The elite did not migrate south

Chapter 744 Elder brother is like father
Cao Mao and Zhong Hui looked at the map in front of them.

Both of them could hardly hide their excitement.

Cao Mao was fine, as he knew what the real world was like, but for Zhong Hui, this was a completely new experience.

Pei Xiu spent a long time copying and created this map of the known world.

This map includes Dawei, Saiwai, Waguo, Yizhou, Shazhou, Yuezhi, Funan and other regions
From Cao Mao's perspective, this included later regions such as East Asia, India, and Southeast Asia.

Even many areas in Southeast Asia such as Malaysia in later generations were marked on the map.

During its voyages, the State of Wu recorded more than one hundred countries. Of course, these so-called countries might be like the forty or fifty small countries in the Western Regions, one city and one country. The largest of them might not be as powerful as the Kingdom of Kucha.

The Wu Kingdom's navigation records had long been sent to the imperial court, and this became an important reference for Pei Xiu when drawing maps.

The sailing distance of the Wu State was exaggerated. They almost visited many islands in Southeast Asia. They also promoted the strength of the Wu State everywhere and asked these countries to come and pay tribute.

Especially in the last years of Sun Quan's reign, Sun Quan himself was very keen to see tributes from all directions.

Since he didn't see the Wei Dynasty sending people to pay tribute, he could only go overseas to bully some smaller countries and make them pay tribute to him as a testament to his civil and military achievements as the "Great Emperor".

The Wei Dynasty had exchanges with many countries, especially during the reign of Cao Pi. It had exchanges with the Kushan Empire and Japan. Official documents also recorded that the Japanese envoy Nan Shengmi came to pay tribute and was granted the seal of the pro-Wei Japanese king by the emperor.

According to records of the time, Himiko, the queen of Yamatai in Japan, was skilled in witchcraft, and with this ability, she was worshipped as king by the people.

Zhong Hui looked at the map in front of him, feeling a little distracted.

Cao Mao took Zhong Hui's hand and said seriously, "Shi Ji, don't be anxious."

"After more than a hundred years of turmoil, the wounds of the world have yet to be healed. Even in the most prosperous Central Plains, the population and arable land have decreased several times compared to the Later Han Dynasty."

"Not to mention that those border areas are uninhabited for thousands of miles."

"Expanding territory is a great undertaking, but the foundation must be well managed first. If one blindly pursues expansion, focusing solely on increasing territory while neglecting the affairs of state, then within a hundred years, the country will perish."

Cao Mao spoke very confidently.

Zhong Hui found it very strange that every time the emperor talked about governing the country, he always spoke with confidence, as if he had witnessed many precedents with his own eyes.

But it is clear that there were not many unified countries before the Wei Dynasty.

Cao Mao studied the map before him and said seriously, "Now we shouldn't think of ways to capture them, but rather how to use these places to make Wei stronger."

"I know that Funan has rice seeds that are multi-ripe and have many grains. We can import them!"

"There's an open-pit mine on this Japanese island. We can go and mine it!"

"The islands outside of Yizhou have all kinds of wood suitable for building warships."

"The Yuezhi people have many crops we have never seen before."

"If we can go all the way from here to find Qin, who sent the envoy, it will be a great benefit."

Cao Mao pointed at the map in front of him and seemed to have his own opinions on every place.

"With the current strength of the Wei Dynasty, defeating them is not difficult, but occupying them is probably impossible."

"However, it's not necessarily necessary to capture them. Take Funan for example. They need to interact with Wei, so let them pay tribute with large amounts of grain every year. If Yamatai wants Wei's help, let them hand over their mines!"

After listening to Cao Mao's analysis, Zhong Hui pondered for a moment, then said, "Your Majesty, it is best to capture it. It is most secure in your own hands."

Cao Mao laughed and said, "Shi Ji, you are my chief minister, you can't act blindly."

“It’s good to have lofty ambitions, but we have to consider the domestic situation.”

Cao Mao said a few more words, and Zhong Hui actually wanted to ask Cao Mao for the map.

But after thinking about it, this might not be appropriate.

I will wait until I have accomplished a few more merits before asking Your Majesty for this map!
Zhong Hui made a decision and said goodbye to Cao Mao.

Looking at Zhong Hui leaving in a hurry, Cao Mao knew what he was thinking.

This guy is determined to achieve unprecedented achievements. Now that he has seen a corner of the world, his fighting spirit will only be stronger than before.

Fortunately, he is still young, and perhaps many years later, he will be able to realize his ambition.

Just as Cao Mao continued to observe the map with a smile, the eunuch suddenly came to report.

"Your Majesty, Lord Zhong, the Great Lord Zhong, requests an audience."

Zhong Yu?

Although Zhong Yu was older than Zhong Hui, he was not a Shizhong or Sanqi, so he could not come to see the emperor at any time like his brother.

Anyone who wants to enter the palace must first wait for the emperor's order.

Cao Mao immediately ordered him to come in.

Zhong Yu is actually similar to Pei Xiu.

He is talented, extremely talented.

Although he often appears as a foil to his younger brother in later anecdotes and even in the mouths of later generations, it seems as if his existence is to set off his outstanding and intelligent younger brother.

Indeed, his younger brother Zhong Hui's resume was extremely terrifying. He was proficient in internal affairs, strategies and military affairs, and was able to become the leader of all ministers before he was forty years old.

It seems like his resume is just amazing.

However, the real protagonist who is destined to be the cheater is actually his brother Zhong Yu.

Few people know that Zhong Yu’s resume is even more terrifying.

He showed great wisdom at a young age. At the age of fourteen, he was directly appointed as the Minister of the Imperial Guards, which was a great start.

When he was twenty years old, he was able to persuade the emperor to give up the idea of leading the army in person, and was thus promoted to the position of Yellow Gate Minister.

He became a Palace Attendant before he was thirty years old, and repeatedly advised the emperor to stop the idea of large-scale construction projects. He also persuaded Cao Shuang not to forcibly attack Shu Kingdom, but to find the right time. Later, he was demoted to a prefect by Cao Shuang, and was promoted to Palace Attendant, Chief Censor, and Chief Justice.

In history, when Zhuge Dan rebelled, he was appointed as the rear general and the commander-in-chief of the military affairs of Xuzhou and Jingzhou.

He just doesn't like to show off like his younger brother and is more introverted.

In addition, when it comes to the issue of stance, he, like Pei Xiu, basically stands on the side of the big families.

Unlike Zhong Hui, who didn't care about anything else in order to achieve his ambitions, Zhong Yu tried his best to develop and expand the Zhong family.

Zhong Yu was older than Pei Xiu and difficult to control, which was why Cao Mao was unwilling to use him.

But when Zhong Yu appeared in front of Cao Mao, Cao Mao was frightened by him.

Zhong Yu looked very bad.

His face was pale and his eyes had lost their former luster.

Leaning on a cane, I felt shaky.

Cao Mao couldn't help but frown.

"Mr. Zhong, what are you doing?"

"Your Majesty, I am old and seriously ill."

Zhong Yu sighed, and Cao Mao came forward to help him sit down. "Have you seen a doctor?"

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I have taken a look at it."

Zhong Yu smiled bitterly and said, "I am probably already terminally ill. The doctors who came to examine me refused to explain the cause and only prescribed medicine for me to take, not daring to speak directly."

"I was really afraid before, fearing that I would leave without saying goodbye before Your Majesty even returned to Luoyang."

Cao Mao didn't say anything.

Zhong Yu continued, "Your Majesty, at my age now, I have no regrets, but I am truly worried about my younger brother."

"He lost his father at a very young age."

"My father entrusted him to me. Over the years, I've been too indulgent with him. Considering that he lost his father at a young age, I didn't teach him strictly. That's why he has such a bad temper now."

"I know I can't escape the blame."

"In the past, when he was out on business, I was always there to help him and keep an eye on him, checking for any shortcomings and filling any gaps, so that he wouldn't go astray."

As Zhong Yu spoke, his expression became somewhat complicated.

"Your Majesty, if I leave, I'm afraid my brother will cause some terrible disaster again."

"My younger brother is conceited, arrogant, and unruly. His ambitions and aspirations exceed his talents and virtues. I beg Your Majesty to discipline him on my behalf. Please keep a close eye on him and prevent him from making any serious mistakes."

This was not the first time Zhong Yu said this.

He once said the same thing to Sima Zhao.

Cao Mao turned his head away, feeling a little unhappy suddenly.

Zhong Yu seemed to be pleading for his brother, but in essence, he still wanted him to help look after his clan, lest his clan be wiped out by his brother!
Speaking of which, this is the usual routine used by people from big families!
Cao Mao wanted to say something sarcastic, but when he looked at Zhong Yu, he only saw an uncoordinated face.

There was a smile on Zhong Yu's face, but tears were glistening in the corners of his eyes.

This made him look a little aggrieved.

Cao Mao was silent for a moment, "I will keep an eye on him, don't worry."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

As Zhong Yu spoke, two tear marks slid down his face.

He smiled and wiped away his tears.

"I am truly delighted. Now, I have nothing else to worry about."

"Your Majesty, I will return home to recuperate. Your Majesty is in high spirits and a saint sent from heaven. Your Majesty will surely create a prosperous era and bring peace to the world."

Zhong Yu said a few words, then stood up and said goodbye to Cao Mao.

Sitting in the carriage, Zhong Yu looked at the scenery outside from the window, his eyes were distracted and he remained silent.

After returning to the mansion, Zhong Yu did not go out for several days. Until one day when he woke up, he suddenly grabbed his son's hand and asked his son to invite Zhong Hui and others over.

Zhong Hui, who was busy working in the study, learned that his brother wanted to summon him. Without even asking any questions, he hurriedly got in the car and drove towards his brother's residence.

Liu Yuan had never seen his teacher with such a solemn expression.

His brows were furrowed and his eyes were indescribably solemn.

He seemed to have anticipated something.

Liu Yuan wanted to ask, but the teacher at this moment was clearly frightening.

He didn't dare ask any more questions.

(End of this chapter)