Three Kingdoms: I am not Cao Rui

"Please read this letter, Your Majesty." Cao Ning kowtowed repeatedly, then crawled forward a few steps and handed the document to Wang Su, the Chamberlain, whose face was equally sorrowful.

Wang Su took the document, somewhat hesitantly: "Your Majesty..."

"Give it to me!" Cao Rui roared, reaching out his hand. After a brief pause, he couldn't wait any longer and stepped forward, snatching the document and unfolding it immediately.

This document was written by Huang Quan himself, and it is filled with words of sorrow. Not only were Man Chong's dying words recorded in the document, but it also provides a detailed account of the current battle situation in Deyang.

To Cao Rui's surprise, Huang Quan clearly stated in his document that he was acting as the Left Minister of Works, holding the title of Acting General, and temporarily assuming the heavy responsibility of commanding the army, as mandated by Man Chong's dying wish. This appointment was not based on imperial decree, nor on the wishes of Man Chong or himself, but rather on expediency in an emergency.

Huang Quan made it clear that he was not good at military affairs. He had served the imperial court for many years, mostly as a civil official such as a court attendant, governor, or minister, and was not a general who could lead an army. He also said that his talents were not enough to command tens of thousands of troops. He asked the emperor to choose a more capable person. He would stay in Deyang to maintain the status quo for His Majesty and wait for the arrival of a new commander.

"You may leave now, Your Excellency. Summon the generals for a meeting." Cao Rui's tone was full of sorrow.

"Your subject obeys the decree." Wang Su bowed and then left.

Previously, after capturing Yang'an Pass, Wang Chang's detachment that was attacking Yinping returned. Apart from Zhou Duo's 6,000 Qiang cavalry who remained in Yinping to defend the area, Cao Rui's army numbered nearly 60,000.

At this time, north of Jiange, apart from Fei Yao and Chen Ping's two divisions, nearly 40,000 troops under the command of Cao Tai, Cao Ping, Hu Zun, and Sun Li were already on their way to Shu via the Micang Road, and should have reached the vicinity of Dangqu by now.

In about ten days, nearly 40,000 fresh troops will arrive at Deyang on the front line. If we attack again, how can the Shu army withstand even a little bit of the attack?

Unfortunately, Man Chong died too young and did not live to see the day when Shu was destroyed.

After the four attendants, Wei Zhen, Xu Shu, Fei Yao, Chen Ping, and others arrived at the central command tent, Cao Rui remained silent with a cold expression, and instead pointed at Wang Su.

Wang Su immediately understood and slowly explained the matter to his colleagues.

“Your Majesty,” Wei Zhen spoke first, “It is a great misfortune that Lord Man passed away in the army. Lord Man served the Cao family for nearly fifty years, and his virtue and achievements were unparalleled in the world. If he were still in court, Your Majesty should suspend court for seven days and wear mourning clothes to show your respect for him.”

"But today is different."

"Although the Duke holds a high position, he is still just one person. However, there are still 50,000 troops in Deyang, and another 40,000 soldiers are crossing mountains and ridges, marching towards Shu. We cannot let the life or death of one person jeopardize the affairs of the nation!"

"Your Majesty, please decide on a successor for Duke Man as soon as possible, and then determine the military strategy before discussing matters concerning Duke Man's passing!"

Cao Rui sighed deeply: "How could I not understand the principles that Master Wei has put forward?"

"Before the expedition, I granted Huang Quan and Lu Xun the authority to act as generals, so that they could do extraordinary things in extraordinary times and handle everything for me."

"As you can see, Lu Xun stayed in Baidi City to keep an eye on Wei Yan, and Huang Quan explicitly refused to continue commanding troops... Whether he was being modest or felt inadequate, the army that entered Shu already numbered 90,000. Since he is not willing to take on responsibilities and has no confidence, I cannot entrust power to him."

"At this juncture, who should be the commander-in-chief?" Cao Rui looked around and asked, "Is Master Wei willing to go?"

Wei Zhen immediately cupped his hands in greeting: "I will not refuse, but I do not believe I am the best candidate. I request Your Majesty to choose another commander."

"And you, Xu Qing?" Cao Rui looked at Xu Shu: "Are you willing to be the commander-in-chief?"

Xu Shu bowed respectfully: "I will not refuse, but I agree with Minister Wei's words that I am not the best candidate. I request Your Majesty to choose another commander to lead the army." "Choose whom?" Cao Rui asked in return: "Should we appoint Guo Huai, Cao Tai, and others in the army as commanders? Or should we summon Lu Xun from Baidi City to Shu?"

Wei Zhen said, "I believe that Prince Lu is capable of serving as commander-in-chief."

Cao Rui pursed his lips and then fell silent.

Wei Zhen was a man of courage and responsibility, and Cao Rui trusted him completely, except for his ability to command a large army. Commanding such a large army was not only a military issue, but also a crucial political issue that could influence the political landscape of the court.

A hasty decision would not be good for either the emperor or the court.

After a moment, Xu Shu, the Deputy Privy Councilor, also bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I also believe that Prince Lu is suitable for this position."

"I second that suggestion," Pei Qian echoed.

Cui Lin and Wang Su nodded in agreement.

As for Fei Yao and Chen Ping, they knew that such an important topic was not something they could participate in, so they kept quiet and stood there pretending to be dead.

Cao Rui has still not made a statement.

A moment later, Attendant-in-Ordinary Wang Xiong took a big step forward, bowed slightly, and then said in a loud voice: "Although it is an emergency and an expedient measure, is Prince Lu the only choice? Lord Man has served the Cao family for nearly fifty years, and his loyalty and trustworthiness are the best among all the ministers in the world. How many people can compare with Lord Man?"

"Your Majesty!" Wang Xiong's eyes shone brightly, his voice booming almost deafeningly loud, full of vigor: "The army has already marched south, what use is Your Majesty's carriage remaining in Jiange?"

"In terms of military strategy and generalship, who in the world can compare to His Majesty even slightly? Back then, His Majesty was able to personally rush to the aid of the enemy from thousands of miles away, marching from Luoyang to Lueyang in Longxi, and thwarting the invasion of the Shu Kingdom. His Majesty also personally led tens of thousands of troops on a long march of thousands of miles to Liaodong to personally quell the rebellion. At that time, Man Gong was merely assisting His Majesty in commanding military affairs!"

"I believe Your Majesty should personally lead the army! From the perspective of the court and the country, Your Majesty's personal command of the armies is the best choice! The destruction of Shu is just around the corner, so why entrust military affairs to your subjects?"

After saying that, Wang Xiong straightened his back again, revealing a sense of pride.

A few moments later, Wang Xiong turned around and looked at his colleagues: "Why must we use Prince Lu? When the time is right, His Majesty can do it himself!"

Fei Yao and Chen Ping grew increasingly panicked. While the emperor was discussing such important matters with the Grand Councilor, the Privy Councilor, and the Minister of Works, they both wanted to hide away! Why did they have to let us hear such things!

Pei Qian narrowed his eyes slightly, surveying the atmosphere in the military tent. Seeing His Majesty's brows furrowed as if deep in thought, he gritted his teeth and bowed in agreement: "Your Majesty, I second your opinion. Attendant Wang's insightful suggestion is truly wise. Your Majesty may personally go to Shu to command the army!"

"If His Majesty were to personally arrive, the destruction of Shu would be a matter of days and nights. Those petty tyrants who hold sway over the country are not worth worrying about!"

With Pei Qian taking the lead, Wang Su and Cui Lin immediately followed suit, making Wei Zhen and Xu Shu, who had initially made the suggestion, seem somewhat embarrassed.

Cao Rui took a deep breath: "If I am to enter Shu, that is fine, but the Prince of Ye must stay here with the Minister of the Guards and is not allowed to enter Jiange! The troops here will be under the command of the Privy Councilor Xu, and the Minister of the Guards will take the Prince of Ye back to Chang'an to stay and guard the area!"

"I have made my decision; this is how it will be done!" (End of Chapter)