Chapter 83 Personnel Appointment (First Order) As the emperor spoke, everyone understood that the emperor held a banquet in the palace tonight to entertain the generals of the Cao and Xiahou families in Luoyang just for this moment. First, Xiahou Ba was sent to govern Liangzhou, and later Zhang He was appointed commander-in-chief of all military affairs in Yong and Liang. I made these dumplings just for this dish of vinegar. The emperor ordered Xiahou Ba to go to Liangzhou. After all, he was Xiahou Yuan's son, so no one had much to say. The emperor ordered Zhang He to be the governor of Yongliang. Although it was a bit unexpected, it was understandable after thinking about it. Wu Zhi could be the governor of Hebei, Chen Qun could be the governor of Jingzhou, so could Zhang He not be the governor of Yongliang? Moreover, Zhang He had been in the army for more than 30 years, and had experienced countless battles, big and small. He was already the most reliable and capable general of a foreign surname besides the Xiahou and Cao clans. Xu Huang could be counted as one of them. However, Xu Huang was already bedridden at this time, and seeing that his days were numbered, I am afraid that Xu Huang could no longer bear any more burdens. This appointment was beyond Zhang He's expectation. When Zhang He received the secret order from the emperor to return to Luoyang in Mei County, Guanzhong, he thought that there was a war in Jingzhou or Yangzhou. After Zhang He passed Chang'an, he heard that Xiahou Mao, the governor of Guanzhong, was also recalled to Luoyang, and he couldn't help but have more speculations in his mind. It was not until Zhang He entered the palace and was brought to the banquet by Guanqiu Jian, and then was questioned by the emperor about the geography and military affairs of Yongliang, that he completely understood the emperor's intentions.
Every step had been laid out long ago, but it was only at this moment that the mystery was finally revealed. Zhang He immediately fell to the ground when he heard the emperor's words. He said, "I have received great favors from the Cao family for a long time. How can I not die for your majesty and the country? Your majesty has entrusted me with the two states of Yong and Liang. I will certainly defend the territory for your majesty and do my best to be loyal to you. I will die without regrets." Cao Rui stood up and said, "General Zhang, please stand up quickly. I said that there is no need for a big gift at today's banquet. Like Xiahou Ba, I will make the appointment at the next court meeting. Everyone present is my trusted minister, so it doesn't hurt to know something in advance." Zhang He stood up slowly, but his pretended calm eyes and expression could not conceal the emotion and excitement in his heart. Being the commander-in-chief and commanding the military of Yongzhou and Liangzhou, what kind of trust was this? He had served under Han Fu, Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, and Cao Pi. More than 30 years had passed, and this was the first time that Zhang He was in charge of such an important military position. This is the real ceiling for a general. To put it from a more popular perspective, Zhang He has now achieved the highest achievement he can achieve in his life. At this moment, Zhang He even thought that today's banquet, today's memorials, and today's appointment should be recorded in the history books by the historians, right? Cao Rui watched Zhang He stand up, and then added: "Please take your seats. I have something to say to you." Zhang He did not hesitate, and after returning to his own table and sitting down, he continued to look at the emperor. However, at this moment, Zhang He's back seemed to be straighter than when he first entered the banquet. Guanqiu Jian, on the other side, also showed a hint of envy at this time. Guanqiu Jian's father, Guanqiu Xing, had served as the governor of Wuwei County in Liangzhou and helped to quell the Liangzhou rebellion in the early years of Huangchu. Several years ago, Guanqiu Jian also dreamed of being like his father, serving as a military officer on the frontier and serving the king. Judging from the fact that the emperor ordered him to welcome guests and toast today, it is obvious that the emperor intends to promote him. Since the emperor values me, I naturally have to work extra hard. But Xiahou Mao's expression was quite sad at this time. However, Xiahou Mao also knew that he was not as capable as Zhang He and leading troops in battle was not his strong point, so he could only persuade himself to accept this arrangement. At this time, Cao Rui cleared his throat and said, "The more I want to use troops in the southeast, the more I must first ensure that Yongliang is safe to eliminate any worries." "The deployment of troops is certainly important, but winning the hearts and minds of Yongliang people is what I will send people to do immediately." "Today, I will be here with the general, the general of the guard, the general of the left, and you all to discuss the border affairs of Yongliang. Zhong Gong, I will make the following arrangements, please record them." As a close minister of the emperor and a literary minister in the Eastern Palace, Guanqiu Jian had some skills. He walked to a table in the corner of the hall and dipped his brush in the ink that had been ground long ago. Cao Rui said: "First, let the Secretariat select one or two officials from all the officials in Longyou, give them a position of two thousand stones, and randomly select them to be governors or prime ministers in the two counties of Yanzhou and Jizhou. Aren't they quite lacking in popularity in the county? I will give them popularity." "Secondly, I remember that the Imperial College has already recruited students this year, right? The Imperial College and the Xiaolian are not the same, so we will recruit another group of Xiaolian from the counties in Longyou. In the next three years, the number of Xiaolian in the counties in Longyou will double, which can be regarded as a way out for the local big families." "Third, if there is nothing wrong, there should be several students from Longyou in the Imperial College this year. Tell Dr. Zheng Cheng that I want to borrow his title as the nephew of the 'God of Scripture' and let Zheng Cheng privately select a disciple from Longyou."
"Fourth, in addition to the imperial court, the three ministers also have the power to recruit. Let Yongzhou Governor Guo Huai report a few people with a good reputation in the county, and let General Zhong recruit them and place them in the General's Mansion. If they are really good, I will give them some additional opportunities." Cao Rui glanced at the ministers in the hall and asked: "What do you think?" Seeing Xiahou Ba and Zhang He get positions, Cao Shuang, who was the youngest and sat closest to the outside, could no longer hold back. Seeing the emperor asking questions, he cupped his hands and said loudly at the table: "Your Majesty's perfect plan, the people of Longyou are convinced from now on!" Cao Shuang currently has the title of Palace Attendant, and he does not need to serve the emperor like Zhong Yu. It is just an additional title that allows the emperor to summon him in and out of the palace. Cao Shuang is not very good at giving advice at the moment, but because of his good personal relationship with the emperor, he is able to create atmosphere and act as a supporting role, which is something he is good at doing. Cao Zhen frowned and turned to glare at his son. He, the general, hadn't even spoken yet, so why was a knight-errant yelling behind him? In fact, Cao Zhen wanted to open his mouth to praise him, but his son beat him to it. Cao Shuang had already praised him, so as a father, it would be too flattering. He could only make some suggestions. Cao Zhen turned his head and looked at the smiling emperor: "Your Majesty, if you make such an arrangement, the counties in Longyou will surely be convinced. But I am worried that if you only take care of Longyou, the other counties in Yongliang may think that the court is unfair." Cao Hong, who was standing opposite him, laughed when he heard Cao Zhen's words: "Zidan, with your wisdom, don't you understand? I, Cao Hong, completely understand what your Majesty means." Seeing Cao Hong interfering, Cao Zhen originally wanted to make a suggestion to go through the motions, but now he had to ask seriously: "What does General Wei mean?" Cao Hong stroked his beard and said, "I guess Your Majesty just wants to temporarily settle Longyou. Just like when Emperor Wu attacked Yuan Shao, after Yuan Shao's death, Emperor Wu and Yuan Shao's eldest son Yuan Tan arranged a marriage." "It's just a lure of benefits. Isn't the imperial court going to use troops in the southeast? First stabilize Longyou and then talk about it after the war!" Seeing Cao Hong patting his belly with great pride, Cao Zhen felt a little annoyed. You, Cao Hong, can see this, don't I know it? You can't control your mouth after drinking a little, no wonder the late emperor disliked you. Cao Zhen could only force a smile: "Your Majesty is wise, I was just worrying too much." "No problem, General, this is a statement that is for the benefit of the state." Cao Rui smiled and waved his hand: "Zhong Gong, have you remembered everything I just said? There is no need to repeat it. Give it to Liu Fang tomorrow and ask him to draft the edict and then come to me to use my seal." Guanqiu Jian agreed repeatedly. …… A few days later, Luoyang. The grand court meeting on the first day of December had ended, and the weather was getting colder, but the atmosphere among officials and scholars in Luoyang City, whether on duty or discussing current affairs, became increasingly lively. After Your Majesty ascended the throne, there was no prohibition on discussing state affairs. Therefore, except for some extremely treasonous remarks, the school officials in Luoyang City would not do anything even if they heard it in person, but would just record it secretly. It's just that the court has been too lively these days. First, Xiahou Mao, who was guarding Chang'an, returned to Luoyang, lost his position as governor and became a minister. It was said that it was related to Princess Qinghe and some concubines. Then, General Zhang He, who had been in Yongliang for a long time, returned to Luoyang. He was given the unprecedented post of commander-in-chief of the military forces in Yongliang, becoming one of the most important officials in the court. Next was Xiahou Yuan's second son, Xiahou Ba, who was unexpectedly appointed as the governor of Liangzhou. After his father Xiahou Yuan's death, he was reprimanded by Emperor Wu as a useless general. Xiahou Ba had suffered enough of the humiliation in the central army of Luoyang over the years, but now he has turned the tables. The above pieces of news were just appetizers to warm up the atmosphere. What caused a greater sensation in Luoyang was that the court and the public welcomed the first major reward after His Majesty ascended the throne. You want to know how big this reward is? It's so big that even the three dukes have changed. Zhong Yao, the former Grand Commandant, was promoted to Grand Tutor. The position of Grand Tutor was above the Three Dukes and was not a common position. For some reason, the emperor picked it out and gave it to Zhong Yao. Since Zhong Taiwei became Zhong Taifu, then there was naturally a vacancy for Taiwei to be filled. Hua Xin Hua Situ became Hua Taiwei, and Wang Lang Wang Sikong became Wang Situ. Zhong Yao, Hua Xin, and Wang Lang were all over seventy years old. But after Wang Lang became Wang Situ, the remaining vacancy was unexpectedly filled by Sima Yi! This is even more explosive news than the appointment of Zhang He and Xiahou Ba. Sima Yi changed from Sima Fujun to Sima Sikong, still recording the affairs of the Shangshu and handling the daily government affairs of the Shangshutai. The words Sima Sikong sounded quite awkward, so the Shangshutai just called him Sikong. This was really a job title, purely a job title.
Sima Yi was only 47 years old at the time, less than 50 years old, and this speed of promotion was almost unheard of. People in the court and the public were all impressed that Sima Yi was so trusted by His Majesty. According to everyone's discussion, the last person who obtained the position of one of the Three Dukes so quickly was Xun Shuang of the Xun family of Yingchuan, who was Xun Yu's uncle. When Dong Zhuo was in power, he ordered the court to recruit Xun Shuang. It took only ninety-three days for Xun Shuang to be recruited from a commoner to become a minister of the imperial court, and most of the time was spent on the road. But Xun Shuang was already over sixty years old at that time, not to mention that it was ordered by Dong Zhuo, so it actually did not have much gold content. The 47-year-old Sangong was also the recorder of the Shangshu affairs and was in charge of the government affairs of the Shangshutai. In addition, he held the position of regent, and he seemed to have power over the court and the country. During this period, even Sima Yi himself could not figure out the emperor's thoughts, and was overwhelmed by this position and the praise from everyone. In the eyes of scholars, the Three Dukes were the top-level positions, and were the dream of almost all scholars. Didn't you see that the Yuan Shao family also had three dukes for four generations? But Cao Rui himself was clear-headed. The three ministers only discussed the truth and were not responsible for specific government affairs. The scholars valued the positions of the three ministers, which was a cultural deviation that had existed for hundreds of years since the Han Dynasty. A pretentious Sikong was fine. It was more important to accept Sima Yi's title of General of the Army. Recorder of the Secretariat? It was just an additional title, not a permanent position. Moreover, Chen Qun, who was far away in Xiangyang, was actually appointed as General of Cavalry. (End of this chapter)