"My dear Cai, you speak of 'three wives and four concubines.' The 'four concubines' are easily understood, but what does 'three wives' signify?"
Cao Cao posed this question to Xiahou Yuan.
He specifically mentioned "three wives and four concubines" because there was much to discuss about it.
In ancient times, the phrase "three wives and four concubines" was commonly spoken, especially among the affluent. It was often said, "It's normal for men to have three wives and four concubines," but while "four concubines" clearly referred to four secondary wives, what did "three wives" mean? Could a man truly have three wives?
Xiahou Yuan naturally didn't understand these intricacies.
He only knew that, according to Confucian etiquette, favoring concubines over wives was a grave offense, punishable by fifty strokes of the cane and a fine. In severe cases, it could even lead to legal repercussions. Not only would the authorities not let it slide, but the family itself would be brought to shame!
For this reason, the "three wives and four concubines" circulating in popular discourse was merely a description of the "one wife and multiple concubines" system. This system was not only supported by law but also by internal family supervision.
Three wives?
Where would three wives even come from?
Just as Xiahou Yuan was about to ask, Cao Cao's words continued.
"In the past, when I read ancient texts from before the Qin dynasty, many passages mentioned a story, a humorous anecdote from the pre-Qin era!"
"The King of Qi had not yet appointed an Empress. The reason was that when he narrowed down the candidates for Empress to three individuals he was satisfied with, he found himself unable to choose the most suitable one, so he kept postponing the decision. Later, when pressed by court officials, he casually remarked, 'Then let's establish three Empresses!' He spoke without thought, but the officials took it to heart, and thus the King of Qi came to have three Empresses: the central palace, the eastern palace, and the western palace!"
Cao Cao paused here. "It was from that time onwards that some princes and nobles began to marry three wives, one principal wife and two consorts of equal standing, who were treated with the same courtesy as the principal wife! Thus, the saying 'three wives and four concubines' originated!"
Cao Cao was discussing historical matters, and the origin of the idiom "three wives and four concubines."
However...
To Xiahou Yuan, this was all so new!
Xiahou Yuan's eyes darted around, his knowledge expanding. Today was truly a day of great learning!
Besides marveling at how the people of Qi in the pre-Qin era truly knew how to play, beyond the romantic gossip of "When it matters, there's Zhong Wuyan; when it doesn't, there's Xia Yingchun," they even came up with such a 'three wives' astonishing maneuver.
Of course, for a "good man" like Xiahou Yuan, he couldn't experience the joy of three wives and four concubines, nor did he wish to. After all, his wife Dingxiang had already borne him seven children, and their marital affection was exceptionally strong!
However...
"Tsk..."
Xiahou Yuan smacked his lips and asked curiously, "Big Brother, are you suggesting Zi Yu emulate the King of Qi? And take three wives?"
"Haha..."
Upon hearing this, Cao Cao smiled and patted Xiahou Yuan on the shoulder. "Three wives would be too many, but... two wives would be acceptable. Besides, Lu Yu is Lu Yu, and Cao Yu is Cao Yu. The current Lu Yu can marry Juan'er, but the future Cao Yu can also marry Cai Yan. Ordinary people make choices, but Yu'er... can have both! Haha, I, Cao Cao, would like to see who in this world dares to say a single 'no'!"
Heh...
Seeing Cao Cao's resolute tone, Xiahou Yuan knew that this matter was of great importance, far beyond simple rewards for merit.
It was not an exaggeration to say that this was related to the affection between the Cao and Xiahou clans!
"If Big Brother makes such arrangements, then... should we inform Zi Yu first? So he can be prepared?"
Evidently, Xiahou Yuan was already preparing himself to be a father-in-law.
"A parent's command and a matchmaker's words," Cao Cao waved his hand. "There's no need to inform Zi Yu. However, you, as his father-in-law, should at least inform your sister-in-law Cai Yan! She is also your half-in-law, haha... Currently, Yu'er's 'parent's command' nominally still belongs to sister Cai Yan!"
This...
Xiahou Yuan scratched his head. He felt the relationships were a bit muddled.
Uh, let's sort this out... It seems he was to propose to Cai Yan, who was Lu Yu's sister, and then... his daughter's husband would later marry his sister as well.
This move was brilliant!
Thinking this, Xiahou Yuan looked up at Cao Cao, remaining silent.
If he had some doubts about Lu Yu's identity before, they were completely gone now... Big Brother Cao Cao's stance was like that of a biological son!
Absolutely his own son!
Ordinary people make choices, but Big Brother's most cherished son would naturally want both. Suddenly, he even felt a hint of envy.
Of course, that wasn't important. What was important was that from tonight onwards, he, Xiahou Yuan, would become Lu Yu's father-in-law.
Of course, that wasn't the main point either. The most crucial point was that Juan'er marrying Lu Yu represented the Xiahou clan, and her future would undoubtedly be bright!
Upon this thought, Xiahou Yuan's eyes shone with a brilliant, dazzling light!
Just then.
"Report..."
A brave guard in tiger-pelt armor quickly entered the yamen. "Reporting to Cao Sikong, all 3.7 million shi of grain and provisions from Xuzhou have been safely transported to Yanzhou, Xudu, and Guandu... General Cao Xiu, who escorted the grain, requests an audience, stating he has a memorial from Situ Lu requesting a reward to present to Cao Sikong."
Hmm...
A memorial requesting a reward?
This...
Cao Cao's eyes narrowed. He looked up and met Xiahou Yuan's gaze. The timing felt off.
Requesting a reward?
He, Cao Cao, was discussing with Xiahou Yuan about bestowing a beautiful maiden upon him?
This... Yu'er is proactively requesting a reward? Has he become arrogant?
"Summon him in..." Cao Cao's tone became a little more stern.
"Yes..." The brave guard acknowledged and went to relay the message.
Before long, Cao Xiu arrived at the yamen. He first cupped his hands in greeting. "Cao Xiu pays his respects to Cao Sikong... The 3.7 million shi of grain and provisions have been safely delivered!"
Over three million shi of grain was a major event, and it was the key to lifting Cao Cao's mood from overcast to clear skies!
But... precisely because of this request for a reward, it cast a shadow over Cao Cao's mood. This was strange; he mused that this was not in line with Yu'er's usual conduct!
In the past, even when Cao Cao bestowed rewards, Yu'er would always decline them. When had he ever requested a reward?
"Wenlie, you have worked hard escorting the grain!"
Cao Cao began, then shifted the conversation. "I heard Situ Lu wishes to request a reward? What reward does he seek?"
"Reporting to Cao Sikong..." Cao Xiu immediately took a letter from his懷 and handed it to Cao Cao. "Young Master Lu states that his requested reward is fully detailed in this letter."
Hmm...
Cao Cao paused slightly, then took the letter and opened it immediately.
Xiahou Yuan was also curious, wondering what this prospective son-in-law was up to. He leaned closer.
Just then, four prominent characters on the bamboo slip leaped into Xiahou Yuan's sight—
—Censor-in-Chief!
Hoo, Censor-in-Chief?
Xiahou Yuan was taken aback. He didn't understand. It seemed... there was no Censor-in-Chief in the Han Dynasty's official system. What kind of official title was this?
But at this moment...
Cao Cao's hands quickly closed the bamboo slip. He appeared somewhat nervous, but... after just an instant, he opened the slip again, his demeanor becoming somewhat wistful, his eyes narrowing into slits.
—Censor-in-Chief!
"Well said, Censor-in-Chief..." Cao Cao exclaimed inwardly, his eyes gradually opening.
Indeed, the Han Dynasty did not have a Censor-in-Chief; that was a title from the Qin official system.
Below the Emperor, there were the Prime Minister, the Grand Commandant, and the Censor-in-Chief...
—The Prime Minister, in essence, assisted the Son of Heaven and handled all state affairs.
And the Grand Commandant was responsible for all military affairs, his position being equivalent to the Prime Minister, much like the "Grand Commandant" of today...
However, after Yang Biao resigned from the position of Grand Commandant, Cao Cao never appointed another. This meant that Cao Cao's position as Sikong was, in fact, a merger of Sikong and Grand Commandant!
And the Censor-in-Chief mentioned by Lu Yu, his position was second only to the Prime Minister, responsible for managing the memorials of all officials, issuing imperial decrees, and establishing national oversight!
Of course, these were secondary.
Most importantly, the Censor-in-Chief had another title—"Assistant Prime Minister."
Or, an assistant to the Prime Minister!
With this thought, Cao Cao sighed softly. Yu'er's request for "Censor-in-Chief" was deeply meaningful and indicated his determination!
So, the question arose:
If there is no Prime Minister, where does an Assistant Prime Minister come from? Where does an assistant to the Prime Minister come from?
Heh heh...
As Yu'er once said: "The drunkard's intent is not in the wine."
Lu Yu's action was not to request the title of "Censor-in-Chief," but rather to urge Cao Cao to establish the position of "Prime Minister"...
How could Cao Cao not know that since the second year of Emperor Yuan Shou of Han, the Son of Heaven had dismissed the Prime Minister, weakened his powers, and divided them into Situ and Sikong? For over two hundred years, the Han Dynasty had not re-established a Prime Minister, and consequently, there was no "Censor-in-Chief," nor an "Assistant Prime Minister"!
However, if Cao Cao followed Lu Yu's line of thinking, after the Battle of Guandu, the Battle of Cangting, and Yuan Shao's death, the current world order had completely flipped. No feudal lord was a match for Cao Cao.
Similarly, the Han imperial court was weak and powerless to resist Cao Cao!
The scales of power had dramatically shifted!
This position of Prime Minister? If Cao Cao didn't take it, who would?
Upon realizing this, Cao Cao's eyes gleamed with a sharp, penetrating light, both pleased and chilling!
Of course, Lu Yu was indeed worthy of being called "Hidden Dragon." His request for the title of "Censor-in-Chief" was a subtle move, with the true intention of securing Cao Cao's position as Prime Minister. And with this compromise, the relationship between Cao Cao and the Han court would have much room for maneuver.
At the very least, it would allow Cao Cao to gauge the reactions of the officials and prompt the Son of Heaven and those loyal to the Han Dynasty to think... to carefully consider whether the position of Censor-in-Chief, no, the position of Prime Minister, should be granted or not.
"Hahahaha..."
Cao Cao burst into laughter... He slammed shut Lu Yu's memorial requesting a reward.
He shouted, "Someone!"
"Cao Gong..." Xu Chu quickly entered...
"Expedite this memorial from Zi Yu requesting a reward and submit it to His Majesty! Submit it to the court!" Cao Cao immediately commanded.
"Yes!" Xu Chu acknowledged.
Cao Cao still seemed somewhat uneasy, after all... the position of Prime Minister was too significant!
Furthermore... in over two hundred years of the Han Dynasty, no one had ever dared to covet the title of Prime Minister!
Cao Cao wanted to test the Han court's attitude.
Of course, since Yu'er dared to request it, he must be certain that the Han court would agree!
"Zhong Kang, you go personally. Present this memorial to His Majesty and the hundred officials in the court, and then await their reply!"
"No need to rush. Inform me when the imperial decree arrives."
"Yes!" Xu Chu nodded and prepared to leave.
"Wait!" Cao Cao called out again. "There is one more matter. Also, remind Lord Xun to draft an imperial decree for the marriage between Lu Yu and the noble lady Xiahou Yuan of the Xiahou clan, decreeing it and announcing it to the world!"
Uh...
Upon hearing this, Xu Chu was startled.
This... imperial decree for marriage, and it concerns Lu Yu's wedding, and to the noble lady Xiahou Yuan of the Xiahou clan, this is a major event!
"Yes..."
After recovering, Xu Chu cupped his hands, his voice becoming even more resonant.
"Go."
Cao Cao waved his hand...
Only then did Xu Chu gallop away.
As for Xiahou Yuan, he was somewhat confused. He could understand why Big Brother wanted an imperial decree for marriage, but... why present Lu Yu's memorial requesting the title of "Censor-in-Chief"?
What was he truly planning?
Just as Xiahou Yuan was about to ask, Cao Cao clapped him on the shoulder. "Pack up. We'll ride swiftly to Xudu City tonight!"
Ah...
Xiahou Yuan felt that Big Brother was truly impulsive.
The grain had arrived, but instead of marching north... they were returning to Xudu first?
"Big Brother? The priority now should be the northern expedition..."
"Hahaha!" Cao Cao laughed heartily. "Yes, if it were a normal person who received so much grain, they would surely launch a northern expedition immediately. We think so, and Yuan Shao's three sons will also think so!"
"But it's precisely that Yu'er's letter does not mention a northern expedition. Did he overlook it? No... I rather think... Zi Yu is the most clear-headed and wisest person!"
"It's better not to launch a northern expedition now than to do so. Just as we faced Liu Bei and Lu Bu in the past, Yu'er presented the 'Two Tigers Competing for Prey' strategy. Now that Yuan Shao has recently died, if we attack immediately, his three sons will surely unite against a common enemy. But if we delay our attack, then..."
Cao Cao did not speak too directly.
But... the meaning was clear enough.
Two tigers competing for prey, this strategy... Xiahou Yuan was familiar with it!
Back then, Lu Bu and Liu Bei had both suffered greatly from this tactic!
Just then.
Cao Cao's voice continued.
"Compared to the northern expedition... now is the time to ensure there is only one voice in the court. Previously, I prioritized stability and did not move against the 'Fu family.' But now... hehe..."
Cao Cao paused, then shifted his tone. "Besides, how could I, Cao Cao, not participate in Yu'er's wedding? Send someone to Xuzhou to summon Yu'er. A good son and a good daughter-in-law, a match made in heaven! Hahaha..."
At this moment, Cao Cao's peculiar laughter echoed!
At this moment, he laughed like a three-hundred-pound胖子!
...
...
Xudu City, Imperial Palace, Jiaofang Hall!
From the moment Emperor Liu Xie entered this hall, the atmosphere became extremely tense.
It was a sunny morning, but now a torrential rain suddenly fell, as if heaven could feel the tension in the Han court, the Emperor's tension... and the tremor hanging over the Weiyang Palace!
Within Jiaofang Hall, faint sounds of crying could be heard, a grief that the pounding rain could not conceal.
Empress Fu Shou knelt on the ground...
"I implore Your Majesty to protect the Fu family... I implore Your Majesty to make this concession!"
Liu Xie frowned, his face turned to the side, his eyes also brimming with tears.
At the morning court today, Xu Chu had brazenly entered Chongde Hall and produced a memorial from Lu Yu requesting a reward.
This in itself was not the issue, but... as soon as the words "Censor-in-Chief" appeared, this official title made the sensitive Liu Xie naturally understand its deeper meaning.
—Censor-in-Chief!
—Censor-in-Chief!
This was not a request for a Censor-in-Chief! This was clearly an attempt to secure the position of Prime Minister for Cao Cao, the truly "below one person and above ten thousand" position of Prime Minister!
If it were merely below one person and above ten thousand, then it would be nothing.
But... it must be known that the Prime Minister also had the authority to manage all officials...
If, coupled with Lu Yu's authority as Censor-in-Chief to oversee all officials, this would effectively and completely strip him, the Son of Heaven, bare.
Stripped bare without any room for resistance.
From then on, he, Liu Xie, would become a true puppet, a puppet with no ability to resist.
And...
What was even more terrifying was that it was rumored... Cao Cao had discovered a letter from Fu Wan colluding with Yuan Shao in Yuan Shao's military tent.
Of course, everyone with eyes knew... this was a fabricated matter!
But... did it matter whether it was true or false?
Cao Cao could move against the Fu family with just a flick of his finger!
Similarly, at this critical juncture... even to protect the Fu family, the Son of Heaven... would have to concede this "Censor-in-Chief," and concede this position of "Prime Minister"!
Two hundred years...
A full two hundred years, the Han Dynasty had... yet another Prime Minister!
Looking at Empress Fu Shou, who was weeping profusely before him...
Emperor Liu Xie shook his head helplessly. "Even I can barely protect myself, how... how can I protect the Fu family?"
"I, I am merely an ant beneath his feet. Why does he still bind me to this position? Why won't he let me go?"
"Your Majesty, do not belittle yourself. Your Majesty can... Your Majesty can save the Han Dynasty, can save the Han officials!" Fu Shou repeatedly said, "Lu Yu is requesting the title of Censor-in-Chief, Your Majesty might as well grant him the title of Censor-in-Chief. Lu Yu wishes to request the position of Prime Minister for Cao Cao, Your Majesty might as well grant it as a favor. This may not be a bad thing. Prime Minister, Censor-in-Chief... are merely empty titles. Rather than letting them fight and snatch for it, it is better for Your Majesty to fulfill their desires in exchange for their concessions!"
"Your Majesty, think about it. Is the current Han Dynasty... is the Fu family a threat to Cao Cao, to Lu Yu?"
"Not at all. The Han Dynasty is too insignificant. Beneath a toppled nest, the Fu family is also too insignificant! And Lu Yu's request for the title of 'Censor-in-Chief' this time indicates... that he and Cao Cao will not fight against the Han Dynasty, at least not for now."
"For Lu Yu, for Cao Cao, their immediate priorities... are the Sun clan in the south, Liu Biao and Liu Bei in Jingzhou, and the unification of the world. These are their great enemies! In the matter of unifying the four seas, both Your Majesty and our Fu family should 'help' them!"
Empress Fu Shou's words were sincere and heartfelt...
Very rational, and very mature.
After all, the decisive battle between Cao and Yuan had ended, and Cao Cao had already consolidated his power. Whether to grant him the title of Prime Minister or not was merely a matter of reputation. But once this reputation was given to Cao Cao, it at least demonstrated that the Han Dynasty and its officials shared the same stance as Cao Cao in the matter of unifying the world. This way, the Han Dynasty and the Fu family could gain a breathing space, at least... at least there would be hope. The hope of survival.
"I... I can grant it!"
Liu Xie said with tears in his eyes...
He turned his face to the side again. "It's just a position of Prime Minister. As the Empress said, for me, these are all illusions! It's just... it's just..."
Liu Xie's expression became even more grim. "Empress, have you heard that Lu Yu is about to marry the noble lady Xiahou Yuan of the Xiahou clan? This... this is Cao Cao's way of tightly binding Lu Yu, binding them together..."
"If so, then in the future... when Cao Cao truly takes that step, Lu Yu will become Cao Cao's sharpest blade, stabbing me one by one. Even now, I... I already feel suffocated, a heart-piercing suffocation! Empress... is there any way, at least, at least let Lu Yu... show some consideration for the dignity of the Han Dynasty, even if it's just for the Han Dynasty to live humbly, Your Majesty... Your Majesty does not want to be a ruler of a fallen kingdom! Your Majesty does not want to be scolded by the ancestors!"
This...
The news of the imperial decree for marriage, of Lu Yu marrying Xiahou Yuan, had already reached the Ministry of Personnel, and it was no secret. Liu Xie and Fu Shou were both aware of the implications of this event!
But...
How to deal with it?
"Your Majesty, your concubine... your concubine has a method, perhaps it can... at least leave a trace of dignity for the Han Dynasty with Lu Yu."
Empress Fu Shou said...
—"Cao Cao can marry the noble lady of the Xiahou clan to Lu Yu as his wife? Then Your Majesty can also marry the eldest princess to him as his wife!"
—"An imperial decree for marriage, granting one is still granting, granting two is also granting! If he marries a noble of the Han Dynasty, at least... at least he will show some consideration for the dignity of the Han Dynasty, right?"
...
...