Three Kingdoms: I am not Cao Rui

Upon hearing that the emperor had approved Liu Xie's posthumous title of "Xian," Liu Xie, who had been known as the last emperor of the Han Dynasty, would be officially named Emperor Xian of Han in historical records.

By the time of the eighth year of the Taihe era, Cao Rui had already observed some patterns. One of them was that human lifespan was highly variable.

Generals like Qian Zhao and Zhang He lived a few years longer than their original timeline. Generals like Cao Xiu, who died of illness after a major battle, died unexpectedly not long afterward. Generals like Cao Zhen, who were under sixty and did not suffer any defeats in the original historical records, would have lived even longer after recovering from their illnesses.

More often, however, were figures like Emperor Xian of Han, Liu Xie, who died of old age.

As Cao Rui pondered, his gaze inadvertently drifted westward. In Yizhou, thousands of miles away, according to the original historical records, Zhuge Liang, the true ruler of Shu, would also reach the end of his life this year.

But Cao Rui couldn't be sure about all of this.

In conclusion, after Wei Zhen successfully defended against Zhuge Liang's fifth Northern Expedition, the fall of Shu was only a matter of time. With the enemy unable to launch a decisive attack and Cao Rui temporarily unwilling to conquer Shu, the basin surrounded by mountains became a worthless region.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty." Sima Yi called softly to Cao Rui, who was somewhat lost in thought, after he had called the emperor several times without getting a response.

"Oh, what was Sikong saying just now?" Cao Rui turned his gaze back to Sima Yi.

Sima Yi said, “Your Majesty, since the posthumous title of the Duke of Shanyang, Emperor Xian of Han, has been determined, the court should, in accordance with the rites and laws, select a successor to inherit the title of Duke of Shanyang, send people to build a mausoleum for him, and send a minister to represent Your Majesty in paying homage.”

Before Cao Rui could answer, Wang Su, who was sitting behind him, spoke up: "Your Majesty, there has always been a system of two kings and three retainers in every dynasty. Now that the Duke of Shanyang has passed away, the Great Wei should also choose a suitable successor to succeed him. At present, the Duke of Shanyang only has one grandson among his descendants, named Liu Kang."

Cao Rui nodded slightly: "Liu Kang... I've heard of him. If I remember correctly, he's only twelve or thirteen years old this year?"

"Yes." Wang Su nodded.

"Then Liu Kang will do. He shall succeed as Duke of Shanyang." Cao Rui approved this choice.

Wang Su continued, "Regarding the matter of the mausoleum of the Duke of Shanyang, I believe it should be kept simple. The court should not waste resources on the deceased, who has lost his country. Moreover, the late emperor advocated simple burials, so the Duke of Shanyang should be buried with the rites of the Great Wei Dynasty, not the rites of the Han Dynasty."

Cao Rui pointed at Wang Su: "Minister Wang, you should discuss this matter together with the Minister of Works and the Ministry of Rites. After you have reached a consensus, you should come up with a plan for me, and then you can implement it."

"As for who should perform the sacrifice on my behalf..." Cao Rui thought for a moment and asked Wang Su, "Would the Nine Ministers be suitable? If they are, I will send Wei Dan, the Grand Master of Ceremonies who is still in Luoyang, directly."

Wang Su shook his head slightly: "Your Majesty, with the Three Dukes currently in office, it seems more appropriate for them to be in power."

Are they the three public officials?
Cao Rui didn't want to delve into such matters of etiquette; Wang Su knew far more about them than he did. Since he was one of the Three Dukes…

Cao Rui looked around and concluded that Dong Zhao was too old to withstand further strain. Sima Yi, on the other hand, was physically strong, but with a major battle looming, he still needed to oversee various affairs within the Secretariat. To be fair, Sima Yi was adept at handling political affairs while remaining principled, making him a truly capable individual.

Then we'll have to send Chen Qun...

Cao Rui coughed lightly: "In that case, I request that Minister Chen make a trip to Luoyang at that time."

"Very good." Wang Su cupped his hands in greeting.

"It would be best if Minister Chen could go," Sima Yi replied, bowing to Wang Su. For a fleeting moment, Sima Yi had sensed that the emperor intended for him to go, but fortunately, he had avoided that trouble.

That evening, when Cao Rui was having dinner in the inner palace, he unusually invited Yang Huiyu to join him. Yang Huiyu had been in the palace for some time now, more than three years, and her original shyness had gradually faded, and she had become bolder in front of Cao Rui.

The rules of the inner palace were numerous. Before Cao Rui returned, even though she had lost her father, Yang Huiyu could only wear plain clothes and could not offer sacrifices remotely or wear mourning clothes in the palace. Cao Rui's return made an exception and allowed her to wear mourning clothes, which slightly fulfilled Yang Huiyu's wish.

Yang Huiyu was quite sensible and didn't bring up the matter herself. During dinner, she sat beside Cao Rui, carefully serving him, picking up vegetables and ladling soup for him, until Cao Rui finished eating before finally making her own small request.

"Your Majesty," Yang Huiyu said softly, taking Cao Rui's arm and leaning slightly to the side, "I have a request that you would like to make. I hope Your Majesty will grant me this favor."

Cao Rui wasn't too surprised and responded in a low voice, "What does Huiyu want to tell me? Is it related to your father? Don't worry, I will invite the Grand Master of Ceremonies to attend your father's funeral and posthumously grant him the title of Marquis of Guannei as a sign of my favor. I will also take care of your brother and younger brother a little."

“I am not worried about these things,” Yang Huiyu said, mustering her courage. “I wish to return to my hometown to attend my father’s funeral and pay my respects. However, there is no precedent for this in the palace. I know it is a bit much, but after all, my father gave me life and raised me. I hope Your Majesty will grant me permission.” Cao Rui was silent for a moment, and seeing that Cao Rui did not speak for a long time, Yang Huiyu covered her face with her hands and choked up slightly.

After thinking for a long time, Cao Rui asked, "Huiyu, I remember your younger brother Yang Hu is thirteen years old?"

"Mmm." Yang Huiyu, her face streaked with tears, responded softly, wiping away her sobs.

Cao Rui sighed softly: "If I take you back, it will be unprecedented in the palace. There are so many concubines, and I'm afraid I won't be able to explain it to others in the future..."

Upon hearing Cao Rui's words, Yang Huiyu's crying resumed.

“However, I have never inspected Xuzhou before. Last year, Sun Quan sent troops to harass Donghai Commandery, and Licheng and Qu County suffered from the war. I intend to visit there before launching the campaign against Wu.” Cao Rui put his arm around Yang Huiyu, gently wiping away the tears from the corners of her eyes with his left hand, and said softly, “I will pass through Shan County. Would you like to come with me on this inspection tour?”

Having said all that, Yang Huiyu, always quick-witted, finally understood Cao Rui's intention. She almost immediately stopped crying and buried her whole body in Cao Rui's arms: "Your Majesty treats me very well. I thank my husband for his kindness."

Cao Rui gently patted Yang Huiyu's back without saying a word.

Speaking is superfluous at times like this; quiet companionship is the right choice.

Yang Huiyu was born into the Yang clan of Mount Tai, and the geographical location of Mount Tai is rather peculiar. Mount Tai borders Jinan to the north and Langya Commandery of Xuzhou to the south, making it a long and narrow strip on the map.

The Yang family of Taishan County originated from Nancheng County in Taishan Commandery, which is located at the southernmost tip of Taishan Commandery, bordering Xuzhou. The journey from Shan County in Donghai Commandery to Nancheng County is only two or three hundred li. Therefore, it would be appropriate to make an exception and send someone to escort Yang Huiyu home for a visit.

Rules are not a big deal to the emperor, as long as they are applied appropriately.

Moreover, Cao Rui also wanted to see the situation of Yang Huiyu's younger brother, Yang Hu. If he was indeed intelligent, he could be recruited as a Gentleman Attendant and enter the palace to learn about etiquette and human nature from Zhong Yu.

As the emperor, it was naturally very easy for him to smuggle his own goods during his travels. Guanqiu Jian led 5,000 elite cavalry from the Central Army to accompany him as a guard, and the concubines of the harem were also accompanied by two women, Guo Yao and Yang Huiyu.

Before the trip, the cabinet and the Secretariat reported on Liu Xie's funeral arrangements to the emperor.

According to the cabinet system, the person who reported was Prince Ziyong Wang Su, the cabinet minister who held the highest authority to interpret the rites of the Great Wei.

"Your Majesty, in short, although the funeral of the Duke of Shanyang was conducted according to imperial standards, everything was kept simple, following the old practice of the Huangchu period. There were no gold or silver treasures in the tomb, and the burial objects were mainly pottery. The mausoleum was built against the mountain, without a mound or trees, and no gardens or spirit paths were built."

"The Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of State Affairs believe that the mausoleum of the Duke of Shanyang should be named 'Chan' and that a burial site should be found within the Duke of Shanyang's fiefdom of Shanyang County. If there are no errors, the burial should take place at the end of May, which is after January."

Cao Rui nodded: "Let's do as Minister Wang says. I have always trusted Minister Wang's work. By the way, make a copy of his 'Records of the Duke of Shanyang' to be buried with him, as a final judgment on his life."

Wang Su bowed and agreed.

Sima Yi watched the harmonious scene between the emperor and Wang Su, and a slight sense of regret lingered in his heart. Not long ago, he was the one reporting to the Secretariat within the cabinet. But in just over six months, everything had completely changed.

However, Sima Yi was not idle either. He cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, now that the Duke of Shanyang has passed away, I believe there is an important matter that should be put on the agenda."

"Minister, please don't keep me in suspense. What is it?" Cao Rui was preparing to go on his inspection tour and did not want to waste any more words.

Sima Yi said, “I believe the court should begin compiling the Book of the Later Han. The Records of the Grand Historian and the Book of Han were not initially compiled by the court. I believe that the Great Wei Dynasty has established its foundation and should promote both its civil and military achievements. If the court were to compile the history, it would surely make the matter well-organized and allow us to find historical events to inform the future.”

Cao Rui thought for a few moments and nodded slightly: "Sikong has reminded me. Let Chongwen Temple handle this matter. They haven't had anything important to do these past two years."

"First, let Gao Tanglong and Chongwen Guan sort out this matter, record how much information to find, how many old records to look through, and which old people to interview. Also, let Prince Cao Gun of Puyang and Xiahou Hui take the lead in this matter."

"Your subject obeys the decree." Sima Yi bowed respectfully. (End of Chapter)