Chapter 408

Chapter 408

Can a strategist not ascend the throne? Final Volume: The Rise and Fall of Kingdoms, Unification of the World Chapter 408: Follow-up Appointments

In the court meeting three days later, Qiao Yan announced these appointments.

Regarding Cao Cao’s arrangements, although some present still had doubts, considering that Cao Cao’s subordinates had already been dispatched to various places, the potential for upheaval was quite limited, and no one raised objections.

However, there was one special case—

His Majesty favored Man Chong, who had performed exceptionally well during the transition of power in Yanzhou, to take up the position of Governor of Yuzhou in two years. Since Yanzhou was already on the front line of the conflict with the court in Ye City, Yuan Huan was summoned north to assist Guo Jia in quickly stabilizing the livelihood of Yanzhou.

So, who would manage Yuzhou?

Although Yuzhou could be considered a hinterland, adjacent to the capital region, it still needed a chief administrative officer.

“What do you all think, can Cui Zhouping handle this position?”

Cui Zhouping, Cui Jun?

Qiao Yan looked at the ministers below and said, “Since the establishment of Hongwen Hall four years ago, Cui Zhouping has been among the selected talents. To ensure that the talents meet the court’s needs, he has a thorough understanding of various political decrees and measures. Sending him to Yuzhou would allow him to restore order and implement the policies of our Da Yong. What do you think?”

This reasoning was indeed convincing.

Moreover, before Cui Jun arrived in Chang’an, he had assisted Cui Lie in handling the affairs of Bingzhou, making him part of Qiao Yan’s direct team.

In Qiao Yan’s unspoken words, everyone could also see another signal.

Just as the selection of the four heads of Hongwen Hall needed to consider the regional factions of scholars, the same was true today!

Cui Jun, from the Qinghe Cui clan, taking up the high position of Governor of Yuzhou, was another friendly signal to the scholars of Hebei as Qiao Yan prepared to march into Hebei!

The generals of Jizhou, represented by Zhang He, were about to be entrusted with important tasks.

The famous scholars of Jizhou, represented by Cui Jun and Tian Feng, would either serve as provincial officials or as strategists.

This was a favor.

And in Yanzhou, rewards and punishments were balanced, ensuring that no one doubted Qiao Yan’s resolve when she turned her attention to Ye City. Her relentless strike against Yuan Shao was also for this purpose.

Additionally, Cui Jun’s noble background was undoubtedly a response to the recent turmoil in Chang’an.

Those who could stand out under these new rules could still rise rapidly under the command of the Son of Heaven of Da Yong. This was the rule of the day!

Whether to go with the flow or cling to the past, it was up to each faction to decide.

“This wave of resistance will not stop just because the noble families of Yanzhou serve as an example. It will only be temporarily suppressed by the combination of rewards and punishments. So…”

“Your Majesty cannot afford to make any mistakes,” Cai Zhaoji, beside Qiao Yan, replied.

“Yes, it’s easy to conquer a kingdom but hard to rule it. This was true at the beginning of the Han Dynasty, and it’s true for us now.”

Qiao Yan slowly walked forward with her hands behind her back.

The Gui Palace had only repaired the palace gates that had been bombed and collapsed before her ascension, without any major renovations or additions to the palace buildings. It was less grand compared to the imperial city in Luoyang.

This was not because the Chang’an court couldn’t afford the renovation costs, but because, although she ascended the throne in Chang’an, she preferred to choose Luoyang, with its more developed water network, as the capital, and keep Chang’an as a strategic stronghold controlling the western throat.

However, with Yanzhou just stabilized, Jizhou not yet conquered, and the world not fully accepting Da Yong’s replacement of the Han Dynasty, hastily moving the capital might not demonstrate the emperor’s resolve to be on the front lines but could instead bring various troubles.

Even the appointments of officials needed to be carefully calculated to avoid any issues, let alone such a major event as changing the capital.

Let’s not rush it.

“By the way, Your Majesty, which general do you plan to station in Henei?” Cai Zhaoji asked curiously, pulling Qiao Yan out of her thoughts about the future capital relocation.

For the court officials, in the process of conquering the world, Qiao Yan’s choice of generals should be based on her own careful consideration. Given the principle of specialization, they really didn’t need to interfere, as they might offer inappropriate suggestions.

But seeing Qiao Yan’s lighter expression after the court session, Zhaoji took the opportunity to ask.

Among Cao Cao’s former generals, only Cao Chun and Cao Ang, who were related to him, were stationed in Henei County. Those not related to him mostly remained in Yanzhou, so a few more generals should be assigned.

Unfortunately, there seemed to be few available personnel to dispatch at the moment.

Generals from Xuzhou, Bingzhou, and Youzhou were eyeing Jizhou and Qingzhou, while Yizhou was in the final stages of internal pacification and wouldn’t make any casual deployments.

Lu Lingju had already returned to Liaodong as per Qiao Yan’s previous instructions, continuing to deal with the Wuhuan tribes, awaiting Qiao Yan’s arrangements for August. Zhao Yun, due to his position as Guang Luxun, temporarily stayed in Guanzhong. Xu Huang had already entered Yanzhou with Guo Jia to balance the power between the original Yanzhou generals and the newly appointed garrison generals…

Looking at it this way, there were only a few people left available.

To Cai Zhaoji’s surprise, she then heard Qiao Yan reply, “You mentioned this at the right time. I was just thinking about this yesterday, and it has something to do with you.”

“With me?” Cai Zhaoji asked, glancing at her arm, feeling she had no talent for military service. It couldn’t be that she was expected to take up a pen as a sword and charge to the front lines.

Fortunately, Qiao Yan’s next words cleared her confusion, “In the April issue of Leping Monthly Report, aside from Xu Ziyuan’s biography of Yuan Shao, reserve a page to publish a message saying that there is a vacancy for a general in Henei County, and those interested in the position can recommend themselves to the Guang Luxun.”

“Consider it… a selection of generals.”

“In the current situation where we are not short of generals, what I need is not just a brute with strength, as it’s impossible to surpass Lu Bu in martial prowess. I need someone who understands the times, is at least somewhat literate, and knows how to seize opportunities.”

Cai Zhaoji keenly realized that this might not be the only time Qiao Yan would select generals in this manner. Henei County, being on the front lines adjacent to Wei County in Jizhou, would undoubtedly make this first selection particularly attractive to aspiring generals!

“Your Majesty, rest assured, I know how to write this recruitment notice.”

Cai Zhaoji couldn’t help but smile and said, “I originally thought that with Your Majesty’s ascension, the wording in my Leping Monthly Report would have to be more carefully considered, and the pressure was quite high. Now it seems that 30% of the content doesn’t need to be thought up by me.”

Qiao Yan muttered, “It might be more than 30%…”

She spoke softly, so Cai Zhaoji didn’t catch what she was saying.

But Qiao Yan had already changed the topic, making her…








No need to worry about missing any important news for now.

“I have two more tasks for you to handle.”

“The first is that it has been half a year since Changyan appeared. Although the top priority now is to counter Yuan Shao, the publication of classics and texts is crucial for the printing industry and should not be halted. This time, I won’t provide a standard answer; you are to select a few suitable books for subsequent publication.”

“The selection of these books must be presented in a memorial at the court, and this will be your first test as the Minor Palace official. Don’t let me down.”

Cai Zhaoji nodded heavily upon hearing this.

To ensure she could serve effectively in this position despite opposition, Qiao Yan had even simplified the duties of the Minor Palace official. Cai Zhaoji would not disappoint this thoughtful effort.

With papermaking and book printing technologies advancing rapidly, the publication of books is a long-term task that cannot always rely on Qiao Yan to decide what to publish and when.

“The second task is, I want to find you two assistants.”

Unlike the previous situation with the Shanhe Lu, this time Qiao Yan is not asking Fu Shou to collaborate with Cai Zhaoji on compiling books based on her water management responsibilities.

“Two days ago, Cao Mengde sent me a letter, voluntarily offering to send his family to Chang’an. Whether this counts as sending hostages is debatable, but since Cao Pi is in Chang’an with Bojie, it’s a chance for family reunion. What I’m concerned about is another matter.”

“Zhaoji, why not visit Lady Ding in your spare time?”

“During the chaos in Yanzhou, Man Boning suggested that Lady Ding and Lady Bian hold Puyang while Cao Mengde was away. These two ladies managed to intimidate the local magnates and Cao’s subordinates, preventing chaos despite troop movements. They truly are women of remarkable talent.”

“How about letting them try out as subordinate officials in the Minor Palace first? If they prove capable, we can promote them later.”

Cai Zhaoji: “…”

Honestly, having two assistants with good insight and initiative would be a great help as she faces upcoming heavy responsibilities.

But she couldn’t help but feel amused, considering Cao Cao’s current state of being nearly a lone commander.

His Majesty isn’t satisfied with just stripping him of his generals and strategists, nor with grooming Cao Pi under the Leping Academy’s system, but is even targeting his wives.

Such a sharp, thorough approach is truly…

Truly befitting of His Majesty!

“Your Majesty, rest assured, I will make the invitation when my father sends Cao Pi to the Cao family.”

The appointment of four women among the Nine Ministers, along with earlier female officials in positions like generals, governors, and the Grand Historian, has sent a clear signal to Chang’an and the world—talented and bold individuals can rise based on their own merits.

This competitive atmosphere is even freer than during the early Qin and Han dynasties.

Because never before has there been a female emperor.

If Lady Ding and Lady Bian are as capable as Qiao Yan says, they won’t miss this opportunity.

“Then I’ll leave it to you, Zhaoji.” Qiao Yan finally finished her instructions, no longer needing to maintain a formal tone. “I’ll go accompany Zhu Tan to digest.”

Cai Zhaoji paused, “Your Majesty, you don’t have to be so roundabout about wanting to go horseback riding.”

Zhu Tan is the emperor’s steed, and those caring for it would never let it overeat.

But before she could finish, Qiao Yan was already gone.

The emperor who conquered the world on horseback had disappeared in a flash.

As Qiao Yan, dressed in martial attire, sped along the Guanzhong official road, the Wei River, flowing through the fertile plains between the Wu Pass, Tong Pass, and San Pass, had quickened its pace due to the melting ice from the upstream mountains.

The people of Guanzhong had tacitly chosen to irrigate their fields using the Wei River or its tributaries, allowing the underground water sources, exploited for two years, to recover.

The novelty of the Da Yong dynasty’s establishment had transformed into a spirited atmosphere among the people with the start of spring plowing. The change of hands in Yanzhou and Yu Province further convinced these closest subjects of the emperor that their decision to support Qiao Yan was not wrong!

In the first year of Yuan Zhao, signs of unification were already evident.

What they needed to do now was plant their crops, contributing to the Chang’an granary’s reserves come autumn.

Last March in Chang’an, this “golden city” surrounded by passes seemed to be in decline, but now it’s thriving with the spring breeze and swift horses.

In this rapid gallop, Qiao Yan had crossed the wilderness outside Chang’an and arrived at the Tong Pass at the end of the Xiaohan Road.

As the gateway to Chang’an, when Qiao Yan stopped by the roadside and looked towards it, she noticed more people entering Chang’an from here compared to last year, not just from the Wu Pass in the south.

This is also a good sign.

Among these people, there must be those coming from Yanzhou and Yu Province via Luoyang, heading towards Chang’an. How many potential talents are among them?

Just as Qiao Yan thought this, she saw a group heading towards Chang’an suddenly notice her presence and whisper, “Your Majesty?”

Qiao Yan turned to see a particularly commanding figure in the group looking at her with a scrutinizing gaze.

However, this scrutiny wasn’t unpleasant, as it also contained admiration, leaving a good first impression.

Recognizing Qiao Yan, the person quickly said, “This is General Zhang He, Zhang Junyi, here in Chang’an by Your Majesty’s command. Behind him is Mr. Xin Pi, Xin Zuozhi.”

Qiao Yan realized.

So they have arrived.

“There’s one more thing,” the person cautiously observed Qiao Yan’s expression, seeing she seemed in good spirits from her outing, hesitated but decided to proceed, “On our way to Chang’an, passing through Luoyang, we received a letter there. Prefect Xun instructed us to deliver it to Your Majesty as soon as possible.”

“It’s from Ye City.”

Such a unique item couldn’t be sent by carrier pigeon, so they brought it along on their fast journey.

“Give it to me.”

Qiao Yan took the tightly wrapped letter, opened it, and saw the first line:

“Proclamation Against the False Court for the Han Emperor”

The author of this letter was none other than Chen Lin!