The elite did not migrate south

Chapter 352 Celebration Banquet

A grand celebration banquet was held in the temple.

Although the protagonist did not come, it did not affect the emperor's enthusiasm at all.

Deng Ai may have really wanted to reorganize the Yongliang army in a timely manner, do more practical work, and repay the emperor's appreciation, but he did not do it very appropriately in this matter.

As a general leading an army to war, if he doesn't come back after the battle, and the emperor takes it seriously, then he will be useless.

In other words, Cao Mao knew Deng Ai's character and had no suspicion of him.

Cao Mao couldn't help but shake his head when he thought about the great sages in his family.

The literary and petty Zhong Hui, the occasionally cunning Deng Ai, the racing Pei Xiu with the lame man
There are so many talented people! There are so many talented people!

With these people around, why worry about the demise of Wei?

At the celebration banquet, Cao Mao mainly talked with Chen Tai.

Chen Tai was a talent that Cao Mao valued very much. He was the candidate for Shangshu Pushe in Cao Mao's mind, and even Shangshu Ling in the near future.

He comes from a prominent family, is proud, decisive, courageous, and sensible. He has no obvious shortcomings in any aspect.

Age, merit, qualifications, and talent all meet the requirements.

Cao Mao was very polite to him and his words were full of respect.

Chen Tai probably didn't expect that the emperor would value him so much, and seemed quite flattered.

Cao Mao asked Chen Tai to sit next to him and asked him about the war.

When the banquet reached its climax, Cao Mao read out the many rewards for Chen Tai.

Cao Mao then read out the many rewards to Chen Tai and others.

Because of their great military achievements this time, dozens of people were granted the title of marquis, and quite a few were promoted to higher positions.

Cao Mao did not forget the previous agreement with his ministers. He did not appoint him directly, but asked for his opinions first.

But how could the ministers dare to express their opinions now?

These rewards were all submitted jointly by them.

Many generals attending the banquet looked extremely excited. Wen Yang even performed a sword dance on the spot. He also wanted to compete with Sima Jun, but was politely declined by Sima Jun.

Looking at the lively banquet, Cao Mao whispered to Chen Tai, "Mr. Chen, my Shangshutai is still short of a Pushe."

"I wonder if Mr. Chen is willing to stay in Luoyang?"

In fact, Chen Tai had been qualified to participate in government affairs in the temple for a long time. He left the temple in a way that was almost like self-exile, not wanting to get involved in those fights and continue to tarnish his reputation.

Later, after Sima Yi and Sima Shi were sent away, Chen Tai felt that Sima Zhao was a very honest person, so he returned to the court to take up an official position.

As a result, Sima Zhao assigned him a task of killing the emperor.

Chen Tai was killed in one wave and died of vomiting blood.

I don’t know if he regretted returning to the temple before he died.

Anyway, Chen Tai was still very tempted at this moment.

Local officials, even if they become provincial governors, are only in charge of a state, but in the Secretariat, they are in charge of governing the entire country, especially the Chief Secretary.

When the Shangshu Ling is invisible, he is equivalent to half a prime minister.

Chen Tai hesitated to speak.

Cao Mao said considerately, "You don't have to answer so quickly. We can discuss this privately later."

"His Majesty."

Zhong Hui suddenly appeared beside Cao Mao, and Cao Mao looked at him, "Shi Ji?"

Zhong Hui glanced at Chen Tai and then said, "I've heard that a king can't rule the world by favors alone; the correct way is to combine kindness and authority."

"Although General Deng and Governor Chen performed great deeds this time, Deng Ai disobeyed the imperial edict and did not return to Luoyang after the battle. Instead, he secretly handed the army over to Chen Tai. As a local official, Chen Tai dared to lead the army directly to Luoyang without consulting the emperor."

"They should be punished for such behavior!"

Zhong Hui was a little unhappy.

Cao Mao smiled and soothed him, "Today is a celebration banquet. Shi Ji just said that we should use both kindness and severity. Since it's a celebration banquet, let's reward first. We can discuss punishment after the rewards are given!"

Zhong Hui glanced at Chen Tai again, then returned to his seat. He grabbed Cheng and started talking to him.

Chen Tai sighed and said, "Zhong Shiji is right. I have made mistakes. How dare I take on such a position as Shangshu Pushe?"

Cao Mao disagreed, "How can there be anyone in the world who doesn't make mistakes? Only those who can recognize their own shortcomings are truly wise."

While the two continued to chat, Zhong Hui attracted the attention of many ministers.

"That's not right. I heard that the Yongliang army had a hard time defeating the Shu rebels. How come you were able to defeat them with such a small army?"

Zhong Hui asked in a loud voice.

Cheng replied somewhat uncomfortably, "Your Majesty's kindness surpasses all others, and the soldiers' determination to serve you surpasses all others."

All the ministers agreed.

Cao Mao laughed, it was obvious that this was taught by Zhong Hui.

However, why would Zhong Hui volunteer to be someone's supporting actor?
Zhong Hui still shook his head. "I've heard that the Shu rebels oppressed the people and used the money they robbed to build sturdy armor and sharp swords. We won't be able to defeat them so easily."

"Besides your majesty's grace and the soldiers' determination to serve, is there any other reason?"

Cheng immediately said, "We have a great sage to help us."

"The Shu Kingdom's catapults can only throw a few dozen steps, but our catapults can throw a hundred steps!"

"The Shu Kingdom's powerful crossbows broke after firing three arrows, but ours can fire ten arrows without breaking!"

"Shu is naturally no match for us."

At least Cheng Xian finished speaking.

These words immediately aroused speculation among the ministers. Are our weapons so advanced?

Zhong Hui burst into laughter. "Then I know. Could it be that the wise man who helped our army win was Ma Gong, the man who invented the chariot and modified it into a repeating crossbow?"

Cheng was horrified. "How did you know that?"

"Ma Gong is famous for his skills. Who doesn't know him?"

Upon hearing this, the ministers had different expressions, and Cao Mao was stunned.

It turns out it was an advertisement!
By the way, weren't you just the supporting actor? Even when advertising, you have to be the main character, right?
Zhong Hui stood up, looked at Cao Mao, and said seriously, "Your Majesty, I think the former Attendant Ma Gong should be rewarded."

"Although he didn't go to the battlefield during this war with Shu, the equipment he invented greatly helped our army, leading to our victory. Doesn't that mean he didn't contribute?"

The ministers looked at each other for a few seconds, and some of them felt that this made sense.

Cao Mao couldn't help but sigh, you are worthy of it.

Just a few days ago, Cao Mao talked to Zhong Hui about Ma Jun and asked him how he could make use of Ma Jun in a fair and just manner.

Zhong Hui now gave the answer.

If you could be tolerant, not be so pretentious, and not be so selfish, you would be the perfect regent.

Cao Mao nodded, "What Mr. Zhong said makes sense."

Zhong Hui laughed and said, "Since Your Majesty is hosting a celebration banquet, why not invite this man to join us? That would be a way to reward him for his contribution."

Cao Mao agreed with this and quickly ordered Zhang Hua to invite Ma Jun over.

Zhong Hui's performance just now has attracted the attention of many people.

In fact, people in the Wei and Jin dynasties did not hate machines so much. During the Later Han Dynasty, ministers often labeled craftsmen and inventors as traitors, saying that they used fun things to deceive the king, were not doing their jobs, and neglected classics.

Of course, in that period, not only inventions, but also poetry and the like were looked down upon. As long as it was not related to classics, it was just something for fun and was not important!
During the Wei and Jin dynasties, the hobby of instruments was no longer equivalent to entertainment. It could not be said to have a high status, but it was not as condemned by everyone as before.

Many children from prominent families have this hobby, such as Du Yu.

Even taking medicine became an elegant thing, and drinking with pigs was considered open-minded and straightforward, let alone just playing with wood, which was simply too normal.

Only a few ministers seemed to realize what the emperor and Zhong Hui were trying to do.

The ministers did not have to wait too long. Soon, Zhang Hua led the trembling Ma Jun here.

When Ma Jun saw the person sitting in the upper seat, his eyes were full of regret.

Sure enough!

He really is the emperor!!

The ministers looked at the old man curiously, and Ma Jun hurried to pay his respects to the emperor.

The emperor smiled and said nothing, but Cheng Chen stepped forward again and saluted the man.

"Ma Gong, it's because of you that we were able to achieve a great victory this time!"

"No, no, I dare not!"

Cao Mao said, "Ma Gong, during this battle, some soldiers praised your contributions. They said that although you did not fight, your skillful work made the soldiers stronger than the enemy."

"This great victory should be attributed to you."

"I deeply agree with you, so I invited you to this celebration banquet."

Cao Mao invited Ma Jun to sit among the meritorious officials. Ma Jun knew he could not escape, so he simply accepted the order. However, Ma Jun did not feel very comfortable sitting there. Rather than participating in the temple's rewards, he preferred to make new tools in his mansion.

Cao Mao then ordered someone to read out the reward for Ma Jun.

Ma Jun was promoted and appointed again, which could be regarded as Cao Mao's active help in making him famous.

After what happened today, it is impossible for Ma Jun to keep a low profile.

The great Zhong Shiji personally acted as a supporting actor to help him become famous, although he was only in the early stage and later became the main character, but it was still very useful.

The banquet became even more lively, and several ministers took the initiative to come up to Ma Jun and ask him some questions.

Cao Mao took another sip of wine.

I feel more comfortable.

I originally wanted to use the Dongtang Banquet to make Ma Jun famous, but unexpectedly, this celebration banquet did it.

The war proved the effectiveness of Ma Jun’s military inventions, so his civilian inventions could also be proven.

During this period, even if you want to promote technology, you probably won't encounter much resistance.

The great families of the Later Han Dynasty were ashamed to talk about profit. If you told the ministers of the Later Han Dynasty that this thing could bring you wealth, they would draw their swords and kill you.

If you tell the ministers of the Wei and Jin dynasties that this thing can bring wealth but you should be ashamed not to use it, they will draw their swords and kill you.

Next, you can have a good talk with Ma Jun about your ideas. You are responsible for thinking and Ma Jun is responsible for doing.

The two of us were killing each other in the invention world of Da Wei.

"Oh, the palace must be very lively right now."

Guo Zhang sat in the prison with disheveled hair, still thinking about the beautiful scene outside.

For some reason, no minister has come to see him yet.

Do they want to accumulate more fame so that they can become a high-ranking official or something?

Yes, yes, if you want to do it, you have to do it as the Three Officials!
He was appointed as the Minister of Works to record the affairs of the Secretariat.

Yes, that's how it should be.

Guo Zhang suddenly laughed again.

Xun Yu, who was outside the prison, felt his scalp tingling when he saw this scene.

This guy has been locked up for so long, is he sick?
(End of this chapter)