Three Kingdoms: I, Liu Feng, do not want to die

"Years of war have exhausted both the army and the people; it would be better to hold our ground."

Just as Jiang Ji was speechless, Minister Chen Qun stepped forward and refuted Cao Xiu's request to fight.

Cao Xiu was a military general from the Cao clan, and he was thinking about how to avenge his previous humiliation and destroy Liu Bei's forces by force; Chen Qun was the current head of a powerful clan, and he was thinking about how to ensure that the interests of the powerful clans were not harmed.

War requires money, food, and manpower.

Under the system of Cao Wei, powerful families were required to contribute whenever Cao Pi went to war.

after all.

Cao Pi had already won over the officials, so it would be unreasonable for the powerful clans not to lend a hand.

In the past, putting in some effort wouldn't have been a big deal.

If Cao Wei defeats Liu Bei and Sun Quan, the powerful clans will also benefit.

But now.

Cao Wei suffered a series of defeats.

To knowingly do something impossible is not about seeking revenge, but about mindlessly torturing oneself.

Therefore.

Chen Qun only wanted to rely on the city's geographical advantages to defend it.

As long as we hold out until Liu Bei's side runs out of food and retreats, not being defeated is a victory.

Faced with Chen Qun's rebuttal, Cao Xiu felt his authority had been challenged and was immediately displeased: "Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, you are mistaken! Years of war are mutual. The people and soldiers of Great Wei are exhausted, but are the people and soldiers of the pseudo-Han not exhausted as well? Why can the pseudo-Han wage war while Great Wei can only defend? Are the people and soldiers of the pseudo-Han less afraid of death than those of Great Wei? Or are the officials of Great Wei, holding high positions, merely occupying their posts without doing any work, and even less capable of caring for the people than the pseudo-Han?"

Cao Pi frowned.

What's wrong with Cao Xiu today?
Is it that aggressive?

Chen Qun was stunned.

Obviously.

Chen Qun never expected Cao Xiu to say such harsh words today!
I, Chen Qun, am a powerful and influential family in Yingchuan, no less so than your Cao family. Do you think that just because the Cao family has become emperor, they can disregard the Chen family of Yingchuan?
"General Cao, are you accusing me of being incompetent in governing?" Chen Qun was also getting angry. What right did you, a captured and defeated general, have to bark at me?

Cao Xiu, head held high and chest puffed out, said, “How dare I criticize the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat! But the division of labor between civil and military officials has always been clear. We military generals are responsible for fighting, while you civil officials are responsible for logistics. Where to fight, how to fight, and when to fight should be decided by the military generals. The civil officials only need to ensure that the supply lines are uninterrupted. Does Xiao He have to teach Han Xin how to fight?”

Good guy!
Xiao He and Han Xin both came out.

If Chen Qunhan hadn't recovered well, she would have been criticizing people right now.

I boast that I can be Xiao He, but can you be Han Xin?

If you had Han Xin's abilities, I could immediately gather enough provisions for an army of 500,000.

But where do you, a defeated general, get the audacity to compare yourself to Han Xin?
The courtiers in the main hall also began to argue.

Some echoed Cao Xiu's rebuttal of Chen Qun, some echoed Chen Qun's rebuttal of Cao Xiu, and some, not content with the chaos, refuted both Chen Qun and Cao Xiu. The debate went on and on, giving Cao Pi a terrible headache.

Thinking back to when Cao Cao was alive, who would dare to make such a racket like Your Highness, like a street vendor in a market?

Ultimately, Cao Pi's prestige gradually waned, especially after a series of military defeats, which made it impossible for him to intimidate his ministers and disregard their opinions to act arbitrarily.

Without any choice.

Cao Pi could only say, "I will give myself much to consider and discuss it again on another day."

After the ministers left.

Cao Pi kept Cao Zhen and Cao Xiu behind, and his tone towards Cao Xiu was more reproachful: "Wenlie, if you want to fight, then fight. Why do you offend the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat and others? Even I have to show some respect to everyone."

Cao Xiu's aggressive desires had not yet subsided, and with only Cao Pi and Cao Zhen present, he spoke without restraint: "Your Majesty, it is not that I wish to offend the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat and others, but I believe that the Great Wei is gradually showing a trend of a weak ruler and strong ministers. If this is not curbed, the Cao family may follow in the footsteps of the Liu family."

With the Eastern Han Dynasty kindergarten as a cautionary tale, Cao Xiu's words immediately aroused Cao Pi's suspicion: "Wenlie, how can you make such a judgment?"

Cao Xiu used the same words Liu Feng had used before, summarizing them up as follows: "Now, the old generals who fought alongside the late emperor in the north and south have either passed away or grown old, such as Yue Jin, Zhang Liao, Zhang He, Xu Huang, and Yu Jin. Although they are as brave and fierce as tigers, their sons do not have the same bravery and fierceness as their fathers and are not capable of shouldering great responsibilities."

Among the Cao and Xiahou clans, many are fond of comfort and pleasure, and are unable to share Your Majesty's burdens. The capable Cao Zhang is now raising bandits in Linju to enhance his own power; Xiahou Shang is troubled by love and has fallen ill and is bedridden because of a concubine. The only ones who can share Your Majesty's burdens are your subject and your son Dan.

With no one left in the clan and no henchmen to carry on the legacy, Your Majesty could easily face the same predicament as Emperor Huan and Emperor Ling if you are not careful.

On the surface, Emperors Huan and Ling appeared to be incompetent and foolish, but in essence, their actions were a power struggle between the emperor and his ministers.

Although Emperors Huan and Ling did indeed have problems such as shortsightedness, hedonism, and poor personnel management, the decline of the Han Dynasty cannot be entirely attributed to the emperors themselves.

In the Eastern Han Dynasty, Emperors Huan and Ling's methods were relatively good.

However, the long-standing problems of the empress's relatives and eunuchs controlling the government, the alienation of the gentry, economic collapse, land annexation, and widespread refugees were too deep-rooted to be resolved. Not to mention Emperors Huan and Ling, even a young version of Li Shimin or Zhu Yuanzhang could not reform these problems from the top down. Perhaps an older version would have a chance.

Cao Xiu's analysis made Cao Pi fall into deep thought.

The emperor's lack of prestige will often lead his ministers to disagree.

Cao Pi subconsciously thought of Liu Xie, who was a puppet emperor supported by his ministers, whose imperial power existed in name only.

That damned Liu Bei, why isn't he dead yet!

Cao Pi couldn't help but curse inwardly.

If things had gone according to plan, Cao Pi wouldn't have been in such a predicament.

However, during his reign, Cao Pi lost important areas of Jingzhou such as Xiangfan, Nanxiang, Wancheng, and Shiyang, as well as a large area of ​​Yongliang west of Tongguan. Recently, he also lost Hefei.

Even Cao Ren and Cao Xiu were captured alive.

Cao Cao's former prestige was gradually eroded under Cao Pi's rule.

And now.

Liu Bei's forces further annexed Sun Quan's territory, making them incredibly powerful.

The powerful clans that supported Cao Cao's usurpation of the Han throne would not give up the benefits they had gained.

Wanting to protect the interests he had gained, and finding the Cao family too incompetent, he naturally had to find a way to seize power and take it for himself.

at this point.

Cao Pi was able to see this clearly.

Judging from the current situation, it is less a matter of Cao Pi usurping the Han throne and more a matter of the powerful clans choosing a new representative.

only.

To understand is to understand.

Many people can see through the essence of things, but few can reform the flawed system.

Cao Pi racked his brains for a long time but could not find an effective solution. When he caught sight of Cao Xiu's "firm" expression, Cao Pi couldn't help but feel doubtful again.

[Strange, judging from Wenlie's expression, he seems confident. Could it be that Wenlie has a brilliant plan?]

Cao Pi believed that Cao Xiu possessed military talent.

It could be said that Cao Xiu understood literature and strategy, but Cao Pi did not believe it.

If Cao Xiu truly possessed such abilities, Cao Pi would have long ago allowed him to enter the court to check and balance the ministers.

Cao Xiu's expression at this moment was equivalent to saying, "Come and ask me!"

"Wenlie, what good plan do you have?" Cao Pi granted Cao Xiu's wish.

Cao Xiu took out a silk scroll and respectfully handed it to Cao Pi, saying, "I have observed that the Nine-Rank System of the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, although it allows powerful families to serve Your Majesty, has many drawbacks. If we are not careful, the old stories of the Former Han Dynasty will repeat themselves."

Therefore, after months of deep thought, he finally devised a plan: in addition to the Nine-Rank System, a special imperial examination would be established. His Majesty would personally issue an edict, using the current situation as the topic, to examine candidates' essays on current affairs, emphasizing their ability to solve practical problems. There would be no restrictions on rank for candidates; even commoners could take the exam.

If anyone objects, then we should claim that the late emperor, in order to respond to changing circumstances, only selected those capable of fighting for the country. In this way, we can surely choose excellent people for Your Majesty to fight for the nation. These excellent people, favored by Your Majesty, will be Your Majesty's disciples.”

The silk manuscript was copied by Cao Xiu.

Cao Xiu abandoned the parts that were too "radical".

It wasn't that Cao Xiu wanted to give up, but rather that he knew that even if he didn't give up, it wouldn't be of any use, and might even cause a more serious backlash.

in contrast.

The revised imperial examination system did not affect the original nine-rank system; it was simply a matter of using a special examination as a back door.

It seems more like Cao Pi wanted to promote some of his confidants to serve him.

Those willing to follow Enko's path.

While the powerful and influential families might look down on it, the lesser gentry and scholars from humble backgrounds would certainly not miss this opportunity.

Cao Pi grew increasingly alarmed as he read: "Wenlie, did you really come up with this?"

Cao Xiu, without blushing or embarrassing himself, immediately replied, "Naturally, it was my idea!"

Cao Zhen, who was standing nearby, was confused, so he stepped forward to ask to see the silk book.

After reading the contents of the silk scroll, Cao Zhen was also shocked: "I never thought Wenlie would have such abilities! To be able to come up with a strategy to select virtuous men for His Majesty, he truly deserves to be called a promising talent of the Cao family."

Seeing Cao Pi and Cao Zhen both shocked, Cao Xiu became even more smug.

Cao Xiu would naturally not admit that most of the contents of the silk scroll were written by Liu Feng, but that if only a small part was changed, then it was also written by Cao Xiu!
If it's not 100% plagiarism, can it even be called plagiarism?

not to mention.

Who would know that this content wasn't written by Cao Xiu?
Besides Liu Feng, who else can prove it?

Even if Liu Feng were willing to prove it, would anyone in Cao Wei believe him?

If no one challenges or fights for the copyright, then it must be Cao Xiu's idea!

"Zidan, do you think Wenlie's strategy is feasible?" Cao Pi asked Cao Zhen.

Cao Zhen pondered for a moment and said, "Although the Nine-Rank System of the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat has many drawbacks, it can help Your Majesty win over and appease the gentry in various prefectures. In the current turbulent situation, I think it is too hasty to suddenly change the system of selecting officials."

Instead, it should be changed to "Order for Generals," stating, "The false Han have repeatedly invaded our borders. Your Majesty intends to hold a special imperial examination, called the Military Examination, to select brave warriors to fight for the country. All citizens of our Great Wei, regardless of rank or status, are eligible to take the exam."

The meaning remains the same, but the way it's expressed has changed.

In reality, it's like everyone is doing their own thing. The Nine-Rank System remains unchanged, but an additional Martial Arts Examination system is added.

As long as the military power was firmly in their hands, the imperial power of Cao Wei would not be weakened.

From this perspective alone, Cao Zhen's idea is not problematic.

Whether there will be any changes in the specific implementation remains to be seen.

After considering the opinions of Cao Xiu and Cao Zhen, Cao Pi decided to establish a military examination system.

"I will reconsider the matter of selecting officials."

Cao Pi did not immediately agree to the plan, but instead turned to ask about the current situation.

"Now, Liu Feng is leading the Jiangdong troops to Huainan, eyeing Shouchun with hostility; while Liu Shan intends to personally lead an expedition against Luyang. Although I am willing to send generals to fight Liu Shan, the ministers are unwilling."

Cao Pi was actually quite interested in Cao Xiu's proposal.

after all.

If Liu Shan could be defeated, his prestige would decline day by day, and he would have to rely on Liu Bei's adopted son, Liu Feng, for military affairs.

His achievements overshadowed the emperor, his brothers became suspicious of each other, and factions fought for power.
These factors, when combined, have a significant impact.

The problems that existed in Cao Wei were also present in Liu Bei's camp, only that Cao Wei had more powerful clans and the problems were more serious.

When power is at stake, those who can fight for it will not give it up.

This has nothing to do with ability. Once you enter the circle of power, you are no longer in control of your own destiny. If you don't fight for it, there are plenty of others who will.

only.

Cao Pi could not ignore the opposition from Chen Qun and others.

Given Cao Pi's current prestige, he could not afford the consequences of acting unilaterally.

As their prestige waned, powerful clans could sell out Liu Xie, just as they could sell out Cao Pi.

Cao Xiu's attitude remained the same as before.

"Your Majesty, Liu Shan is not good at military affairs, and Liu Bei, Guan Yu and Zhuge Liang are all in Chang'an. This time, the only generals who are following Liu Shan are Zhang Fei, Huang Zhong and Zhao Yun. Although they are brave, they lack wisdom and strategy."

With skillful strategy, Liu Shan can be defeated. If this opportunity is missed, it will be difficult to sow discord and create chaos among Liu Feng and Liu Shan again.

Cao Zhen's idea was more prudent: "That may be true, but what the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat and others said is also true. I think it would be better to transfer the Prince of Pingyuan to Luyang."

This would both allow Prince Pingyuan to rebuild his military prestige and silence the ministers and others. After all, the ministers and others were determined to make Prince Pingyuan the crown prince.

"If the King of Pingyuan then wishes to fight, how could the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat and others not help him?"

When Cao Rui lost Chang'an last time, Cao Pi took the opportunity to drop the matter of appointing Cao Rui as crown prince, and only told Cao Rui to reflect on his actions.

Chen Qun and the others were helpless, since Cao Rui had indeed lost Chang'an, and it was normal that Cao Pi was not in the mood to hold a ceremony to make up for it.

They're lucky they weren't punished!
Now, Cao Zhen has proposed that Cao Rui go to Luyang. If Cao Rui can prove that he is better than Liu Shan, then the position of crown prince will naturally be his.

"Zidan's words are brilliant." Cao Xiu clapped his hands in praise: "With the Prince of Pingyuan gone to Luyang, the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat and others will not dare to shirk their responsibilities, but will instead do their best to support the Prince of Pingyuan; and Your Majesty can also secretly send people to assist the Prince of Pingyuan, which will surely ensure that Liu Shan will not return! A double win, brilliant!"

Although Cao Pi harbored doubts about Cao Rui because of the death order given to Zhen Mi, he had to admit that Cao Rui was currently the best candidate to inherit the Wei dynasty!

Only Cao Rui could stop Chen Qun and others from objecting to sending troops to Luyang to compete with Liu Shan.

Think for a long time.

Cao Pi made a decision: "In that case, Zidan may raise this issue during the council in the main hall tomorrow."

After Cao Zhen and Cao Xiu left.

Cao Pi picked up the silk scroll presented by Cao Xiu again and studied it carefully.

The fact that he couldn't make decisions on his own even after becoming emperor made Cao Pi very uncomfortable.

The longer Cao Pi was emperor, the more he empathized with Liu Xie.

Being an emperor is no easy task!

[If I were to unify the world, I would certainly implement this system.]

Cao Pi sighed and hid the silk scroll.

Now is not the time to implement reforms.

The next day.

The discussions in the imperial court went exceptionally smoothly.

When Cao Zhen proposed that Cao Rui be stationed in Luyang, Chen Qun and the others, as expected, did not object.

Cao Rui failed to establish his authority in Chang'an, which led to the postponement of his position as crown prince; if he could establish his authority in Luyang, his position as crown prince would be secure.

If Cao Rui can't even handle Liu Shan, then he has no right to be the crown prince. (End of Chapter)