Liu Xie also became energized. "If Cao Cao dominates the court, then as his territory expands and his troops grow stronger, it is inevitable that he will develop other ambitions..."
"But if there is someone in court who can contend with him, a conflict between two tigers, then our Han Dynasty, and my position as Emperor, will be as solid as a rock. However..."
As he reached the end of his sentence, Emperor Liu Xie hesitated...
Now... being in Xu Du, how easy is it to cultivate someone who can contend with Cao Cao?
Even if we take a step back, besides the members of the Cao and Xiahou clans, who else has military power?
The person the Empress mentioned... most likely...
Thinking this, Emperor Liu Xie sighed, not continuing further.
However... Fu Shou directly spoke his name, and precisely this name made Emperor Liu Xie's eyes gleam with a brilliant light.
"Your Majesty... the Chief Clerk of the Headquarters, the Commander of the Dragon Roar Camp, Lu Yu! He is not old, his background is pure, and he commands the Dragon Roar Camp, the most valiant troops in Cao's army... If... Your Majesty can win him over... then..."
The purity mentioned by Fu Shou meant that Lu Yu had no blood or family ties with Cao Cao. From the perspective of his background, he was a potential target for recruitment!
Having said this, Fu Shou paused and continued:
"Your Majesty, your concubine heard from my father that the reason Cao Cao was able to march west to Luoyang and escort Your Majesty was entirely due to this Lu Yu's strategy! Including how he formed alliances and made plans, none of it is unrelated to him... Does Your Majesty not also suspect that this young man is related to the Hidden Dragon who disappeared from the Han two years ago?"
"...Does Your Majesty not remember what the Yue Dan Ping review once said—He who obtains the Hidden Dragon can pacify the realm!"
Huo...
Empress Fu Shou's final sentence, "He who obtains the Hidden Dragon can pacify the realm," was precisely what Emperor Liu Xie had subconsciously thought of.
Having entered Xu Du for only one day, he had already heard many legends about Lu Yu. It seemed... Cao Cao's successful escort of him, the Emperor, from the various warlords was crucial to Lu Yu's planning.
And... if he truly was the Hidden Dragon, then... it was not a question of whether to try to win him over, but a certainty that... they must, absolutely must, win over the Hidden Dragon for the court!
In Liu Xie's view, the one who could help him restore the Han was not Cao Cao at all, but the Hidden Dragon who could "pacify the realm"!
That sentence from the Yue Dan Ping review, "He who obtains the Hidden Dragon can pacify the realm."
... The current Emperor Liu Xie was more inclined to believe it than not, and it was his last straw of hope.
Hoo...
Taking a long breath, Liu Xie narrowed his eyes.
"The Empress is absolutely right, I thought the same... However, the most urgent matter... how can I win him over? Doesn't the Empress know... at tomorrow's morning court, Cao Cao will be proposing official ranks for all officials of the Han? If Lu Yu is so important? How could Cao Cao not propose an official post for him, grant him promotions, and entrust him with important responsibilities!"
"Tomorrow's morning court is precisely the opportunity for Your Majesty to show favor!"
Before Emperor Liu Xie could finish speaking, Fu Shou interrupted him, "Cao Cao can bestow honors upon Lu Yu, and Your Majesty can too... If Cao Cao enfeebles Lu Yu with an ordinary official post, then Your Majesty should elevate him to the position of the Nine Ministers. If Cao Cao proposes him for the Nine Ministers, Your Majesty can even make an exception and appoint him as one of the Three Excellencies... The old officials of the Han are all on Your Majesty's side and will certainly not object! Cao Cao will also not object! This is Your Majesty's heavenly grace!"
Having said this, Fu Shou paused. "Lu Yu achieved such great merit in escorting Your Majesty, so any reward would be fitting. However... if Your Majesty can make him feel Your Majesty's goodwill, then in the future, when Your Majesty tries to win him over... it will be a natural progression!"
Huo...
Emperor Liu Xie's eyes focused.
He pondered for a moment...
Then...
"Good, good, good!" Three consecutive "good"s, Liu Xie's lips curled, and a hint of a relieved smile emerged...
"The Empress truly understands my heart... Haha, good... I will focus on bestowing honors upon Lu Yu. On the one hand, it will demonstrate Your Majesty's goodwill. On the other hand... even if it causes Cao Cao to become suspicious of this Lu Yu, it will still be a clever strategy! At that time, when I try to win him over and promote him, it will be a natural step!"
As these words were spoken...
Empress Fu Shou nodded her head.
Just as she nodded, Emperor Liu Xie noticed a strand of white hair, and his expression instantly changed, filled with immense concern. "Empress? Why is there white hair?"
"Oh... I probably haven't slept well recently?" Empress Fu Shou casually made up an excuse.
In fact... on this journey, she was very tired. She was constantly thinking for the Emperor and the Han court...
Whether it was planning ahead or preventing future misfortunes...
She worried far more than Liu Xie!
As for this white hair, it wasn't because she hadn't slept well. For several consecutive days, even when her eyes were closed, her mind was still racing... She couldn't sleep!
Who could have imagined that in this chaotic world, it was difficult to be an Emperor, but how easy was it to be an Empress?
...
...
Dong dong...
As dawn approached, accompanied by the solemn sound of chiming bells, after a two-year absence, the Han Dynasty finally welcomed its morning court once again.
Dong...
The ancient chiming bells continued to ring.
Deep, steady!
It is said that "ringing bells and eating from tripods" is the sign of a wealthy family's prosperity. Like a great bell, the more wealth and higher the status, the higher its position, and the deeper and steadier its sound!
Dong...
Each of these chiming bells could produce its own constant sound. The harmony and coordination of several musical scales produced a rare and beautiful sound in this world!
This long-awaited reunion morning court, heralded by the chiming bells, seemed to further indicate... that the Han Dynasty needed to be revitalized, and it would require more people to work together with a unified heart to achieve it.
Of course, this was merely a beautiful wish.
-- "Your Majesty, your humble servant has a memorial..."
-- "Esteemed Minister Cao, you may speak freely in this hall."
-- "Your humble servant requests the reconstruction of the Imperial Academy and the re-establishment of the Tai Xue Shi Jing!"
Upon these words, the entire court was in an uproar.
Almost all the ministers and officials believed that for this long-awaited morning court, Cao Cao's first memorial would be to propose official posts for his subordinates, granting promotions and increased status to the meritorious officials who escorted the Emperor!
But... what Cao Cao proposed was the reconstruction of the Imperial Academy and the re-establishment of the Tai Xue Shi Jing?
This...
Instantly, there was a wave of discussion throughout the court.
Even Emperor Liu Xie was stunned... What did Cao Cao mean by this? Reconstructing the Imperial Academy... was it more important than granting his subordinates higher positions?
He blinked...
Cao Cao continued, "Twenty-five years ago, Situ Qiao Xuan once expounded upon our Han Dynasty in his essay 'Guo Ben Lun' (On the Foundation of the Nation)... Education is the method of strengthening the nation. To this day, this theory remains immensely important!"
"Your humble servant requests Your Majesty to grant permission to reconstruct the Imperial Academy and re-establish the Tai Xue Shi Jing, thereby announcing to all scholars in the realm that our Han Dynasty has returned, and our Han Dynasty has never forgotten any eager scholar!"
Passionate and inspiring...
Undoubtedly, these words made the entire Han court look at Cao Cao with newfound respect. When mentioning the Imperial Academy, one could not help but think of those renowned figures—Qiao Xuan, Cai Yong, Duan Jiong, Zheng Xuan...
These names, weren't they precisely symbols of the prosperity of Han culture?
Cao Cao escorted the Emperor, and his first memorial was not to claim merit, but to propose the establishment of the Imperial Academy. This was simply too effective in winning the favor of the officials and the court!
"Your humble servant seconds the motion!"
Yang Biao was the first to step forward...
"Your humble servant also seconds the motion!"
Fu Wan also stepped forward... Following him, almost all the Han officials stepped forward.
The Imperial Academy signified too much. Of course, the construction of the Imperial Academy was not as simple as a mere statement. It required significant expenditure of wealth... Since Cao Cao had proactively brought it up, how could they not support it! How could they not be moved!
Of course...
They were moved too early, and they were flattering themselves. Cao Cao's establishment of the Imperial Academy had nothing to do with the court, with the Emperor, or even with the Han Dynasty!
It was related to only one person... that was his eldest son—Yu'er!
This was something Cao Cao had promised Yu'er before marching west to Luoyang and escorting the Emperor!
For this long-awaited morning court, for this imperial edict, Cao Cao did not do it for the world, nor for the common people, nor for the grand ambition of ruling, but solely for a father's most solemn promise to his son from the past...
...
...