Wei Ni

Upon hearing that it was Deng Zhong, Xiahou Hui knew why his nephew had asked him for instructions.

Deng Ai was a trusted confidant whom he had raised from humble beginnings, and now he was one of the top three most powerful generals in the Wei army stationed in Xuzhou. If he agreed to Xiahou Zhuang's request, Deng Ai would certainly not have any objections.

On the contrary, he was more pleased with the outcome, feeling that Xiahou Hui's move was to cultivate his son Deng Zhong.

However, Xiahou Hui did not answer immediately.

Placing Deng Zhongfang at the Imperial Academy was a way for him to win over his confidants, and also a consideration to allow the Deng family to shed their label as a scholar-official family in the future.

After all, under the Nine-Rank System, for Deng Ai, it was more worthwhile and cost-effective for Deng Zhong to stay in the Imperial Academy than to go to Liaodong to gain military merit.

A man's plans should be far-reaching; if he focuses on small gains, he will not achieve great things.

“Zhongrong, you have already come of age and are engaged. You should think things through carefully before deciding whether to do something. Let me ask you, have you considered the advantages and disadvantages of Deng Chenggong staying at the Imperial Academy versus going to Liaodong?”

After a brief silence, Xiahou Hui's tone was not reproachful, but rather like a father's admonition.

"Replying to Sixth Uncle, I have considered it."

Perhaps to make his words more convincing, Xiahou Zhuang unusually adopted a solemn expression, his gaze meeting Xiahou Hui's with unwavering certainty. "Both Cheng Gong and I know of Sixth Uncle's considerations in sending him to the Imperial Academy. However, Sixth Uncle may not know that his years at the Imperial Academy have been... well, very unsatisfactory. His only friend in Luoyang is me, who is not a student at the Imperial Academy, and once, when he was drunk, he even mocked himself as a monkey wearing a hat. Do you understand what I mean by saying this, Sixth Uncle?"

Uh, I understand.

In the eyes of other students and even his teachers, he was still considered a member of the scholar class.

The rigid social hierarchy cannot be changed by simply wearing the clothes of a student from the Imperial Academy; nor can the evil in human nature be erased by being well-versed in Confucian classics.

Doesn't this demonstrate that those of us who pursue power completely disregard the lives and feelings of those below us?
Xiahou Hui immediately realized.

Seeing this, Xiahou Zhuang added, "Cheng Gong has long since given up on being a student at the Imperial Academy and wants to return to Xuzhou to gain experience in the army. But he dares not tell his family, and he knows that his family will not allow it."

Deng Zhong certainly wouldn't dare~
Given Deng Ai's obsession with fame and fortune, if he were to write a letter and return home, Deng Ai could come to Luoyang and break both of his legs, preventing him from even leaving the Imperial Academy!
Alas, that’s all.

The one who tied the knot must untie it; having meant well but done something wrong, he should now step forward.

"If that's the case, then so be it."

With a slight nod, Xiahou Hui granted his request and added, "You and he will travel east together, first to Taishan County, then to Xuzhou, and then north to Qingzhou. I have a prior relationship with Zheng Zizhou, the commander of the Qingzhou navy, so I will write you a letter to take with you. He will make proper arrangements for you and Cheng Gong to cross the sea to Liaodong."

"Yes! Don't worry, Sixth Uncle, I know what to do."

Xiahou Zhuang, who had gotten his wish, was all smiles and did not notice the hint of regret that flashed in his uncle's eyes when he gave permission.

Xiahou Hui's regret was not because he felt that his nephew's trip to Liaodong meant he had missed the opportunity to befriend Zhen De.

He's just a mere relative of the emperor.

Given the Xiahou family's status, they wouldn't be so eager to pursue it.

He simply felt that Xiahou Zhuang's personality was quite unconventional in the eyes of his elders, but in the eyes of his peers, he was a very worthwhile friend to make.

Deng Zhong is the best example.

When Deng Zhong first entered the Imperial Academy, Xiahou Hui, based on Deng Ai's harsh personality, deduced that he would not have considered the isolation and helplessness his son would face alone in the capital. Therefore, he instructed the steward Sun Lou to send him money, clothing, or other valuables during festivals, and to inquire whether he needed anything or any assistance.

When Xiahou Zhuang returned from visiting his family in Taishan Commandery, this task fell to him.

The reason was that Sun Lou had said more than once that Deng Zhong always seemed very reserved and somewhat embarrassed when he met with him, so Xiahou Hui asked his nephew to do it for him.

People of the same age should be more likely to get along.

Xiahouzhuang also did a very good job.

The two had only known each other for about half a year, but Deng Zhong already trusted him enough to confide in him.

Therefore, it can be inferred that if he were to get to know and befriend Zhen De, he would certainly be able to properly resolve the difficult task that Emperor Cao Rui had inexplicably assigned to him.

Now it seems we have no choice but to settle for second best.

As Xiahou Hui got up to head towards the table where Han Long and his troops were seated, he suddenly thought of another nephew and asked, "Since you often go to the Imperial Academy, you should know about Zixun's recent situation, right? How is he doing lately?"

"Zixun."

Upon hearing the question, Xiahou Zhuang, who had been smiling, shrank back and whispered, "He... well, he should be alright."

should?!
What is should?

Sensing something amiss, Xiahou Hui paused, turned her head, and looked at him with scrutiny. "Hmm?!"

"I didn't go to see Zixun, but that's not entirely my fault."

Xiahou Zhuang chuckled ingratiatingly a few times, then complained, "Sixth Uncle, you know Zixun's personality; he's not even willing to talk. If I went to see him, I would just stare at him awkwardly, which would only make things more embarrassing."

Zi Xun is Xiahou Gong.

He was the only son that his elder brother Xiahou Ba finally had after having many daughters.

He was also an "outlier" among the third generation of the Xiahou family.

He rarely cried or fussed as a child, but as he grew older, he became taciturn. When elders spoke to him, he would only respond with single words like "oh" or "um." He never participated in games with his brothers, such as riding bamboo horses or wielding wooden swords. He would sit quietly to the side all day, lost in thought.

Xiahou Heng was worried that his nephew, who was already weak, might also have a congenital intellectual disability.

Whenever he wrote to Xiahou Ba, who was still in Guanzhong at the time, he found it difficult to describe Xiahou Gong's current situation.

However, when Xiahou Gong began his studies, his teacher frequently praised him for being quite intelligent and having a good memory, which relieved Xiahou Heng's worries.

My opinion of him changed when he was eight years old.

As the year drew to a close, Xiahou He, a close advisor to the emperor, was rewarded with many fruits and delicacies from other regions. Upon returning to his residence, he gathered his many children to distribute them equally. Because Xiahou Gong always got an upset stomach after eating oranges, Xiahou He did not give him any oranges when distributing them, but instead gave him an extra pear from the North Sea.

Unexpectedly, after he discovered it, he came back to return the extra pears.

Even after Xiahou He explained the reason, he still insisted on returning it, claiming that if he took an extra pear, his other brothers and sisters would think that Xiahou He was being biased.

Xiahou He was very surprised by this and told Xiahou Heng about it.

From then on, Xiahou Heng felt that this nephew was very unusual. He not only tied up his hair early, but also gave him a courtesy name and sent him to the Imperial Academy when he was twelve years old.

A twelve-year-old student at the Imperial Academy.
In an era when the government ruled by a family, this was not a particularly shocking or unusual occurrence.

For example, after Sun Ce pacified the counties of Jiangdong, Sun Quan, who was only fifteen years old, became a county magistrate. The sons of Qiao and Pei, who were practically indistinguishable from the imperial family in Wei, entered the Imperial Academy at the age of twelve, which was already quite restrained.

"What's there to be embarrassed about between blood brothers!"

Xiahou Hui, his tone slightly displeased, reprimanded him sternly, “It is his fault that he does not speak to you; it is your fault that you did not see him after arriving at the Imperial Academy. Besides, you are three years older than him, how can you not be more tolerant? When you go to find Deng Chenggong, visit him and ask him to come to your residence when he has some free time, as I have something to discuss with him.”

"Yes." With the departure of the women, the family banquet came to an end.

Even the energetic Xiao Quji was sleepy after eating and was taken to rest by Wang Yuanji.

In the vast training ground, only Xiahou Hui and his troops from Yan remained, drinking and talking, reminiscing about their past battles in Liaodong.

Ding Mi returned to the mansion at this time.

The reason he did not participate in the family banquet was that after Emperor Cao Rui had specifically instructed Xiahou Hui yesterday not to submit any memorials or remonstrances, he was asked to keep an eye out for what imperial edicts would be issued in the court today.

The news he brought back was quite shocking.

Even Xiahou Hui, who had lived two lives and was used to remaining calm even when facing a blade, couldn't help but open his mouth slightly and look incredulous upon hearing this.

Or rather, even if Ding Mi had brought back news that Emperor Cao Rui had just passed away, he wouldn't have been so shocked.

Because Cao Rui was going to perform the Fengshan ceremony at Mount Tai!
Moreover, this was not a summons for discussions among officials and nobles, but a notification!

The emperor directly ordered the Chamberlain Gao Tanglong to draft the relevant rites, and the Taichang and other government offices to prepare the necessary supplies.

What Xiahou Hui found even more unbelievable was that this absurd decision, which could leave him infamous for eternity, was actually instigated by Jiang Ji during the Taihe era!
That's right, it's Taihe.

The first reign title Cao Rui used after ascending the throne, which lasted only six years.

At that time, Cao Rui was only in his early twenties and still very young. He rejected Jiang Ji's memorial with the words, "Hearing Ji's words, I was sweating profusely."

But now, nearly ten years later, for some reason, he suddenly feels that he can perform the Fengshan ceremony.

At least Xiahou Hui couldn't figure out the reason.

He could understand that as an emperor with power and sex at his fingertips, he yearned for civil and military achievements and cared most about his posthumous reputation, but he couldn't just mess around recklessly, could he?

If you want to perform the Fengshan ceremony at Mount Tai, you should at least compare yourself to the emperors who performed the ceremony before you.
Although Qin Shi Huang and Emperor Wu of Han were notorious for their cruelty, one swept across the six kingdoms and was known as the First Emperor, hailed as the First Emperor; the other doubled the territory of the country and forged the backbone of the Han dynasty. Their achievements were more than enough to warrant the Fengshan ceremony.

Emperor Guangwu Liu Xiu goes without saying.

During battles, a meteorite is thrown from the sky to aid in the fight; when fleeing, the earth freezes rivers to pave the way; when he goes to perform the Fengshan ceremony to inform Heaven and Earth, it is as if he is going to report to Heaven that he is safe and sound in his spare time.

Even Emperor Zhang and Emperor An of Han, who later seemed to have joined in the fun, were at least emperors of a unified dynasty!
Cao Rui, who didn't even conquer Shu and Wu, what right did he have to perform the Fengshan ceremony?

Even if you include Cao Cao and Cao Pi, the three generations of the family together are not enough!

To repay the favors of Heaven is to be granted a title; to repay the favors of Earth is to be granted a throne.

What merits did Cao Rui want to claim after arriving at Mount Tai, and what merits were he able to claim?

Could it be that they intend to complain to the heavens about how difficult it is to cross the Qinling Mountains, or to the earth about how difficult it is to cross the Yangtze River?
People have self-knowledge.

If you don't have the ability, don't mess around.

Winter is almost here, yet they still want to make a big fuss about performing the Fengshan ceremony? Such actions will not only make them a laughing stock for all time, but also tarnish the sacredness and purity of Mount Tai. Why do they have to harm themselves and the "mountain"?

Why not just stay in the palace and play games with thousands of beautiful women in all sorts of ways? Wouldn't that be more enjoyable?

Xiahou Hui, who couldn't help but inwardly vilify and mock Emperor Cao Rui, couldn't help but change his opinion of Jiang Ji—although Jiang Ji was despicable for his corruption, he was also known for his outspokenness, making him a truly upright minister of the Wei dynasty. Now it seems there's a reason why he could be so close to Sima Yi, who dared to speak out against the Wei dynasty!

The study was so quiet you could hear a pin drop for a long time.

After relaying the message, Ding Mi, observing the changes in Xiahou Hui's expression, finally couldn't help but break the silence.

"Zhiquan, the Emperor has already made up his mind about this matter. He specifically instructed you yesterday that you must not act rashly!"

His tone was tinged with worry.

no way.

They knew each other's personalities too well, and he felt that Xiahou Hui would not be able to resist.

But he guessed wrong this time.

"Ah, Yanjing, please don't worry. Since I promised His Majesty not to submit any memorials to remonstrate, I will never go back on my word."

With a sigh, Xiahou Hui replied listlessly.

really?

Ding Mi, however, still didn't believe it. She turned her head to look at him, as if trying to find signs of perfunctoriness in his expression.

This also made Xiahou Hui somewhat impatient. He frowned and said, "Do I have to swear an oath to the heavens before Yan Jing can be at ease?"

"No need, no need."

Finally relieved, Ding Mi waved her hand repeatedly and jokingly said, "However, if Zhi Quan insists on doing it, I am happy to witness it."

Xiahou Hui, of course, would not swear an oath.

Instead, he left the study after saying, "I'm feeling tired from drinking too much. Go and rest."

In his long-forgotten memory, the person who tarnished the sacredness of Mount Tai in history was a later figure named Zhao; he didn't recall Cao Rui ever performing the Fengshan ceremony.
What caused Cao Rui to change his mind?
Gao Tanglong has the answer to this question.

He stopped Cao Rui by sacrificing his own life.

In order to prevent the Wei dynasty, to which he was loyal, from being tarnished, he risked his life to take that tarnish away.

When Emperor Cao Rui heard the news of his death, he was filled with grief and sighed, "Heaven does not wish for my success; my parents have left me to die."

His desire to perform the Fengshan ceremony at Mount Tai originated when Gongsun in Liaodong was defeated.

However, at that time, the war had just ended and the national treasury was empty; many of the Liaodong people who had migrated after the war were settled in Qingzhou and Xuzhou, and the counties along the way could no longer conscript laborers, so he did not consider it for the time being.

This year, the audits conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture in Luoyang and various regions around the capital resulted in a considerable surplus in the treasury. His interest was rekindled, but unexpectedly, the Grand Master of Ceremonies, He Qia, who was in charge of ancestral temple rituals, passed away, forcing him to postpone his plans.

The imperial edict for the Fengshan ceremony had only been issued a few days ago, but Gao Tanglong, who was in charge, had already passed away.

After several unexpected events, he finally gave up hope, feeling that this was a warning from heaven, telling him not to disturb Mount Tai.

Moreover, his mind is now entirely focused on the contents of Gao Tanglong's dying memorial.

Takato Takayuki emphasized one thing.

During the Huangchu era, a strange bird with red beak, claws, and chest was found breeding in a swallow's nest, an omen of impending disaster for the Wei court, with powerful ministers usurping power and causing internal strife. Therefore, he suggested relaxing the control over the princes and nobles of the imperial clan, selecting virtuous and loyal princes, and granting them the power to establish armies within their fiefdoms to defend the Wei dynasty.

Trouble arises from within; a cuckoo seizes another's nest.
This reminded Cao Rui of his two earlier dreams about the "Wei Palace." (End of Chapter)