Three Kingdoms: I am not Cao Rui

As I said before, in front of the Jiade Hall, a mere Zhuge Ke was nothing special, and he could only accept the emperor's new appointment with utmost respect.

Besides Zhuge Ke, Cao Biao, son of Emperor Wu of Han and Prince of Baima, was also transferred from the position of Commander of the Central Army to the new General of the Warships, succeeding Cao Zhi in commanding the navy in Jiangling, Jingnan.

Cao Biao accepted the order.

The atmosphere at the banquet grew increasingly lively, with toasts being offered repeatedly. Almost everyone from the emperor down was drunk, and no one could escape it.

Although Cao Zhen could not drink alcohol, he was about to depart for his fiefdom the next day, and in his emotional state, he couldn't help but cup his hands and ask:

"Your Majesty, I dare to ask: Now that the campaign against Wu is over, when does Your Majesty plan to attack Shu?"

As soon as Cao Zhen spoke, the once lively and chaotic hall fell silent almost instantly, and everyone looked at Cao Zhen, whether intentionally or unintentionally.

This is the Nangong Jiade Hall. Nobody really comes here to drink. Whether it's noisy or boisterous, it's all just a deliberate performance. Everyone's got ears.

Cao Rui cleared his throat and calmly said, "The King of Hejian has asked a good question."

“Since the campaign against Wu, I have often thought about this matter. To be honest, Wu has been destroyed, but Shu has not yet been pacified. I should not sit in Luoyang and enjoy peace.”

"On the one hand, we must consider the many hardships of the people's livelihood. Previously, the court promised to exempt some of the people conscripted during the campaign against Wu from corvée labor for three years. Various prefectures need to reduce taxes, promote copper coins, change the military farm system, and change the land use in various prefectures in Jiangnan... Each of these things takes time to do. We can't rush things."

"On the other hand, we must also consider the incomplete state of the country, and the sense of responsibility that I and you, our trusted advisors, have for the Great Wei and for the world. We must conquer Shu. If we can conquer it sooner, we should not conquer it later!"

"I have discussed this matter with the cabinet members before, and I will also reveal the truth to you today. In the three years of Taihe 10, Taihe 11, and Taihe 12, I will not launch any military campaigns, and the border areas will mainly adopt a defensive posture."

"In other words, I, your ministers, and the people of the land shall set a three-year period. During these three years, we shall recuperate, accumulate grain and silk, train soldiers, fill vacancies in the army, repair weapons and warships, and manufacture weapons and arrows. When everything is ready, in the thirteenth year of Taihe, I will launch another campaign against Shu."

"Advance in two directions: one from Jingnan westward to Xiling, Yong'an, and Bajun; the other from north to south, attacking the passes of Shu." Cao Rui pointed at Guo Huai: "Didn't I summon Guo Boji back from Nanzheng?"

"Wei Cheqi will soon return to Luoyang and assume the position of Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel. I have already granted Guo Boji a month's leave..." Cao Rui paused, then said with a smile, "Although this matter has not yet been finalized, it is almost certain. Today, while we are enjoying a drink with you all, I will make the decision now."

"Minister Guo," Cao Rui looked at Guo Huai, "I appoint you as the military commander of Qin and Yi provinces. Are you willing to face the enemy in the west for me?"

At a time like this, there's no time for even a moment's hesitation.

Guo Huai immediately stepped forward, bowed, and kowtowed: "Your subject Guo Huai accepts the imperial decree and expresses his gratitude! Your subject is determined to defend the border for Your Majesty without fail, and when we attack Shu in the future, your subject is willing to be Your Majesty's vanguard!"

"Alright." Cao Rui nodded with a hint of approval. "Rise."

"As you command." Guo Huai responded, slowly straightening up amidst the envious glances of the crowd.

Although the position has been somewhat reduced, its significance remains the same: as the commander-in-chief of the front line between Wei and Shu Han in the Guanzhong region, he is responsible for handling all front-line military affairs.

Among the previous governors, Zhang He was the governor of Yongliang, Cao Zhen was the governor of Guanzhong, Wei Zhen was the supervisor of Guanzhong, and Guo Huai was the supervisor of Qin and Yi provinces.

With just a few words of difference, the emperor's attitude was already very clear. Firstly, Liangzhou and Yongzhou, located in Guanzhong, were gradually returning to normal, becoming similar to the border states of Youzhou and Bingzhou, which were also adjacent to the Great Wei.

This demonstrates the central government's absolute confidence that Yongzhou, the heart of Guanzhong, is no longer in danger, and also reflects the emperor's trust and affirmation of Wang Xiong, the governor of Liangzhou, in governing Liangzhou and the surrounding Hu tribes. The appointment of Wang Xiong as a court attendant is the best proof of this.

Guo Huai's jurisdiction over Qin and Yi provinces was only the six commanderies of Longxi, Nan'an, Tianshui, Guangwei, Wudu and Yinping in Qin province, and the one commandery of Hanzhong in Yi province, totaling seven commanderies.

The size of the jurisdiction is not a problem, but the experience of serving in a region is invaluable. Since the victory against Wu, there has been much discussion in the court and among the people, as if important positions such as governor and supervisor would no longer be established after the pacification of Shu.

Guo Huai just caught the last train.

……

The following day, Cao Zhen, Cao Xi, Zhuge Ke, and others bid farewell to Cao Rui at the south gate of the North Palace and set off for Hejian. Hejian Commandery was officially renamed Hejian State within the Ministry of Personnel.

After taking up his post, Cao Zhen's first major task was to build a royal palace for himself according to the established rites. For this purpose, the newly appointed Minister of Rites, Kan Ze, also sent a court official to accompany him.

Between February and March, various personnel adjustments were carried out in an orderly manner.

After his holiday, Guo Huai bid farewell to Cao Rui and headed west to Xiabian to assume his post. The two newly appointed Attendants-in-Ordinary, Wang Xiong and Cui Lin, also arrived at their posts.

The three ministers, Zheng Mao, Hua Biao, and Xu Hun, who were appointed to the Jiangnan Xingtai, had also arrived at their posts and accompanied Sima Yi on a research trip to Linxiang in Changsha County.

If Sima Yi wanted to establish a benchmark within the jurisdiction of the Jiangnan Xingtai, he would certainly prefer to appoint his cousin Sima Zhi as the governor of Xiangzhou.

Sima Fu and Xiahou Ba, who had been demoted to Yingzhou in the northeast due to the Liangzhou incident, also returned to Luoyang from Liaodong to pay homage to the emperor.

The newly appointed Attendant-in-Ordinary, Wang Xiong, had a stern face and slightly bowed: "Prefect Sima, General Xiahou, His Majesty summons you. Please follow me inside."

"Thank you for your trouble, Attendant-in-Ordinary Wang." Sima Fu and Xiahou Ba dared not be negligent and returned the greeting respectfully, following Wang Xiong step by step into the room.

Although Wang Xiong appeared serious, he was actually quite cheerful and magnanimous. However, he felt somewhat awkward because he had cleaned up the mess that Sima Fu and Xiahou Ba had made in Liangzhou, and cleaned it up cleanly and efficiently, for which he was rewarded with marquises...

"Sima Shuda, Xiahou Zhongquan," Cao Rui looked up at the two men's faces, "You two have been in the camp for several years. Now that you have been reinstated, do you have any insights to share with me?"

"Xiahou Zhongquan, you speak first!"

Xiahou Ba swallowed hard. Yingzhou was indeed a harsh and cold place. Although he still lived a life of luxury in Yingzhou, he could not escape sorrow and melancholy, which further eroded his already limited courage.

"Your Majesty," Xiahou Ba replied cautiously, bowing low. "While I was in Yingzhou, I often reflected on myself. Back in Liangzhou, I was timid and made mistakes in my response. A general should prioritize courage and determination, facing difficulties head-on. Only in this way can one deal with all kinds of crises."

"Your Majesty has appointed me as the Protector General of Xiangzhou. That region is newly pacified but still inhabited by many barbarians. Upon assuming my post, I will certainly punish those who rebel and work with the governor to stabilize Xiangzhou and prevent chaos!" (End of Chapter)