"The Huai River flows from west to east, and the prefectural capital of Daliuyang in the Western Wei Dynasty, Shouchun City, is located south of the Huai River, opposite the city of Xiaocan on the northern bank. "
As an imperial envoy, Lu Yu, the Prime Minister of Zhongshu, was responsible for receiving Cao Xu's coffin and sarcophagus back to Luoyang. Governor Jiang Ji also dispatched a representative to accompany him, who was none other than Sima Shi.
The farewell ceremony was grand and solemn.
During the visit, the commanding general of the army stationed in Yangzhou, Daliuyang, and the military affairs of the Western Wei Dynasty, Chen Qun, together with Xuan Ping, the new military strategist of the Piyeu general, and others from various posts of Yangzhou Prefecture, accompanied by Jiang Ji, the prefecture leader, left the city towards the north and crossed the Huai River. They said goodbye to each other at a distance of ten miles north of Shouchun City.
The military and administrative officials of Shouchun were all present. Cao Xu was known for his broadmindedness and intelligence, and his official reputation was good. Among the crowds of people who came to bid him farewell, there were occasional sobs heard.
As they were about to set off, Chen Qun bowed and then said to Lu Yu, "Please inform Your Majesty through you, the Prime Minister Lu, that as long as I am in Yangzhou, Your Majesty need not worry."
Lu Yu replied, "I have recorded what the Prefecture said. I will head north and ask the Prefecture to return to Shouchun."
Chen Qun nodded and, after the carriages and horses all moved northward, he led a group of emotional military officers and officials back to Shouchun.
Among the crowd of people in tears, there must be those who genuinely wept for Cao Xu. But how many were those who feigned sorrow due to the occasion?
Chen Qun did not want to delve into this matter further, nor did he want to delve into it deeply.
Regardless of the circumstances, a new era has begun in Yangzhou. With the emperor arriving in Xuancheng next year and plans to capture Ruoxu, the preparation and readiness of troops in Yangzhou is becoming increasingly important.
Chen Qun has many things to do.
Among the carriages heading north, Cao Zhao, as the eldest son, had to stay by the side of the coffin at all times. Xu Xuan, as the Minister of Rites and in charge of leading ceremonies, had to bear responsibility for oversight.
On the contrary, Lu Yu and Sima Shi had become leisurely.
The procession moved slowly northward, and Sima Shi rode up to Lu Yu, bowed and said, "Greetings, Lord Lu."
"Zi Yuan," Lu Yu replied calmly, looking at Sima Shi. "What can Zi Yuan find you for?"
With a slight smile on his face, Sima Shi expressed his sincere intention, "There's no significant matter at all. I am just a newly appointed official and there are many uncertainties in my conduct. I have heard that Lu Qun is a capable administrator and a benefactor of the people in Hebei. Therefore, I would like to seek some advice from Lu Qun."
"The carriage moves slowly with no trivial matters. May I inquire if you, Lord Lu, have some spare time?"
Although Lu Yu couldn't quite grasp the intention of Sima Shi, Sima Shi was after all the son of the Steward and his talent and reputation were well-known in Luoyang. Under such a humble request, Lu Yu couldn't possibly refuse to give guidance.
Who could refuse a humble and diligent junior?
"Of course, I have time," Lu Yu said from his horse, nodding to Sima Shi. "What do you want to ask?"
Sima Shi said, "I am currently the clerk of the granary in the prefecture. There are some matters regarding the allocation of funds that I would like to ask..."
Indeed, all the questions Sima Shi asked were about the administrative affairs of the state, and Lu Yu answered each one patiently.
With this topic set, the subsequent conversation flowed much more smoothly.
Sima Shi asked, "I have heard that you, Lord Lu, and Cao Changsi came in pursuit of the vanguard carriage?"
"That's correct," Lu Yu nodded. "His Majesty, moved by the deep affection between Cao Changsi and his father, specially awarded the vanguard carriage. My party and I traveled 200 li in one day and arrived in Shouchun in six days."
"Why, are you curious about this vanguard carriage, Zi Yuan? It's just a fast and light carriage. It's able to travel so swiftly because of the constant change of horses at the post stations along the way."
Sima Shi shook his head, "It's not curiosity. As a junior, I just recall that my father mentioned something about this vanguard carriage."
"Oh?" Lu Yu asked, following the topic, "When was this?"
Sima Shi said, "I wonder where Lord Lu was in the year 205 during the Jian'an era?"
Lu Yu slightly raised his head to look at the sky, recalling a few moments later, "I was then serving as the Minister of Personnel for the Wei Kingdom in Yecheng."
The year 205, which was very sensitive.
Because that year, the world changed three dynastic eras.
The year 205, actually refers to the same year.
The three dynastic eras were roughly divided into two major events: Cao Cao's death and Cao Pi's ascension to the throne.
Sima Shi referring to the year 205 as the "Jian'an 25th Year" should indeed mean the period of Cao Cao's death.
Sima Shi continued, "I seem to have heard from my father that when he used to escort the Imperial Palanquin from Luoyang back to Yecheng, he did so in a vanguard carriage, reaching Yecheng in three days."
Lu Yu stared at Sima Shi with some surprise for a few moments before turning his head: "Is that so? It's possible that Zi Yuan has made a mistake."
"If my memory serves me correctly, the Imperial Palanquin departed from Luoyang on the 19th day of the first month of the Jian'an 25th year, and arrived in Yecheng on the 7th day of the same month. The distance from Luoyang to Yecheng is seven hundred miles, and it took seven days to reach."
Seeing that Sima Shi was about to bring up the topic of the vanguard carriage again, Lu Yu spoke to change the subject: "Do you have anything else?"
Sima Shi, a little awkward, bowed and said: "Today I have been enlightened by the guidance of Lord Lu. When I return to Luoyang, I would like to pay him a visit."
Lu Yu smiled, "Zi Yuan, if you come, I will always welcome you."
Sima Shi turned and left, while Lu Yu sat on his horse and pondered over this matter.
Three days versus seven days. What's the difference if they travel in a vanguard carriage or not?
There is a difference, and it's a significant one.
After the death of Cao Cao for two days, Sima Yi, Jia Qi, and Xiahou Shang returned to Yecheng with Cao Cao's Imperial Palanquin.
The "Imperial Palanquin" refers to the emperor's coffin and sarcophagus.
At that time, it was one of the most tense few days before the establishment of the Great Wei Dynasty.
Luoyang, Yecheng, Xuchang...
All three sides were in a race against time to handle the affairs following Cao Cao's death.
The vanguard carriage was so fast because it was a light carriage that sacrificed much unnecessary weight, making it rather rough and bumpy.
If the road had the slightest bump, riding in the vanguard carriage would cause a person to be thrown up.
If it's like that for people, what about the coffin?
Such a bumpy ride, would it be considered disloyal and disrespectful?
In the past, the officials of Yecheng all thought that Cao Cao's Imperial Palanquin arrived in Yecheng in seven days. Now Sima Shi says it arrived in three days. Why do the officials of Yecheng all know it was seven days?
Sima Yi, Jia Qi, and Xiahou Shang, three men, all concealed such a secret at the same time. If it had not been for today's revelation from Sima Shi, Lu Yu would have been entirely unaware of it.
They were so eager to take the Wei King's seal to Yecheng that they acted with such urgency! It's no wonder that they were so heavily favored by the late Emperor!
What does Sima Zi Yuan mean by this? He's using this topic to talk about such a secret matter. Does he mean to rally me to his father's side?
Moreover, before in Shouchun, the Inspector of Jiangsu Province, Ji Jiyu, had visited me at night, and his words were full of the intention to form an alliance with himself and work together in the court.
Ji Jiyu and Sima Yi are close friends, a fact known to the world, including the emperor.
Lu Yu took a deep breath.
Absolutely not! Not even to anyone!
The court is treacherous, and this matter involves the late emperor, Sima Yi, Jia Qi, and others. If a word is leaked carelessly, my insignificant position of Prime Minister may be in danger.
Lu Yu and his party were slowly making their way along the road, and it would be a while before they reached Luoyang.
...
Two days later, in the north palace of Luoyang, in the study.
On Emperor Cao Rui's desk were three documents.
The first document was from the Minister of Personnel, Yang Ji, with a list of new officials to be appointed for the winter.
The second document was a report from the supervisors in Luoyang.
The third document was a report from Zheng Cheng at the Grand Academy, detailing the tumultuous event that occurred when Wang Xiang arrived at the academy, sparking widespread acclaim due to his filial piety and acts of righteousness.
After Xin Bi's journey to the west, Xu Zhuo, as a ministerial officer, now concurrently holds the position of supervisor in Luoyang. Xu Zhuo himself is standing in front of Emperor Cao Rui's desk.
Cao Rui sighed and leaned back in his chair, pointing to the three documents on his desk with his right finger: "You say, how can there be such characters in Luoyang now?"
"Has the case of excessive display been dealt with? Have all my earnest efforts in the Grand Academy over these years been in vain?"
"Xu Qun, take a look!"
Xu Zhuo bowed with a gesture, silently walking forward and flipping each of the three documents in turn.
The first document was from Yang Ji, stating that the former Inspector of Henan, Feng Ping, had gone to Shouchun and left the position vacant. Wang Xiang, a distinguished talent from Xu Province, was outstanding in moral conduct and had achieved remarkable political achievements. He should be appointed to fill the position of Inspector of Henan.
The second document was the one that Xu Zhuo had personally reviewed.
After Wang Xiang arrived in Luoyang, he first visited the residence of Sirai Sima Yi and paid a visit to the houses of four out of the nine statesmen. He also went to the Grand Academy and visited Chongwen Guan.
Moreover, the story of 'Lying on the Ice to Catch a Carp' and 'Wang Lan's Dispute over the Sp\rightarrow' was widely publicized.
At that time, almost everyone in Luoyang knew of Wang Xiang's reputation for filial piety.
In the third document, Zheng Cheng reported that after Wang Xiang arrived at the Grand Academy, many scholars from Qing, Xu and Yuzhou Province flocked to him, eagerly seeking his guidance and evaluation.
After carefully going through the three documents, Xu Zhuo turned them around and placed them back in front of the emperor once again.
Cao Rui nodded towards Xu Zhuo and asked, "What do you have to say, Xu Minister?"
Xu Zhuo took a deep breath: "Your Majesty, as you have repeatedly decreed, the selection of officials from scholars should be based on virtue and governance rather than showy titles or popularity."
"Yet Wang Xiang, this person, fabricates such absurd and imaginary stories to seek fame for himself, in order to make a name for himself in Luoyang."
"Such a chaotic person, he should be killed."
Cao Rui said faintly: "Let's put aside Wang Xiang for now."
"Minister of Personnel Yang Ji has chosen such a person to be the Inspector of Henan. Governor Lü Qian of Xu Province has recommended such an outstanding talent to the Great Wei."
"Yang Ji is a trusted confidant of mine, and Lü Qian is a seasoned statesman of the Great Wei. The two of them have indeed let me down. Are you saying that Yang Ji doesn't know the reputation of this person, Wang Xiang?"
Xu Zhuo was about to say something, but Cao Rui directly said, "Alright, call Yang Ji over for me, and I will personally question him! Go on horseback there and back!"
Seeing that the emperor was somewhat angry, Xu Zhuo dared not speak a word of counsel: "As you command, I will go and summon Minister Yang immediately."
The study is located in the north palace, and the ministerial hall is in the south palace.
Receiving the emperor's order, Xu Zhuo rode directly from the study to the ministerial hall in the south palace. After summoning Yang Ji, they rode back to the study together.
Yang Ji was summoned by Xu Zhuo in a hurry and had to put down his current affairs and go immediately.
In the ministerial hall, Yang Ji did not ask in public.
However, when they reached the passage between the north and south palaces, and while still outside the southern gate of the north palace, Yang Ji sat on his horse and asked Xu Zhuo:
"Brother Yuanzhi, what exactly has happened?"
Xu Zhuo turned his head and gave Yang Ji a glance, making a 'Wang' sound with his mouth.
Yang Ji sighed deeply and stopped talking.
The two horses trotted side by side to the courtyard outside the study, and Xu Zhuo and Yang Ji dismounted, walking swiftly towards the study. (Chapter ends)
