Three Kingdoms: I am not Cao Rui

As the sky gradually darkened, after Sima Yi, the Sikong, Lu Shangshushi, and Shangshu You Pushe, finished dealing with the day's affairs in Shouchun Palace, he first took a carriage to the Shangshu Terrace and inspected it for half an hour, and then calmly drove back home.

Sima Shi, who was on duty at the Ministry of War in the Secretariat, also took the same ride home.

Sima Yi was not shy about such things.

At such a high position, ordinary taboos were nothing but clouds, and had no impact on his political status. As long as the emperor did not get suspicious, it would be fine.

Inside the carriage, Sima Yi slowly told the story of Chen Jiao's suggestion today. Sima Shi said, "Father, I don't quite understand. Is it inappropriate for Dongge to make military suggestions?"

Sima Yi glanced at his eldest son and asked, "Are you asking if Dongge can participate in military affairs?"

"Yes, that's exactly what I mean." Sima Shi nodded.

Sima Yi thought for a moment and said, "There is nothing wrong with that, but it is rare for someone like Chen Jiao to speak directly about the general's words. Wei Zhen, who works in the East Pavilion with his father, never speaks nonsense. Apart from key personnel matters, he hardly says a word about military affairs. Xin Pi is cautious in his military words. After all, he doesn't know how to use troops. He can manage food and grass. However, when Your Majesty just ascended the throne and went to the Shangshutai by car, Chen Jiao did not allow Your Majesty to review the documents. What happened today is like his personality."

"Does he really understand naval warfare?" asked Sima Shi.

Sima Yi laughed and said, "Understand? How could he understand? He just wants to show off in front of Your Majesty. Let alone naval battles, he doesn't even understand naval battles in the river."

"How was your feast last night?"

"It's generally good, but Chen Ben is a bit of a spoiler." Sima Shi answered slowly: "I told Li Xi that his father liked his younger brother Chen Qian more, and he cried endlessly under the influence of alcohol, and the banquet gradually dispersed."

Sima Shi described what happened last night attentively. After listening, Sima Yi nodded without saying much.

The carriage soon arrived at Sima Yi's residence. As the Minister of Works, he was able to get into a big house by relying on his appearance. The servants had already prepared the meal. The two of them ate in silence and then went to the study together.

Sima Yi said: "Ziyuan, you wanted to use the Chen Ben incident to deal with Chen Jiao before, but I had reservations at that time. But if we look at what happened yesterday, maybe this is really feasible."

Sima Shi smiled and said, "Father, I have met both brothers Chen Ben and Chen Qian. In short, Chen Qian is indeed much stronger than Chen Ben, and it is reasonable that Chen Jiao likes Chen Qian more..."

Before he finished speaking, Sima Yi glared at his son and said, "I can call him by his name, but why don't you follow the etiquette of elders?"

"Yes, yes, it is reasonable for Chen Pushe to like Chen Qian." Sima Shi had no choice but to change the title according to his father's request, and then added a sentence.

Aren't you and I, father and son, discussing how to trip up Chen Jiao? Why do we still have to care about these false formalities? There is no one else here!
It can only be said that Sima Shi and Sima Yi have different personalities. In front of others, both of them acted politely, but behind others, even when they were plotting, Sima Yi still cared about this false courtesy, while Sima Shi seemed to be more wanton.

Sima Shi continued, "Father, since Chen Pushe and Chen Ben are indeed at odds with each other, and Chen Pushe wanted to pass the title to his second son Chen Qian, then there is something we can do."

"How to do it?" Sima Yi glanced at Sima Shi.

Sima Shi smiled and said, "Then let Chen Pushe dislike Chen Ben even more, and let him consult with Your Majesty as soon as possible, and then attack his moral reputation from the point of view of not following the etiquette. The court has always valued the elders, and Your Majesty is the eldest son of the late emperor, and the late emperor is the oldest son of Emperor Wu, so there is a lot to be done. From a small perspective, it is a family matter, but from a big perspective, the cabinet ministers are similar to the former prime ministers, and their moral character and ability should be a role model for the world."

"What's more," Sima Shi laughed again, "Your Majesty, aren't you worried about these things? I heard that the eldest prince, Prince of Ye, Cao Qi, has already started school, and the second prince, Cao Yan, has also started school, but he is Sun Quan's grandson. Now there are only these two princes who have been crowned as princes, and the third prince, Cao Shou, who was originally expected to be crowned as a prince, has not made any move yet. Sooner or later, the royal family will have to go through this kind of choice."

'Can the King of Ye and the King of Changle be equal? ​​' Sima Yi thought to himself, but remained silent. He stood up from his seat, turned his back to Sima Shi, stood still for a long while, then let out a long sigh, turned around and looked at Sima Shi again:
"Ziyuan, you were the first one to bring this up to me. I didn't want to do this. Now that the bow has been drawn, there is no turning back. Chen Jibi and I have been colleagues for many years, and I can't bear it."

Sima Shi said, "Father, the decline of Wu and Shu is obvious now. It is possible that they will launch another large-scale attack on Wu in a few years. My son and Envoy Jiang have worked hard in Yangzhou for several years. We know this place best. In addition, the capital has been moved from Qiao County to Shouchun. Your Majesty may want to stay here for a long time with the central army. This is what father said to me personally!"

"The agreement on Luoshui in the seventh year of Huangchu clearly indicated to the world that the person in charge of logistics would be given a royal title. Wei Zhen left, and Xin Pi came. Xin Pi left, but Chen Jiao came again, and he is still the Minister of the Secretariat!" Sima Shi became more and more excited as he spoke: "This is an era of great contention, the unification of the four seas, a major event that happens only once every two hundred years! How can father not fight for it again? Don't let Chen Jiao get away with it, he was summoned from Luoyang by father himself!"

If it were an ordinary father, he would have reprimanded his son for such aggressive words. But Sima Yi was different. For him, he and Master Sima were almost one and the same, with completely the same stance. There was nothing that could not be discussed, nothing that could not be said, and no fear at all.

Sima Yi's promotion means Sima Shi's promotion. Sima Shi's promotion is also something Sima Yi is happy to see. What's more, there is a prince hanging in front as bait? Even if it is a bait, Sima Yi will try his best to swallow it. The ten-year agreement with your majesty is getting closer and closer, and it is not something that is difficult to touch!

Sima Yi sat down again, and finally did not bother about the title of Sima Shi. He thought for a moment and changed the subject: "Ziyuan, what do you think of Shi Bao?"

Sima Shi said, "Shi Bao is a man of noble character and talent who is capable of governing a country. Your father selected him well. But his family background is too poor and his temperament is a little arrogant. I have seen him often tolerate others, but I am afraid he will become more unrestrained when he gains power."

"Well, it would be a good thing for this person to be your friend. There is also Li Xi, who can help you in the future." Sima Yi picked up a letter from the table and said, "Zi Shang sent a letter from Jizhou. He is doing quite well in his position under Lu Zhao in Jizhou. What he sees, hears, feels and thinks is higher than in previous years, and he is more proficient in general affairs."

"Ziyuan," Sima Yi pretended to hand over the letter in his hand, "Would you like to see your second brother's letter?"

"Father!" Sima Shi stood up from his seat and stamped his feet. "I am talking to you about this. How can I have time to read Zishang's letter? It has been nearly seven years since Chen Situ was dismissed from the post of Recorder of the Secretariat in the seventh year of Huangchu. This is the first time that he has been appointed as Recorder of the Secretariat. Wei Gongzhen and Xin Zuozhi did not receive such treatment! Why hasn't father made up his mind yet?"

"Father." Seeing that Sima Yi did not move, Sima Shi urged again.

Sima Yi said, "Why are you panicking? Didn't your father say that we won't do this anymore?" "Then..." After looking into Sima Yi's hawk-like sharp eyes for a moment, Sima Shi's voice trembled slightly.

Sima Yi said calmly: "No matter what you do, Chen Jiao has just entered the cabinet, it would be too deliberate now. It is better to wait until the end of the year to do it."

"Why must it be delayed until the end of the year?" Sima Shi asked.

"Ziyuan can't even wait until the end of the year?" Sima Yi glanced at his son.

"That's not the case." Sima Shi was a little embarrassed.

Sima Yi stroked his beard and said slowly: "Father knows this clearly. Last year, Chen Jiao returned to Luoyang from Qinzhou, which was partly due to his poor health. In the early winter of last year, he was not feeling well again and felt that he did not have many years left to live, so he decided to let Chen Qian inherit the family business."

Sima Shi asked, "Father, do you mean to wait until autumn or winter when his health deteriorates again before discussing this matter?"

"Things will be better if you take your time. Don't be impatient. Things are in our hands, but we also have to wait for the right time." Sima Yi said, "Ziyuan, I won't keep you here. Go back to your own courtyard."

Sima Shi stood up and bowed: "Father, please rest early. I will take my leave now."

"Okay." Sima Yi nodded lightly.

Looking at Sima Shi's back as he walked away with big strides, Sima Yi's mouth corners slightly raised.

The next morning, twenty Type B warships set out from outside Shouchun City, and the Privy Councilor Wang Guan saw them off at the dock.

Chaohu Lake was a base for naval training and shipbuilding, but when the navy was not training, they would be anchored near Shouchun, just like the central army was closest to the emperor. If something happened suddenly, they could be dispatched quickly.

For Cao Zhi, who was carrying out this military order, this voyage was to the outskirts of Donghai County in Xuzhou, which was not a long voyage and was much easier than sailing to Japan.

Type B warship was an improved version made by the Wei Dynasty's General in the fifth year of Taihe. Each warship had 150 soldiers, 50 of whom were responsible for combat, 50 for rowing, and 50 for rotation.

The so-called warship is a kind of ship that uses impact as its main attack method. It is about ten meters long, covered with cowhide for protection, has two large sails, portholes and oars on the side. It is smaller than an ordinary building ship, and the building on the deck has only one or two floors.

The Type B warship improved by the Wei general supervisor had its hull slightly higher and its length slightly increased to fifteen meters. Guard plates were added outside the left and right sides to improve its stability in wind and waves. A wooden ram was added to the bow, painted in five colors. It looked quite scary from a distance, like a water monster.

After the fleet set out along the Huai River, they would replenish water at the Huaiyin naval dock and then sail towards the sea.

On the leading ship, Cao Zhi said to Chen Ben beside him, "Liu Shumi of the Navy sent Xiu Yuan here. This is something I didn't expect."

Cao Zhi liked his position as the general of the tower ship more and more. He could lead troops to fight. Although it was only a naval force, he felt like he had escaped from a cage.

There is a difference between engaging in empty talk all day and doing practical work, and it is even more valuable for someone like Cao Zhi who has never held any actual position in his life.

Liu Shumi, the head of the Navy Department, refers to Liu Xia, who has just taken office. Just as the heads of the various departments of the Shangshutai are called Shangshu, the heads of the various departments of the Privy Council are also called Shumi.

Chen Ben was in a bad mood, but he still forced a smile on his face and said to Cao Zhi, "Your Majesty summoned Liu Shumi before and talked to him about many things in the navy room. After Liu Shumi returned to the Privy Council, he created something called a sailing diary, requiring the navy fleet to record every voyage."

"Oh?" Cao Zhi was a little surprised: "What to record?"

Chen Ben explained: "The first is to record the route, which is nothing to say. The second is to record the movements and status of each ship, as well as the battleship formations when fighting. The third is all kinds of things during the voyage. As long as it is considered recordable, no matter how big or small, it can be recorded in this navigation log."

Cao Zhi nodded: "The Privy Council did the right thing. It is better to have a record than no record."

Chen Ben stood aside solemnly.

Cao Zhi smiled and said, "Why? I heard that you cried at Sima Ziyuan's house two days ago?"

Chen Ben was stunned: "Even the general knows about this?"

"I heard it from your majesty yesterday." Cao Zhi patted Chen Ben's shoulder and said, "Your majesty asked me to comfort you. A man should focus on state affairs. A little prejudice at home is not a big deal. If you are worried about your father's opinion, just look at me."

Chen Ben did not look at Cao Zhi, but lowered his head instead.

As for why the emperor knew about this, Chen Ben didn't need to think too much, he knew it was Li Xi, the imperial attendant, who said it. Even if he didn't say it, the gathering of so many young officials from the Secretariat and the Privy Council could not be hidden from others in the small city of Shouchun.

Moreover, when Sima Shi invited Li Xi to a banquet, he had no intention of keeping this a secret. It was just a small banquet for colleagues, and it was not a big deal. (End of this chapter)