The elite did not migrate south

Chapter 470 Are you crazy?

As soon as Liu Lu left, another person walked into the hall.

The person who walked in was Jiao Bo, who looked a little conflicted.

As soon as he walked in, he bowed deeply to Cao Mao.

"Your Majesty, I really don't want to leave you. I just want to stay by your side."

After regaining Jiangbei, because the territory was incomplete and the administrative divisions were not very clear, Cao Wei decided to adopt a temporary governance method.

With Jiangling as the center, the imperial court established a county-level agency. It was called Jiangling in private, while official documents called it Nanjun.

Cao Mao also established Nanping County in Xiling and other areas. Nanping County was centered in Xiling and included Lexiang and other places. This was to prepare for the capture of these places.

Cao Mao appointed Wang Xun as the prefect of Nanjun, and planned to appoint Jiao Bo as the prefect of Nanping County.

The detailed division is also a preparation for the subsequent conquest of the counties in the south of the Yangtze River.

Although Xiling is close to Shu State and is the front line of the Wei State's battlefield, it is definitely a good place to go.

Although Jingzhou is in the south, the climate and other aspects of the north of the Yangtze River are good, and it is almost impossible for Shu to launch an attack from here. It would be better if Cao Wei did not attack them.

The number of troops stationed by Shu in Yong'an did not even reach 20,000. Moreover, Xiling might have brought back some bad memories for the people of Shu.

After all, this place was formerly called Yiling.

In addition, the court established Nanping County, which was enough to show that the next goal of the Wei Dynasty was to capture all parts of Jingnan. Judging from Wang Zhennan's farming speed, Jingnan would not fall soon. This was a military achievement that came directly to his doorstep.

But Jiao Bo was not very willing at this moment.

"Jiao Jun, you are only able to do small things like conveying imperial edicts while by my side. You have no experience in governing a place, so you cannot participate in decision-making. This is not good for you."

"I cannot allow you to serve me as a minor official for the rest of your life. The Nanping prefect, though called a prefect, has very little land under his command. Even though you lack experience in governing, with Wang Ji by your side, nothing serious will happen. After we take Lexiang, your administrative abilities will be sufficient to govern."

"Besides, the situation in Jiangbei is extremely important, and I need a confidant to keep an eye on it."

"How can Jiao Jun avoid it?"

Jiao Bo was not reluctant to give up the opportunity to stay by the emperor's side, he was just worried that he would not do a good job.

He started directly as a palace attendant and had never even served as a county magistrate. He was directly appointed as a prefect, not to mention being on the front line. If something went wrong, how could he be worthy of the trust of His Majesty?
Now everyone regards him as the emperor's absolute confidant. If he causes trouble, it will definitely affect His Majesty.

Looking at the uneasy Jiao Bo in front of him, Cao Mao could understand his thoughts, so he smiled and said, "Jingzhou Governor Hua Yi is very talented, and Wang Zhennan is in Jiangling. Don't worry, even if you intend to make a mistake, he won't allow it."

"You can go without worry."

Only then did Jiao Bo accept the order.

When Cao Mao looked at Jiao Bo, he felt like he was watching his own children grow up.

In the past, many people paid a huge price in Cao Mao's counterattack. Of course, Cao Mao did not treat them unfairly. He gave them all he could, including titles, mansions, money, and land.

But Cao Mao also wanted to give them some opportunities to display their talents.

However, most of these people are young and lack experience. Unless they are geniuses like Zhang Hua or extraordinary people like Liu Lu, it is difficult for them to be reused.

Therefore, Cao Mao decided to let these people level up first. Once their levels were up, they would naturally have the opportunity to show their skills.

For example, Li Zhao was forcibly arranged by Cao Mao to be beside Xiahou Xian. Li Zhao was not very brave, and his talent as a commander was not obvious, but he had extraordinary courage and was a good person. Therefore, Cao Mao intended to train him to be the commander of the central army in Luoyang.

There is no need to say much about Guo Ze. Once the administration of officials stabilizes in the future, he will definitely be the candidate for the Censorate. Guanqiu Dian and Guo Ze are a good match.

Cao Mao also had his own ideas about the rest of the people.

Yin Damu is currently in charge of the imperial palace. Although he seems not to have been promoted, in fact, he is aiming for the position of Nine Ministers. The next step is to be appointed as the Weiwei.

Cao Mao planned to observe the performance of the current Shangshu and then choose someone to replace Xun Yi. The vacant Shangshu position would be reserved for Wei Shu.

At present, the one who performs the best is Zhong Hui.

On the contrary, Pei Xiu, who was highly expected by Cao Mao, never showed up.

Cao Mao was very suspicious. Wasn't Pei Xiu in history known for his three-year rule without a single mistake? Wasn't he said to be flawless and never disappointing? How could he have been dealing with the Southern Xiongnu for so long without coming up with a decent solution?

Is this difficult?

If this was handed over to Shi Ji, he would have not only not proposed the proposal, but he would have even taken care of the matter long ago. He is also a minister, but look at Zhong Hui!

I haven't seen him for several days. Could he have gone to take medicine?

Cao Mao hurriedly called Guo Ze in and said, "Mr. Guo, send someone to check on Minister Pei's home right now. If he has taken the medicine, send him to Zhong Hui. If he has not taken the medicine, bring him to the Taiji Hall!"

"This is what His Majesty has instructed me to do to educate the Xiongnu tribe."

"These are my two previous letters."

"In my first letter, I suggested taking things slow and giving the Xiongnu great rewards so they would feel the Sage King's grace. His Majesty said I was too weak and threatened to use my property to reward them, and told me to get out."

"In my second petition, I proposed a slow butchering campaign, forcing the Xiongnu to split into fifty tribes, dispersing them to various locations, killing the men and sparing the women and children. His Majesty suspected I was dispersing them and said I was stealing the Ministry of War's work, so he told me to get out." "As for this third petition, I really have no idea what to do."

Pei Xiu's face looked very sad.

He raised his head and looked at the man in front of him.

"I know you are very accomplished in this area and have a good understanding of these matters, so I came here specifically to ask for your advice and to get a general idea from you."

Pei Xiu's eyes became very sincere.

Liu Bao, who was sitting in front of him, widened his eyes in horror.

He looked up and down at the Minister of Wei in front of him and was completely stunned.

This is not just your emperor, I now even suspect that you have lost your loyalty.

Why are you asking me this?
Pei Xiu's two memorials were placed in front of Liu Bao, and Pei Xiu's face was full of kind smiles.

Liu Bao's expression was a little stiff.

"Minister Pei, I don't really understand these things either."

Pei Xiu shuddered violently, then ripped open his collar and shook his head, "Then I'll have to come up with a plan myself."

Liu Bao was silent for a moment. "Although I don't understand, I can still help you find the missing pieces."

Pei Xiu then expressed his thoughts.

"The Xiongnu have been vassal states for many years. You, your brothers, and your elders are all experts in studying the Wei family classics. I don't need to say much. My goal is to enable all Xiongnu to understand the teachings of the saints."

"I think the current Right Wise King is not wise enough. How many people are there in the Xiongnu today? Even the people of several counties combined are more than a tribe. And if we talk about counties, there is no comparison. Which one can be considered as holding great power: being the Left Wise King in the Xiongnu or being a governor in the Han Dynasty?"

"If the current situation continues, you will soon become the Left Wise King. But what good will that do?"

"How many armies can you command? Can you go out to fight? What can you govern?"

"It's just an empty shell."

"Because of these titles, you are unable to hold official positions in the Great Wei. Some famous scholars in the Central Plains look down on you."

"But what if we abandon these existing systems and become like the Wei Dynasty? With your talents, being a county governor is more than enough. A county governor in the Wei Dynasty can lead troops to war and govern a region. Even if you move up a level and become a governor, you can command millions of people. Then, if you rise to the imperial court, you'll have worldly power. Isn't this much better than being a wise king in a small county, governing tens of thousands of people?!"

"Your son is such a talented person!!!"

Pei Xiu's tone suddenly became excited, his face flushed, and it didn't look like he was acting at all.

"What kind of person do you want your son to be?"

"Do you want him to become one of the Three Dukes known throughout the land, or a wise king in a small county?"

"How many wise men have been unable to hold official positions, unable to display their talents, and left with nothing but regrets, because of your current Chanyu's shortsightedness?"

"During the Former Han Dynasty, there was a man named Jin Midi. His reputation remains immense, and his incense offerings have never ceased. His descendants are even more prominent today because of him, becoming one of the great clans!"

"Don't you want your descendants to be like this?"

Pei Xiu spoke very quickly, hardly giving Liu Bao a chance to speak. But when Pei Xiu finished speaking so quickly, Liu Bao was obviously moved.

This man was a man with great ambitions, otherwise, he would not have been able to raise his son into a classic scholar, a completely sinicized Hu man, even the name of the country was Han.

Although Liu Yuan was born into the Xiongnu family, his abilities and deeds far surpassed those of the Sima family of his time.

Liu Bao, the commander of the left wing, was quite frustrated. He had few tribesmen, a very small territory, and was restricted everywhere. Even the Chanyu was a puppet. What could they do?
Hearing Pei Xiu's proposal, Liu Bao took a deep breath.

"Mr. Pei, what should we do?"

Pei Xiu's eyes suddenly became extremely bright.

He put the two memorials in front of him together so that they overlapped.

"How do you feel about doing this?"

Liu Bao pursed his lips and asked, "What do you need me to do?"

"You need to set an example and be the first one to be rewarded and enjoy the benefits."

"Your son hasn't started school yet, right? If you'd like, I can take him with me."

Liu Bao narrowed his eyes and said, "I usually prefer Wang Xue."

Pei Xiu smiled lightly.

"Easy to say."

(End of this chapter)