You get Lu Bu as your starting character.

Chapter 119 Du Ruhui

The Hall of Nourishing Heart.

After Marquis Weiwu and Prince Zhou Xian of the Eighth Rank escorted Grand Tutor Wen Zhong's body back to the Grand Tutor's residence, they went straight to the palace and met Zhou Chen at the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

Zhou Chen sat on the dragon throne, looking at the two men before him, who were travel-worn and somewhat pale, and said in a calm voice, "My two beloved ministers have returned? You must have had a long journey."

"Your Majesty, this humble general is guilty."

"This humble general led 100,000 troops of the Northern Camp Divine Martial Guard to quell the rebellion. However, due to his eagerness for revenge and his desire for quick success, he fell into the trap of the Yellow Heaven Sect traitors."

"As a result, this humble general was defeated by the traitors of the Yellow Heaven Sect, causing heavy losses to the 100,000-strong Northern Camp Divine Martial Guard army, with more than half of them killed or wounded."

"Even the two grandmasters who accompanied the royal family on the expedition died in battle."

"This humble general has failed Your Majesty's grace."

"Please punish me, Your Majesty."

Marquis Weiwu knelt down with a thud and immediately begged for forgiveness.

Marquis Weiwu knew that although the Yellow Heaven Sect had been wiped out by Lü Bu, it had nothing to do with him, the General in charge of suppressing the Yellow Heaven Sect rebels.

That was Lu Bu's achievement, not his, the General in charge of suppressing the Yellow Heaven Sect rebels.

On the contrary, he, the commander in charge of suppressing the Yellow Heaven Sect, suffered a great defeat at the hands of the Yellow Heaven Sect rebels, resulting in heavy losses for the 100,000-strong Divine Martial Guard army.

If it weren't for Lü Bu's timely arrival to provide support, the army led by Lü Bu, who was mainly responsible for suppressing the Yellow Heaven Sect, would probably have been completely wiped out.

Therefore, Marquis Weiwu cannot shirk the responsibility for this defeat.

Even the mighty Marquis didn't intend to push it away.

Of the 100,000 troops sent to quell the rebellion, more than half were killed or wounded. As the commander-in-chief of this 100,000-strong army, this responsibility rested on the shoulders of the Marquis of Might.

"Your Majesty, I am also guilty."

"I have failed Your Majesty's trust and have not been able to complete the task of disaster relief and saving the people entrusted to me by Your Majesty."

"Please punish me, Your Majesty."

King Zhou Xian, the Eighth Prince, also knelt down to beg for forgiveness, just like Marquis Weiwu.

In order to rescue Marquis Weiwu, the Eighth Prince Zhou Xian abandoned his duties as the Imperial Envoy for Disaster Relief and went to Xi'an Prefecture to rescue Marquis Weiwu.

In the end, he was unable to fulfill his duties as the imperial envoy for disaster relief.

Therefore, in all accounts, Zhou Xian, the Eighth Prince, was also guilty.

When Zhou Chen heard the words of Marquis Weiwu and King Zhou Xian, and saw the two kneeling down to beg for forgiveness, his expression did not change much.

"Tell me first about how you quelled the rebellion!"

"And your experiences on this trip."

Zhou Chen glanced at Marquis Weiwu and King Zhou Xian, and said calmly.

There's no rush to question him; Zhou Chen wants to hear the specifics of what happened.

In particular, details of the great battle between the Northern Camp Divine Martial Guard's army and the Yellow Heaven Sect.

Although there had been battle reports before, they were all very general and not detailed.

Upon hearing Zhou Chen's words, Marquis Weiwu and King Zhou Xian immediately recounted the entire incident to him in detail.

The main story revolves around the battle between the Northern Camp Divine Martial Guard's army, which was tasked with suppressing the rebellion, and the Yellow Heaven Sect rebels.

After Marquis Weiwu and King Zhou Xian finished speaking, Zhou Chen couldn't help but sigh.

It is said that the success of one general is built on the bones of ten thousand soldiers, and this is absolutely true!
Through the accounts of Marquis Weiwu and King Zhou Xian, Zhou Chen could sense the cruelty of the battlefield.

It wasn't as simple as a few, dozens, or hundreds of people dying. After a major battle, the number of corpses piled up like mountains wouldn't be an exaggeration.

Zhou Chen looked up at Marquis Weiwu and Prince Zhou Xian, saying, "You two have betrayed my trust, and your crimes are not light."

"However, considering that you two welcomed back the Grand Tutor, your merits and demerits can be considered equal."

"I see you all look travel-worn and pale, so go back and rest!"

Zhou Chen spoke calmly to Marquis Weiwu and King Zhou Xian, the Eighth Prince.

After Zhou Chen learned about these matters in detail, he knew that Marquis Weiwu and King Zhou Xian might have some faults, but they were also guilty for a reason.

Compared to their desperate battle against the Yellow Heaven Sect traitors, this little bit of guilt is really nothing.

In addition, Marquis Weiwu and King Zhou Xian welcomed back the remains of Grand Tutor Wen Zhong.

Therefore, Zhou Chen decided to let their merits and demerits cancel each other out.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Marquis Weiwu and King Zhou Xian were surprised that Zhou Chen did not punish them, and they both bowed their heads and knelt down to express their gratitude.

Especially Marquis Weiwu, who kowtowed deeply.

It's plausible that the merits and demerits of the Eighth Prince Zhou Xian were balanced, but if the merits and demerits of the Marquis Wei Wu were balanced, then it truly shows the Emperor's boundless grace.

After all, the crimes committed by Marquis Weiwu could not be offset by simply offsetting his merits and demerits; they were crimes that resulted in a disastrous defeat for the army and heavy casualties.

Marquis Weiwu himself knew this better than anyone else.

"correct."

Zhou Chen seemed to remember something, and glanced at the Eighth Prince Zhou Xian again, saying, "Eighth Prince, I have entrusted the funeral arrangements for Prince Kang to your Imperial Clan Court."

"King Kang's wooden coffin was transported back to the Kang Prince's residence a few days ago."

"Now that you're back, take charge of the funeral arrangements for Prince Kang yourself!"

"King Kang must be given a grand funeral."

"He has lived up to the expectations of the royal family of our Great Zhou Dynasty."

Zhou Chen looked at the Eighth Prince Zhou Xian with a serious expression and said the instructions.

A few days ago, the body of Prince Kang was escorted back to Luoyang from Daizhou by the Divine Martial Guard. Zhou Chen ordered Cao Zhengchun to personally go out of the city to welcome Prince Kang's residence back.

"The minister obeys the order."

Upon hearing this, the Eighth Prince Zhou Xian immediately accepted the order.

Then, the Eighth Prince Zhou Xian and the Marquis of Weiwu left the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

After the Eighth Prince Zhou Xian and the Marquis of Weiwu left, Zhou Chen remained silent for a moment before starting today's sign-in.

"Sign in."

Zhou Chen silently recited it in his mind.

【bite…….】

[Check-in successful.]

[Congratulations, host, for gaining the loyalty of the character 'Du Ruhui'.]

Du Ruhui?
Zhou Chen was taken aback.

Zhou Chen originally thought that it would be the factory guard signing in again today.

After all, apart from Wei Xu appearing in the daily check-in these days, all the other check-ins have been from the Imperial Guards.

Unexpectedly, a pleasant surprise was revealed today: a remarkable person appeared during the sign-in.

It's really surprising.

Who is Du Ruhui?
This is a figure who will be remembered in history, a prime minister of the Tang Dynasty, who, together with Fang Xuanling, was known as "Fang's planning and Du's decisiveness," a perfect combination of talents.

These two individuals were crucial to the Tang emperor's ability to conquer the world and ascend to the throne.

"This humble subject, Du Ruhui, pays his respects to Your Majesty." A figure appeared in the Hall of Mental Cultivation, kneeling and bowing to Zhou Chen on the dragon throne.

The figure was dressed in a simple long robe, with a thin face and a burning light in his eyes, giving people a feeling of being ordinary yet impossible to ignore.

Zhou Chen glanced at Du Ruhui kneeling on the ground and said, "Kemin, there's no need for such formalities. I've been worried these past few days about having no one to rely on."

"Kemin has arrived at just the right time."

"With a talent like Kemin around, I can relax a lot more."

Zhou Chen looked at Du Ruhui and said with a faint smile.

These past few days, Zhou Chen has been frowning with worry because he lacks civil officials around him.

After all, there are few loyal and capable people in the imperial court.

Many matters in the imperial court cannot be handled without the assistance of civil officials.

Originally, Fang Xuanling was capable of taking on the main responsibility, but Zhou Chen temporarily sent him to the four northern prefectures.

Therefore, Zhou Chen was truly lacking capable civil officials to shoulder the heavy responsibility. Unexpectedly, the signing-in today revealed the outstanding talent Du Ruhui, which solved Zhou Chen's urgent problem.

"Your Majesty is so complimentary."

"This humble subject is unworthy of the title of 'great talent' bestowed upon him by the Emperor."

"But if Your Majesty has any needs, this humble subject is willing to share Your Majesty's burdens and devote myself to the cause until my dying breath."

Du Ruhui stood up, cupped his hands, and said firmly.

"Very well, Du Ruhui, that's exactly what I wanted to hear."

Zhou Chen nodded in satisfaction.

Du Ruhui, a figure in history, devoted himself to the cause until he contracted a serious illness and passed away.

Therefore, Zhou Chen believed Du Ruhui's words, "I will dedicate myself to the cause until my dying breath."

"Cao Zhengchun".

"Draft an edict for me: Du Ruhui is virtuous and talented, with a keen mind and decisive judgment. He is a pillar of our Great Zhou Dynasty."

"The emperor appointed Du Ruhui as Minister of Rites, and ordered him to immediately go to the Ministry of Rites to take up his post."

Zhou Chen immediately glanced at Cao Zhengchun, who was standing to the side, and issued the decree.

Since a talented individual like Du Ruhui has emerged from the sign-in process, Zhou Chen should naturally be placed in the imperial court immediately to take on a major role.

The position of Minister of Rites has been vacant for some time now, so it's a good opportunity to let Du Ruhui take over the position.

Upon hearing this, Du Ruhui immediately knelt down again; "Your subject Du Ruhui thanks Your Majesty for your great favor."

Du Ruhui bowed his head and said loudly.

Zhou Chen waved his hand; "Kemin, no need for formalities, get up!"

"The Ministry of Rites will be in your hands from now on."

"I hope you will not disappoint me."

Zhou Chen looked at Du Ruhui and said.

Du Ruhui cupped his hands in greeting and said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will certainly not disappoint you."

"I must now take my leave and proceed to my new post at the Ministry of Rites."

After Du Ruhui finished speaking, he stood up, took the imperial edict, and left the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

It was decisive and efficient, without any hesitation or delay.

Zhou Chen watched Du Ruhui's departing figure, a slight smile curving his lips.

"Fang's planning and Du's decisive action are a perfect match."

"I can finally relax a bit."

Zhou Chen knew that both Du Ruhui and Fang Xuanling had served as prime ministers of the Tang Dynasty and possessed the talent to be prime ministers.

With Du Ruhui's appearance, Zhou Chen's life will be much easier from now on.

Some memorials and such no longer need to be handled personally; they can be handed over to Du Ruhui.

……

The imperial edict appointing Du Ruhui as Minister of Rites by Zhou Chen caused quite a stir among the civil and military officials in the court.

After all, Zhou Chen had previously bestowed such an honor upon Fang Xuanling, the Minister of Personnel.

Now, another official, Du Ruhui, has been appointed Minister of Rites.

This made all the officials wonder about Du Ruhui's background, wondering if he was like Fang Xuanling!

They all rose from humble beginnings to become important officials in the imperial court.

……

Prime Minister's House.

Prime Minister Yuan Bo sat in the main seat, frowning, muttering to himself, "Du Ruhui, Minister of Rites?"

"What is the background of this Du Ruhui?"

"Could this be another Fang Xuanling?"

Prime Minister Yuan Bo frowned deeply.

Prime Minister Yuan Bo has already experienced some of Fang Xuanling's methods; he is indeed no simple character.

If this suddenly appearing Du Ruhui is another Fang Xuanling, then things will get complicated.
Fang Xuanling was already a headache for them, but if another person like Du Ruhui, who was comparable to Fang Xuanling, came along, it would be more than just a headache for them.

……

The residence of the Minister of Revenue.

"Du Ruhui, where did this guy come from? That person in the palace actually directly appointed him as the Minister of Rites."

"First it was Fang Xuanling, and now it's Du Ruhui."

"Where did that person in the palace find these people from?"

The Minister of Revenue raised his eyebrows and muttered to himself.

……

At the same time, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Works.

The Minister of Justice and the Minister of Works both frowned, somewhat surprised and uncertain about Zhou Chen's sudden imperial edict appointing Du Ruhui as Minister of Rites.

It's important to understand that Fang Xuanling had already emerged before, and now Du Ruhui has appeared, standing shoulder to shoulder with them as one of the Six Ministries Ministers. This is not good news.

Having learned from Fang Xuanling's example, they did not believe that the person who was appointed Minister of Rites by imperial decree would be an ordinary person.

This could very well be another opponent on par with Fang Xuanling.

……

Compared to Prime Minister Yuan Bo and the Minister of Revenue, the Minister of War was only slightly surprised upon hearing the news.

Although the Minister of War did not know who Du Ruhui was, the fact that he was directly appointed Minister of Rites by the Emperor suggested that he must be no ordinary person.

"Someone is coming."

"Prepare the carriage; we're heading to the Ministry of Rites."

Upon hearing this news, the Minister of War immediately called out towards the door.

The Minister of War was going to pay a visit to Du Ruhui, the Minister of Rites.

Since it was bestowed by imperial decree, we are all one of our own.

Du Ruhui is a newcomer, and there are many things he certainly doesn't know or is unfamiliar with.

Therefore, the Minister of War should go and see Du Ruhui to see if there is anything Du Ruhui needs his help with.

……

Xi'an Prefecture, the prefectural city

Unbeknownst to Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, who was his ally and the man known as "Fang's Strategies and Du's Decisiveness," had already appeared.

At this moment, Fang Xuanling sat in the main hall of the government office, his face full of worry.

It's easy to crack down on corruption and arrest officials, but it's much more difficult to make amends afterward.

In the past few days, in the two provinces of Yongzhou and Youzhou, people have been slaughtered and heads have rolled down in droves by Cao Shaoqin and Lü Bu.

Many powerful families and officials were arrested, their property confiscated, and their clans exterminated by Cao Shaoqin and Lü Bu.

It seems that, having been alerted by Yanzhou and Daizhou, the officials and powerful families of Yongzhou and Youzhou have become prepared.

Faced with Cao Shaoqin and Lü Bu leading men to arrest and confiscate their property, these officials and powerful families launched a fierce resistance and fought each other to the death.

Fortunately, the Southern Camp Divine Martial Guard's pacification army was there; otherwise, they really wouldn't have been able to control the situation in Yongzhou and Youzhou.

The situation in these two states has now been brought under control, with a large number of officials removed from their posts, but new problems are emerging.

That is, with so many officials removed from their posts, Fang Xuanling simply didn't have enough officials to fill those positions.

You can't just promote anyone to an official position!
We can't let all these official positions remain vacant!
How can those two states be governed and the people kept at peace?

This was precisely the problem that was causing Fang Xuanling the most headache at the time.

Even though Fang Xuanling and Zhou Xian, the Eighth Prince, had previously brought many officials from Luoyang to supervise disaster relief, it was still not enough to fill the vacancies of so many local officials.

"Lord Fang, it's a secret decree from the Emperor."

(End of this chapter)