Wei Ni

Xiahou Hui was still willing to give Xiahou Xuan, his son, some face.

Even though he chose to stand on Cao Shuang's side.

Therefore, with his intervention, Xiahou Hui nodded slightly in response, and then turned his gaze to Cao Shuang sitting opposite him.

Cao Shuang, who was forced to sit down, still had a face full of anger, and his chest was heaving rapidly.

It's understandable if you think about it.

Having grown up pampered and thriving amidst the envious gazes of others, he was rarely disciplined even by his father Cao Zhen and the late Emperor Cao Rui. How could he possibly accept being reprimanded to his face by the even younger Xiahou Hui?
However, at this moment, he had no choice but to endure it.

They've finally swallowed their anger; if they were to fall out on the spot now, wouldn't all their efforts be wasted?
Moreover, Xiahou Xuan said that the matter could still be discussed and that differences could be sought.

"call!"

He let out a resentful breath, trying to suppress the shame and anger in his chest and abdomen. Under Xiahou Xuan's reproachful gaze, he squeezed out a few words, "I lost my composure for a moment, I hope Zhiquan will not be blaming me."

After apologizing, he stubbornly continued to argue, "The petition to restart the investigation of the military farms will offend countless people in the court and the public, as Zhiquan knows, yet I still approved it! Now I only want to appoint Taichu as Minister, so how can it be considered greedy? In terms of background, talent, and reputation, what has Taichu done that would cause criticism in the court and the public?"

"Ugh!"

Shaking his head with some regret, Xiahou Hui's face also showed some anger. He said in a tone of exasperation, "Zhaobo, we are here today because we are both loyal ministers of the Wei court. It would be detrimental to the country if we fought each other, not to divide the power of the court. Resuming the investigation of the military farms can increase the country's tax revenue and relieve the plight of the farmers. This is a good policy! Zhaobo is also a minister entrusted by the late emperor to assist in governing the country. It is his duty to eliminate harsh and unreasonable things. How can you use this to blackmail me? Furthermore, I am not saying that Emperor Taichu is incompetent. But since the late emperor entrusted him with the task, how many times has Zhaobo submitted petitions for various positions? Do you dare to compare with me?"

After hearing these words, Cao Shuang, who was still fuming, immediately fell silent and looked away from Xiahou Hui.

It's embarrassing.

After all, he had successively recommended Sima Shi, Xu Yun, and He Yan, and now he still insisted on making Xiahou Xuan the Minister. Compared to Xiahou Hui, who had not placed any cronies in important positions so far, it was not unjust for him to be called greedy.

In particular, Xiahou Hui also mentioned the late emperor.

To be fair, Emperor Ming of the Ming Dynasty treated Cao Shuang very well, and Cao Shuang's current eagerness for power and disregard for the heavy responsibility entrusted to him by the emperor has indeed betrayed the emperor's kindness.

"Judging from my uncle's words, it seems there is no intention to recommend him for the position of Minister?"

Cao Shuang was speechless, and Xiahou Xuan naturally took over the conversation to ease the awkwardness, while also keenly catching Xiahou Hui's underlying meaning.

It's not that I don't have the ability, but the timing is wrong.
He answered in his heart, and Xiahou Hui, with a solemn expression, sighed and said, “Our talents are not even one ten-thousandth as good as the late emperor’s. All the officials in the court today were promoted by the late emperor and are competent in their duties. There are no transfers or vacancies now, so why should I submit a petition to request a change of appointment? Although I am the Grand General, I am afraid of being criticized by the court and the public for abusing public power for private gain.”

At this point, as if remembering something, he frowned and looked at Cao Shuang, his tone slightly dissatisfied, "After Zhao Bo returns, you must restrain He Yan! If he does not restrain himself, don't blame me for petitioning the emperor to depose him."

Has He Yan done anything improper?!
Cao Shuang's heart skipped a beat, and he looked at Xiahou Xuan with a puzzled expression, seeking confirmation through his eyes.

Xiahou Xuan lowered his head and remained silent.

ok~
Cao Shuang felt another surge of anger, and a burning sensation returned to his face.

The only thing that made things easier for him was that Xiahou Hui had clearly stated he wouldn't place his cronies in the position of Minister—as for Ding Mi, who had already been reinstated as the Director of the Revenue Department, and Fu Gu, who had been transferred to the position of Selection Officer in the Ministry of Personnel, they were both assistant positions without decision-making power and couldn't cause any trouble. In any case, Cao Shuang still held the power to oversee the affairs of the Minister!
Wait, something's not right!

Previously, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel and Cui Lin, the Commandant of the Capital Region, were promoted to Minister of Works and Minister of Agriculture, respectively, but their positions remained vacant until the late Emperor fell ill and fell into illness. Xiahou Hui has vowed that he will not be reassigned to the Ministry of Personnel and will not fill any vacancies until they are filled. Could it be that he has his eye on these two positions?

Cao Shuang, his mind racing, disregarded He Yan's matter and immediately asked who would fill the two vacancies.

"We are both in charge of the affairs of the Ministry of Personnel, so the position of Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel will remain vacant for now."

Clearly, Xiahou Hui had already given this thought, and answered without hesitation, "I believe that Xu Miao, the governor of Liangzhou, is the best candidate to fill the position of Commandant of the Capital Region. After Xu Miao returns to the capital, he will concurrently hold the position of Protector of the Qiang, and the position of Military Governor of the Hetao region will be revoked and transferred to Qin Lang. This is in accordance with the late emperor's plan."

Xu Miao and Qin Lang.
Cao Shuang, whose expression had returned to normal, stroked his beard with one hand, hesitated for a moment, and then nodded slightly.

Both from a public and private perspective, Xiahou Hui's arrangement was appropriate.

As for Qin Lang, he was previously sent to the Hetao region because Emperor Ming of the Southern Tang dynasty, Cao Rui, intended to train him as a commander-in-chief. It is only natural that he is now transferred to take charge of military affairs in Liangzhou. As for Xu Miao, there is no need to mention him. If Emperor Ming of the Southern Tang dynasty had not passed away, given his achievements in suppressing the rebellion in Liangzhou and winning the favor of the people, he would have returned to the capital to take up his post long ago!
Personally, Cao Shuang felt that it was acceptable to fill the vacancy with these two.

They weren't Xiahou Hui's henchmen, and Cao Shuang himself couldn't even secure those two positions.
"Since Zhao Bo has no objection, let's leave it at that for today."

Seeing that he nodded, Xiahou Hui thought that everything was settled and was about to get up and leave, but Cao Shuang interrupted him by raising his hand, "Zhi Quan, wait a moment."

Are you still not satisfied?!

This time, it was Xiahou Hui's turn to get angry.

There's no way around it. Even a clay figure has some temper!
Despite Xiahou Hui's calculated mind and show of humility, he couldn't withstand Cao Shuang's repeated demands.
"This is merely a discussion; Zhi Quan, please don't be impatient."

Faced with the enraged Xiahou Hui, Cao Shuang, who had been suppressed at every turn that night, suddenly laughed happily. "It's not that I have any further requests, but I want to know where Zhuge Dan and Qian Hong, my old friends from the Zhi Quan era, will be assigned and what positions they will hold?"

You actually thought of asking this? Looks like you're not so stupid after all~
Upon hearing the question, Xiahou Hui raised an eyebrow and looked him over carefully again.

Cao Shuang, however, maintained his smile and met Xiahou Hui's gaze without flinching. Xiahou Hui was indeed superior to him in reputation, and this so-called attempt to put aside their differences was tantamount to asking a tiger for its skin. Naturally, he dared not be careless and had to understand every detail, lest Xiahou Hui have a backup plan.

"Ah, to be honest, Zhao Bo, I haven't thought about this matter yet."

With a light laugh, Xiahou Hui withdrew his scrutinizing gaze. "Since tonight's discussion was not initiated by me, and I felt it was unlikely to reach a consensus, I had no interest in the subsequent trivialities. However, since Zhao Bo has brought it up, I will put both of us at ease. Well, my old friends and acquaintances will all hold official positions no higher than two thousand shi (a unit of grain), and will only serve in Hebei, such as Ji or Bing provinces, not in the capital region, nor in Yongliang, Huainan, or Jingxiang. Zhao Bo, do you think this arrangement is appropriate?"

"Great!"

Cao Shuang immediately slammed his fist on the table and praised, "Zhi Quan's words show his sincerity, and I have no more doubts! I will not insist any further, and will allow Tai Chu to enter into the position of Minister!"

"The Beginning."

Faced with praise, Xiahou Hui did not feign modesty. Instead, a thought struck him, and after glancing at Xiahou Xuanhou, he said, "Taichu is both talented and virtuous, renowned throughout the land, and is also a member of my clan. I cannot disregard him for either reason or emotion. How about this, Zhaobo? When His Majesty changes the reign title the following year, Zhaobo submits a memorial to restart the investigation of the military farms. Why not have Taichu take charge of it, and I will send someone to assist him? When the work is accomplished, I will personally present a memorial to the Emperor to commend his achievements and recommend Taichu for the position of General Who Conquers the West or Protector of the Army Who Conquers Shu. What do you think?"

Should he be appointed General Who Conquers the West or Protector of the Army Who Conquers Shu?
No, are you so easily flattered?
It was just a word of praise that coaxed you into handing over the important responsibility of military affairs in Yong and Liang without any hesitation.

For a moment, Cao Shuang was speechless.

Immediately, his chest and abdomen were filled with joy, but he still restrained himself and asked the question, "Zhi Quan, have you forgotten that the current commander of the army in charge of the conquest of Shu is Zhao Yan? In terms of merit or seniority, Tai Chu cannot compete with him."

“I have no intention of taking away Yan’s official position.”

Waving his hand, Xiahou Hui explained, “The following year, His Majesty changed the era name and, in accordance with custom, bestowed favors upon those who had served the old meritorious officials and rewarded those appointed to high positions. Yan is a veteran of three reigns and a meritorious official of the Wei dynasty, so he should be promoted to General Who Conquers the West. Thus, the position of Protector of the Army for the Conquest of Shu would be vacant. Moreover, Yan is already old. He suffered from many illnesses during the reign of the late emperor and even carried medicine with him when he went to Yong and Liang. If he is unable to withstand the hardships of military campaigns in the future, the court will naturally recall him and allow him to recuperate. Therefore, it is not impossible to appoint him to the position of General Who Conquers the West in the Taichu era.”

"good!"

Cao Shuang was overjoyed and, quite unusually, rose to his feet and bowed in greeting, saying, "I will certainly not hinder what the General desires to do!"

"Is it settled?"

"A wise man's words cannot outpace his own words!"

"it is good."

Xiahou Hui also stood up and walked out, saying, "If there is anything I am unfamiliar with in the future, I will send Gonglu to inform Zhaobo privately."

"only."

After seeing Xiahou Hui off with proper etiquette, Cao Shuang returned to his seat and could no longer contain his joy. He grabbed Xiahou Xuan's arm and laughed heartily, "Hahaha! If it weren't for Taichu's wise words, I wouldn't have this joy today!"

Xiahou Xuan did not laugh; there was not even a hint of joy on his face.

Instead, he frowned deeply, and only after Cao Shuang noticed something was wrong and stopped smiling did he say softly, "Zhao Bo, it is certainly gratifying that you have put aside your differences with my uncle and reached a consensus, but there are also some drawbacks."

Why?

Cao Shuang was taken aback and asked urgently, "Does Taichu think that Zhiquan might contradict his words?"

"No."

Shaking his head, Xiahou Xuan slowly said, "My concerns are twofold. First, since Zhao Bo's close associates have all been sent to other posts, if there is any change in the court, it may be difficult for us to work together. Second, if I were to take up my post in Yongliang, I fear that Zhao Bo would inevitably have a falling out with the Grand Tutor and they would fight each other."

"Hey, what is it!"

With a light laugh, Cao Shuang said dismissively, "Taichu is overthinking it. First, I am a minister entrusted by the late emperor and have never disobeyed him. Who could harm me? Second, my father has been in charge of Yong and Liang for many years, and the Grand Tutor is his successor. How could he possibly compete with me? If he is stubborn and unwilling to relinquish power, what can he do to us, the sons of meritorious officials? There is nothing to worry about!"

"but"

Xiahou Xuan wanted to argue a bit more, but Cao Shuang stopped him by waving his hand and instead asked him about other matters.

"Just now, Zhiquan spoke to me about He Yan's affairs. Taichu should know the reason, right?" (End of this chapter)