After getting no response from Sun and Liu, Cao Rui turned his attention to Lian Zhao again.
Lian Zhao, who always knew Cao Rui's thoughts best, glanced at Sun and Liu and whispered:
"Your Majesty, the offices in Xuchang City have not been settled yet, and many people have not even settled down yet. It may be difficult to find Changshi Cao for a while."
"Your Majesty is ill, so it's best to rest as much as possible. Right now, only General Wuwei (Cao Shuang is appointed General Wuwei) is waiting outside the door. When Cao Changshi comes, Your Majesty will see him again one day..."
Cao Rui's eyes had a complicated expression, and he was silent for a while, but finally said:
"Then let Cao Zhaobo come in."
Cao Shuang, who was guarding the door, wiped the sweat from his forehead for the first time.
Although it has entered winter, he is still sweating constantly.
He kept trying to take deep breaths to stabilize his emotions, but it was in vain.
Cao Shuang, who was in a daze, didn't hear Lian Zhao's call at all. It wasn't until Lian Zhao came forward that he suddenly woke up.
"General Cao, Your Majesty has invited you."
"Oh, oh, okay...what? Your Majesty?"
After Cao Shuang came to his senses, his expression changed.
"Please, General Cao."
Cao Shuang felt his throat was dry. He swallowed with some difficulty, and then he started to move his legs.
He didn't know whether his legs were numb from standing or because they were weakening. As he took a step forward, his body swayed and he almost fell.
As a clan member of the Cao family, and his lord is a former general and former chief Sima, he has been able to enter and leave the palace freely since he was a child, and he has a good relationship with Cao Rui.
Cao Shuang's life has been smooth sailing since he was a child, and he has never seen any big storms.
Although Sun Liu Er told him early on that everything had been prepared for him.
But when he actually got involved in such major political matters, he still couldn't help but feel a little scared.
As Lian Zhao entered the bedroom, Cao Shuang said tremblingly:
"I am here to see your majesty. May your majesty live long and be happy forever!"
After hearing Cao Shuang's congratulations, Cao Rui's eyes were a little sarcastic and he murmured to himself:
"Long live Qianqiu, long live Qianqiu...hehe..."
Not to mention a thousand years, even a hundred years is enough!
Seeing Cao Rui's appearance, Sun Zi was afraid that he would have long nights and dreams, so he reminded him more politely: "Your Majesty!"
Cao Rui sighed, moved his eyes, and looked at Cao Shuang:
"Uncle Zhao, can you take on a big responsibility?"
Cao Rui's voice was not loud and hoarse, but to Cao Shuang's ears, it was like thunder piercing his ears, as if it was as heavy as a thousand stones.
The words that had been planned long ago were completely forgotten due to the excessive tension at this moment.
Cao Shuang felt that his mind was confused and blank. He opened his mouth:
"Chen...chen..."
I waited for a long time, but couldn't say the second word.
Liu Da, who was standing next to him, was anxious. He looked at Cao Shuang's fat body and cursed in his heart that this man was really like a dolphin dog.
The critical moment turned out to be like a pile of mud.
However, it was precisely because of Cao Shuang's weak temper that he was favored by Sun and Liu.
Liu Fang knew that in this situation, there could be no delay at all, otherwise, Cao Rui, who had finally been persuaded, might change his mind again.
He secretly kicked Cao Shuang and whispered:
"Quickly say that you are willing to die to serve the country!"
Cao Shuang received Liu Fang's reminder and subconsciously shouted:
"I am willing to die to serve the country!"
Cao Rui didn't know if he saw the little moves between Liu Fang and Cao Shuang. He looked at Cao Shuang and became silent again.
Liu Fang and Sun Zi knew that Cao Shuang was weak-tempered, and Cao Rui also knew it.
If he is given great power, Cao Shuang may not be able to defeat the extremely ruthless Sima Yi in the future.
"His Majesty?"
"Da Sima is an auxiliary minister left to me by the late emperor. Now he is leading the army to resist the enemy. It would be rude not to say anything about such important national affairs. What should I do?"
Sun Zi and Liu Fang looked at each other.
"Your Majesty, the country is in a critical moment now. If we recall Grand Sima, who can stop the Shu captives? Why don't we order him to guard Luoyang? The most important thing is to repel the Shu captives."
"When the time comes, as long as the Grand Sima is given the title of Auxiliary Government, I think the Grand Sima will know that the overall situation is the most important thing and will not worry too much."
"Really?" Cao Rui twitched the corner of his mouth, not sure if he wanted to sneer or something.
He hoped that Sima Yi would be more careful.
A minister who is willing to fight for power in the court is at least much better than a minister who is willing to support the army and respect himself.
It's just... Even if I issue an edict to Sima Yi to come to Xuchang now, Sima Yi won't come, right?
Not to mention that I may not dare to issue such an edict now.
Cao Rui sighed inwardly.
The suggestions of Sun and Liu can indeed be regarded as mature advice for the country.
The entire Imperial Guard has been wiped out, and the throne, which has always been unstable, will probably become even more precarious in the future.
Based on the current situation of the Wei Dynasty, there is no other way but to temporarily appease Sima Yi and let him lead the army to guard Luoyang to prevent the Shu captives from continuing to advance eastward.
If an edict were issued to force him to come to Xuchang, it would be okay if he disobeys the order and loses the emperor's face.
I'm afraid that when he comes, he will come with a large army. Who can control him then?
The matter of Dong Zhuo leading his army to Beijing is still before our eyes.
How could Cao Rui commit such a stupid thing again?
He did not hesitate to lose face and retreated to Xuchang when the war was unfavorable, which was closer to Jingzhou and Yangzhou than Luoyang.
If something happens, the armies from these two places can come to support faster.
"Will Sima Yi really stay in Luoyang with peace of mind?"
"Your Majesty, Grand Sima is already a very popular minister. If he surrenders to the captives, will the Shu captives be able to give him more than those of the Wei Dynasty?"
"What's more, there are many rumors that the Shu captives exploited wealthy families and destroyed their families. The Sima family is a big family in Hanoi. If they surrender to the captives, who knows if they can maintain their prosperity today?"
In short, Sima Yi not only has no benefits in surrendering to the captives, but may also have disadvantages, so why did he surrender to the captives?
Not only would he not surrender, but in order to maintain his current status, he would work hard to resist them.
"Your Majesty, in times of emergency, extraordinary things must be done. The Sima clan comes from Hanoi. Now the Shu soldiers are approaching the east of the river, and there is only one pass between them and Hanoi."
"If Sima Yi retreats again, he will give up the foundation of his family, so I think he will definitely defend Luoyang."
Sun and Liu finally convinced Cao Rui with one sentence each.
Cao Rui once again looked at Cao Shuang, who had remained silent:
"Cao Zhaobo, since you said you are willing to die to serve the country, then I will make you a general to assist the future young emperor. Do you dare to take on such a big responsibility?"
Cao Shuang finally heard Cao Rui's words and immediately fell to the ground in ecstasy:
"I wish that my liver and brain would be shattered to pieces and I would die!"
The sweat on the face finally dripped to the ground due to excessive exertion.
Cao Rui nodded invisibly, closed his eyes, and lay down on the couch, his face looking extremely tired:
"I'm tired, you go down first."
Seeing that the important matter had been decided, Sun and Liu agreed to go out together with Cao Shuang.
Coming out of the dormitory, Cao Shuang bowed to Sun and Liu:
"If it weren't for the two secretaries of state, would Shuang'an be where he is today? Once His Majesty truly delivers the edict to the world, Shuang'an will definitely come to express his gratitude in person."
Sun Zi and Liu Fang looked at each other, stroking their beards and smiling.
"The general's words are serious. The two of us are just Zhongshu, how can we be treated like this by the general?"
"You deserve it. The two Zhongshu are the elders who followed Emperor Wu. They are not as good as the juniors. In the future, we will have to rely on the two elders for matters in the court."
"General, you're welcome. Both of us are old, but we just have more experience. How dare we say that we rely on you?"
"It's very true. In the future, the government will still have to rely on young talents like the general to support the overall situation. When the general asks questions, we will tell you everything."
To be precise, Sun and Liu now call Cao Shuang the general, which is too polite.
Because there is a process for worshiping a general.
To pay homage to the general, hundreds of officials must gather together. The edict sent by the emperor, Guang Luxun and others, will be read in public, and then the minister will pay it to the censor with his seal and ribbon.
Then the imperial censor will grant him the seal, seal, and ribbon, and finally he will be given gifts and other items. This is when he is officially appointed as the general.
But in the eyes of the three of them, since His Majesty has already agreed, it is already a done deal. It doesn't make much difference if he calls early or later.
After all, in the palace now, would anyone dare to chew the ears of three people?
Just when Sun Liu and Cao Shuang thought they were successful, in the Emperor's bedroom behind them, Cao Rui, who was already too tired to speak, suddenly opened his eyes.
"Lian Zhao."
"His Majesty?"
Lian Zhao, who had been standing by the couch, immediately came over.
"Now go immediately to announce that Cao Changshi has entered the palace. Remember, don't let anyone know."
"promise."
At this time, Cao Yu, who had just come out of the palace, turned a corner along the wall of the imperial city and met a person head-on.
"King Yan!"
When Cao Yu saw Cao Zhao, he was shocked at first, and then a look of understanding appeared on his face:
"Chang Si has been staying here?"
"Exactly."
Cao Yu looked around, then lowered his voice:
"Why doesn't Chang Si enter the palace?"
Cao Zhao had a sad look on his face and said slightly irritably:
"Since I arrived in Xuchang, I haven't had the same convenience as in Luoyang. I can come in and out of the palace at will. In addition, His Majesty has been ill, and the ministers are not allowed to enter the palace without issuing an imperial edict."
"In the past few days, I have repeatedly submitted petitions to enter the palace to see His Majesty, but Your Majesty has never issued an edict, and I am helpless."
After hearing this, Cao Yu moved his lips, but he didn't know how to tell Cao Zhao.
Cao Zhao didn't notice Cao Yu's expression, he just asked slightly anxiously:
"King Yan, how is your Majesty's health?"
"this……"
Cao Yu hesitated for a moment and stopped talking.
"King Yan, I know that your Majesty's physical condition is a palace secret and cannot be inquired about at will, but..."
Cao Zhao punched his right palm several times with his left palm, and stamped his feet at the same time, showing his inner anxiety:
"I haven't seen Your Majesty for a long time, and I'm worried about Your Majesty."
Seeing that Cao Yu still refused to explain, Cao Zhao knew his difficulty and did not continue to press. He just changed the topic:
"King Yan, when your Majesty was in Luoyang, he had the intention of appointing auxiliary ministers. Your Majesty once revealed to me that he wanted to make King Yan a general and the head of the auxiliary ministers."
When Cao Zhao said this, he glanced at Cao Yu.
Cao Yu's expression did not change much, and he sighed:
"I came to the palace today just for this matter."
"Oh?" Cao Zhao suddenly became happy when he heard this, "Your Majesty has made up his mind?"
The gloom that had been in my heart for many days suddenly seemed like the sun was shining through the clouds.
As long as King Yan becomes a general, what will he have to worry about in the future?
Cao Yu nodded:
"Your Majesty wanted to make me a general, but I refused."
Cao Zhaocai's face, which had just turned happy, suddenly froze.
His eyes widened suddenly, his mouth opened and closed, but he couldn't spit out a word.
After a while, he forced a smile and said:
"King Yan, this joke is not funny at all."
Cao Yu shook his head:
"I'm not kidding, I'm serious."
Is there any reason for an uncle to assist a great-grandson who is less than eight years old?
At that time, the world will only laugh at him for being greedy for power and ignorant of reason.
Besides, Cao Yu saw with his own eyes how Cao Pi and Cao Zhi fought to the death for the position of heir apparent.
The tragic situation after Cao Zhi failed in the fight for the throne was a warning to him.
He didn't have a standing position back then, so why now would he have to walk into a cement pit that he was destined to be unable to climb out of?
Do you want to go back as long as you live?
The most important thing is that Cao Yu does not have the confidence to deal with old foxes such as Sima Yi, Liu Fang, Sun Zi, etc. in the court.
Not only do these people hold real power, but they are also old men who have followed Emperor Wu in his early years. How many of them are simple people?
It was just because I had a good relationship with the emperor in his early years when he was not a nobleman. After the emperor ascended the throne, he missed the old friendship and was specially summoned to the court by the emperor in recent years.
How much foundation can there be?
This is just for the court.
Not to mention foreign enemies, no matter who is the general, they cannot avoid the serious problem of Shu captives.
To put it mildly, the Shu captives captured Guanzhong and Hedong, and the emperor was forced to march eastward. The Wei Dynasty is now in a mess.
Whoever can take care of him should become a general. Cao Yu knew that he didn't have the ability and if he forced himself to take office, he might only bring chaos to the country.
From this aspect, Cao Yu is indeed as self-aware as Sun and Liu said.
But how could Cao Zhao know such complicated thoughts of Cao Yu?
He was so anxious that he was like a wounded beast trapped in a small cage:
"How can you……"
Probably feeling that the tone was too harsh, he lowered his voice and approached Cao Yu:
"How could His Highness refuse? This...this..."
Cao Yu smiled:
"I know that my talents are not enough. For such an important task, it is better for Your Majesty to choose another talented person."
Before leaving, Cao Yu finally said something useful for the sake of their friendship:
"His Majesty will most likely choose the candidate for the general in these two days. If you want to make some suggestions, you'd better find a way to enter the palace to meet His Majesty as soon as possible."
After speaking, he left in a hurry without staying any longer.
Cao Zhao looked at Cao Yu's leaving figure and knew that King Yan was no longer trustworthy.
Although he was depressed, he had to regain his energy immediately:
"No, I must find a way to see His Majesty."
While he was thinking about it, he just turned the corner of the city wall and suddenly froze.
It turned out that the two of them had just stopped to talk and had been delayed for a long time. At this time, Sun, Liu and Cao happened to leave the palace gate.
Cao Zhao subconsciously stepped back.
What he didn't see was that Sun, Liu and Cao were about to leave, and Shang Shulang Lian Zhao, who had been staying by Cao Rui's side, was trotting out of the palace.
"Where does Shangshu Lang want to go?"
Cao Shuang was in a good mood and couldn't help but look around. When he saw Lian Zhao with his sharp eyes, he couldn't help but smile and say hello.
Lian Zhao's reaction was a little strange.
He shrank back a little, as if he had done something wrong.
Cao Shuang hasn't discovered Lian Zhao's abnormality yet, but Sun and Liu have matured with age.
Lian Zhao should be standing by His Majesty's side at this time, waiting for orders. Why did he leave the palace in a hurry?
Could it be...
"Where does Shangshu Lang want to go?"
Sun Zi walked forward slowly, as if chatting, and asked Cao Shuang's words again.
"No...no, I just want to take a walk around the palace."
Lian Zhao shook his head repeatedly.
When Liu Fang saw Lian Zhao's appearance, he suddenly became suspicious:
"Oh? Really? It just so happens that we also want to relax, why not come together?"
"Haha...this..."
Lian Zhao took a step back, and Sun and Liu took a step forward.
Lian Zhao had no choice but to retreat and finally confided:
"Your Majesty, I would like to announce that Cao Changshi has entered the palace."
"What?!"
Cao Shuang, who had been unable to clearly see the situation, heard this and immediately shouted.
This caused Sun and Liu to look at him dissatisfied.
Cao Shuang knew he had made a mistake, so he quickly lowered his voice and looked at Sun and Liu anxiously:
"Two middle school secretaries, what...what should we do?"
Although Sun Zi and Liu Fang were slightly surprised, they were not too surprised.
The two had worked together for a long time, and they already knew each other's feelings when their eyes met, and they said in unison: "Let's go!"