Three Kingdoms: I am not Cao Rui

After Cao Rui finished speaking, he calmly glanced at Lu Xun and said, "Boyan."

"Your Majesty, I am here." Lu Xun bowed slightly, his face calm as always, but in his heart, a complex emotion welled up within him, a feeling of having found a kindred spirit. His Majesty actually trusts me so much? Considers me so important?
Based on the emperor's excellent reputation over the years, Lu Xun firmly believed these words. However, after Lu Xun responded, he did not hear the emperor continue speaking. Lu Xun looked up with some doubt and found that the emperor had taken a long breath, his expression firm, as if he had something solemn to say.

"When faced with immense difficulties, one must be bold." Cao Rui stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze fixed on the distant river. "I entrust these words to you. The navy is the key to this battle. I know that neither Sun Quan nor Quan Cong are a match for you and the Wei navy in naval warfare. Boyan, there is no need for you to be timid. Whether it is military affairs, political matters, or the post-war assignments, I will handle everything properly for you. As for you, my General Who Conquers the East, your task is to lead the elite navy you have trained for two years to annihilate the Wu navy on this great river!"

"For me, for this world, and for yourself, annihilate the Sun family!"

Upon hearing this, Lu Xun did not hesitate any longer. He immediately prostrated himself on the highest deck of the warship, under the watchful eyes of numerous guards.
"Your Majesty, I will surely bring victory to Great Wei! Rest assured!"

Cao Rui nodded in relief.

Communication between the ruler and his ministers, especially with key generals, is of paramount importance.

Over the past few days, Cao Rui had spoken privately with many people. He learned from Cao Zhen that Lu Xun was unusually cautious, repeatedly seeking instructions within his authority without getting tired of it. He also learned from Huan Fan that Lu Xun was worried about the court, as well as about the post-war political situation and the potential political struggles... Cao Rui had known about Lu Xun's hesitation and restraint since the time at Ruxu, otherwise he would not have led 10,000 cavalrymen from Jingnanwu for 800 li to this place.

Since the court was used to the emperor personally leading troops into battle, and such campaigns had a historically undefeated record, this battle was extremely crucial. Cao Rui had no choice but to take on the task of overseeing the campaign himself.

To be honest, it was precisely because the navy was so crucial and determined the victory of the entire battle that Lu Xun was under such immense psychological pressure. Cao Rui could appease ordinary central army generals, and naturally, he could also appease the General Who Conquers the East of Wei.

The fleet cuts through the river and sails upstream, appearing from a distance like undulating mountains, slowly advancing on the vast waters.

Upon arriving at the dock north of Chaisang City, Cao Rui was required to disembark and watch the naval fleet change formation, as agreed.

The ship was four stories high. Cao Rui, Lu Xun, and others descended the steps and found a long ladder already placed beside the ship after they reached the deck.

The Tiger Guards who boarded the ship with Cao Rui were all fully armored, holding halberds and swords, while Lu Xun's own soldiers all knelt in farewell. Cao Rui walked to the side of the steps and saw a Thousand-Stone Sima kneeling there, and softly called out:

"Shiji."

"Your subject is here." Qian Shi Sima was startled and lowered his head even further.

Cao Rui laughed and said, "I haven't seen you for many years. Rise and let me see what you look like."

"As you command." Qian Shi Sima kowtowed in response, then stood up swiftly, his posture upright and his gaze resolute.

Cao Rui pointed to the face of the Thousand-Stone Sima and asked with a smile to Pei Qian, Wang Su, Liu Ye and others following behind him, "Do you know what this person's resume is?"

As the Deputy Privy Councilor and the de facto chief steward of the entire Wei army, Liu Ye knew every single general of the rank of Thousand-Stone Sima. With a naval force of 50,000, and only about sixty Thousand-Stone Sima positions available, how could he not know? However, since Lu Xun remained silent, Liu Ye didn't want to show off. Pei Qian, quite consciously, chimed in, "This subject truly did not know."

“It’s normal that Minister Pei doesn’t know,” Cao Rui said with a smile. “This is my student, a graduate of the Imperial Academy in the fourth year of the Taihe era, Prince Jun of Hedong, Wang Shizhi. Of the hundred Imperial Academy students that year, only eight, including Wang Shizhi, submitted a memorial to me, stating that they were determined to expand the territory of the Great Wei and wanted to join the army. I immediately approved these eight people to join the army and sent them to Yangzhou to start as centurions. Over the years, they have distinguished themselves one after another. Shizhi also joined the newly established navy, and was later relied upon by Boyan. He then became the commander of the thousand-stone Sima who was in charge of the main general’s ship.”

"Shizhi, is it true or not? Have I said anything wrong?"

“Your Majesty is absolutely right, without the slightest discrepancy.” Wang Jun, who was not yet thirty years old, immediately replied tremblingly, “Your Majesty… Your Majesty truly did not expect that Your Majesty would still remember your name.”

"How could I not remember? Just do your job!" Cao Rui didn't say much, but gently patted Wang Jun's shoulder before walking down the wooden stairs.

Wang Jun immediately knelt down again and loudly replied, "Your subject will respectfully obey Your Majesty's instructions!"

Lu Xun also bowed to see them off from the ship.

Since it is a military exercise, it must be close to actual combat. Lu Xun, the naval commander, must also command the fleet himself. There is no place for him on the viewing platform built next to the dock.

As Lu Xun watched the emperor walk away and prepared to return to the top floor of the ship, slowly ascending the stairs, he was filled with many emotions.

The navy places great importance on discipline. How to attack, how to retreat, how to change formations, how to maneuver ships, how to anchor, how to keep watch, how to fight at night... all have a series of complex procedures and systems. Lu Xun personally worked with the Privy Council to develop them, and it was by no means a matter of brute force.

Naturally, many of the naval commanders were not purely promoted from the ranks. Many were young officials who had performed well in local assessments, while others, like Wang Jun, were protégés of the emperor and transferred from the Imperial Academy. There were also many lower-ranking military officers from the central army and natives of Qiao and Pei.

In other words, the navy's loyalty to the Great Wei, the imperial court, and the central government was a level higher than that of the outer armies and the prefectural troops, and was comparable to that of the central army.

Lu Xun recalled the letter Sun Quan had written to him, urging him to lead 50,000 naval troops to surrender to Wu and establish his own independent regime. Lu Xun read Sun Quan's letter and found it utterly ridiculous.

The Wei navy is so formidable that it cannot be compared to the Wu Kingdom's system of retainers.

When the fleet was about to go into battle, Lu Xun ordered them to fight bravely and fearlessly. They generally obeyed, partly to be loyal to the court and partly to secure a future for themselves and their families.

But if we turn the boat around and order them to turn against us, how can we succeed? Would those officers from Qiao and Pei be willing to trap the emperor in Jiangnan? Or would the officials selected from Ji, Yan, and Sili do so? Or would those from the Imperial Academy obey?
Putting aside everything else, such chaotic orders couldn't be issued by Sima Wangjun, who was on his own boat! These crucial military officers were all directly selected by Dong Zhao and Liu Ye from the Privy Council. How could Lu Xun allow himself to choose his close associates to be chosen?
This is also one of the reasons why Lu Xun was somewhat reserved and fearful.

But when Lu Xun stood on the high point of the warship, letting the river wind blow through his helmet, all these complex emotions were left behind.

Having served in the Great Wei for so many years, if he doesn't trust His Majesty, who else can he trust? (End of Chapter)